Gulf Coast Crustacean Research GrassFlats Restoration
218 views · Published 13 July 2009 · 7:11 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: dawino6260 · 2009 · Nonprofits & Activism
Now thie grassflat in this video is another that had been taken down to barren Sand Wasteland less than a year ago by SeaTow \"prop Dredging\" a boat off of this spot. Literally there was an area 200 Yards wide by almost 1400 Feet of lush Grassflat taken down to nothing but sand. With the assistance of someone who donated the money for fuel to Gulf Coast Crustacean Research (see how at http://myspace.com/tkiergen - over on the left of his page) we were able to not only restore the grassflat to its former beauty.... We were able to run down to the keys and get some plants that used to be in this area and transplanted 3 150 Quart coolers full of what they call \"shaving brush\" which is a pretty neat plant in that not only does it provide a home for many of the micro crustaceans that used to be normal to the gulf; it exudes calcium into the water and at the same time provides a natural particulate filter that clears up the water so folks can enjoy things better. The shaving brush plant is doing excellent and has covered about 100 yards by close to 1/4 mile so far. Normally this grassflat would have taken about 3 years to recover this far along. Compliments of a donation for fuel and Marine Dynamics of Englewood, Florida (http://www.marinedynamics.com)making sure our boats keep running on the cheap.... This flat has been recovered in just under 1 year - using only species native to Florida. Time invested was a couple of days wandering Florida bay in the keys, a day or so pulling just a few plants from a variety of local grassflats and about 3 weeks straight of replanting the barren wasteland that had been left by SeaTow\'s irresponsible actions -- total fuel bill was just under 1800 bucks. Restoring these areas is important in that they are the nursery for the gulf - all of the little baby fish you see in the vids stand a better chance of growing up when they have an adequate diet and places to hide as well as good quality water which the filtration action of our Florida Grassflats provides.
