By Vicki McCash Brennan Boaters beware: Anchoring on coral, even accidentally, can be expensive. New federal and state laws make it a crime to damage two species of coral that are most common along the coast of South Florida. Federal law provides for a civil fine up to $25,000 and up to six months in jail. State laws can make a boater who damages coral responsible for repair and rehabilitation of the coral, which can cost thousands more.

Public-education campaigns warning boaters of the penalties for damaging coral will be launched in cities from West Palm Beach to the Keys this summer as a requirement of their marine event permits issued for the Fourth of July. “Our biggest concern is spectator boats anchoring,” said Ed Tichnor, director of Palm Beach Reef Rescue. It’s no small concern. He said 97 percent of staghorn and elkhorn coral has died within the past 20 years. In November, these two species of coral were added as threatened species to the U.S. Endangered Species Act. “It’s fragile and easily damaged,” Tichnor said of the coral. “Once it’s hit by an anchor, it’s prone to disease and it can die.” Reef Rescue and state and county environmental regulation officials put pressure on the U.S. Coast Guard to include protection of the reefs in its marine event permits this year. City officials from West Palm Beach, Lantana, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and in Broward, Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys cities sweated out most of June, waiting for Coast Guard permits to arrive so that their Fourth of July celebrations could go on as planned. “Our goal is to approve events as long as they’re safe,” said Lt. Commander Matthew Moorlag, the Coast Guard’s South Florida spokesman. “As you’re enjoying the Fourth of July, remember there are protected species on our reefs. Be good stewards of our environment. Don’t anchor on any hard-bottom area.” The Coast Guard permits also require protection of sea turtle nests and nesting habitat, which is of particular concern at the Fourth of July, which falls in the middle of nesting season. Boaters, fireworks and crowds on the beaches can discourage female turtles from crawling ashore. Boaters also are cautioned to watch for turtles swimming near shore at night. In Lantana and Boynton Beach, the fireworks are launched from barges in the Intracoastal Waterway. Concerns there are with spectator boats anchoring in areas where protected Johnson’s seagrass grows. Boaters attending Intracoastal events also must watch for manatees. In all areas, patrols will be increased for the long holiday weekend, particularly during events. Reef Rescue’s Tichnor said his focus now is on enforcement of the laws protecting coral reefs. “I'm sure we’re going to get that,” he said. The Department of Environmental Protection has already been sending out warning letters to boaters who have anchored near or on the reef, he said. Tichnor's group, along with local and state law enforcement, will be active during the upcoming lobster mini-season, July 29-30, and throughout lobster season, which begins on Aug. 6, watching for boats anchoring where they should not. “We just don’t want any anchors dropped on corals,” he said. Keep Reefs Safe • In Palm Beach County, the coral reefs are about a mile off shore, parallel to the coastline. • It is against state and federal law to damage coral. Two species of coral common to southeast Florida are listed as threatened on the U.S. Endangered Species list. • Violations of federal law can result in civil fines of up to $25,000 or six months in jail. • Violations of state law can result in penalties including the cost of repair and rehabilitation of damaged coral. • Never anchor on a coral reef. • Anchoring near a reef requires care. It is best to “swim” down your anchor and anchor firmly in sandy bottom. • When diving, swimming or snorkeling near coral, watch your fins. • Touching or standing on a coral reef is prohibited. • Do not collect coral, dead or alive, as a souvenir or for any other purpose. This also is illegal. • If you injure a coral, contact NOAA Fisheries Service. Restoration may be possible. • If you run aground, turn off your engine immediately. Do not try to power off the reef. Raise your lower unit or outdrive and allow your boat to drift free. Radio the Coast Guard, Marine Patrol or VHF Channel 16 for assistance. • To report an injury to coral or an anchoring violation: Call the NOAA Fisheries Service, Office for Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.
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