Loading...
Resolution 201-2020 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA RESOLUTION NO. 201 - 2020 A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA SUPPORTING A LETTER, PLUS FORMAL COMMENTS, FROM THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TO THE FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY (FKNMS) REGARDING FKNMS' "DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY.• A BLUEPRINT FOR RESTORATION"; URGING FKNMS TO IMPLEMENT FWC RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE ATTACHED LETTER FROM FWC CHAIRMAN ROBERT A. SPOTTSWOOD, DATED APRIL 29, 2020, ALONG WITH ITS ACCOMPANYING FORMAL COMMENTS; URGING FKNMS TO FOCUS ON IMPROVING WATER QUALITY TO PROTECT THE REEF; DIRECTING THE CLERK TRANSMIT COPIES OF THE RESOLUTION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF FKNMS, FWC, GULF OF MEXICO FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL AND THE KEY WEST CHARTERBOAT ASSOCIATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (hereinafter "FKNMS") has presented a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, (hereinafter "DEIS"), which proposes to expand the boundaries of FKNMS, modify existing sanctuary-wide regulations, modify existing marine zones, and create new marine zones and zone-specific regulations; and WHEREAS,the Fish and Wildlife Commission, hereinafter"FWC", has submitted a letter and formal comments, which recommends modifications to the DEIS, before it is implemented; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida finds that the recommendations of FWC address the importance of preserving and improving waters in the FKNMS, while also protecting the interests of stakeholders including the State of Florida, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, as well as individuals that visit and fish in waters surrounding the Florida Keys; and WHEREAS,the Key West City Commission passed a resolution supporting the FWC letter and comments at its May 19, 2020 meeting and the Islamorada Village Council also passed a resolution at its June 18, 2020 meeting supporting the FWC letter and comments; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida finds that the waters and reef surrounding the Florida Keys require protection, and that FKNMS should take a balanced approach between resource needs and user access; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA: Section 1. Monroe County supports the letter and formal comments submitted by FWC in response to the FKNMS DEIS. Section 2. Monroe County urges FKNMS to accept the recommendations of FWC contained in the Letter and formal recommendations from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood, dated April 29, 2020. Section 3. Monroe County urges FKNMS to focus on improving water quality, which will improve the overall condition of the reef,rather than closing access to certain State resources. Section 4. The Clerk is authorized to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to Ms. Sarah Fangman, NOAA/NOS Sanctuary Superintendent — Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary; Eric Sutton — Executive Director, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Robert A. Spottswood —Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Brice Barr— President Key West --------------------- Charter Boat Association;Thomas K. Frazer—Council Chairman,Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; and Jessica McCawley — Chair, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Section 5. This resolution shall become effective upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida at a regular meeting held on the I 5th day of July, 2020. Mayor Heather Carruthers Yes Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Coldiron Yes cc o ,_ Commissioner Craig Cates Yes U IN - Commissioner David Rice Yes CC 2 u Commissioner Sylvia Murphy Yes E (StAL) BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS A PEST I{evin Madok, Clerk OF MONROE U Y,FLORIDA t ,• Q: -.I rc BY: .�h As Deputy Clerk ayo H ther Carruthers i V �, Primaage2of2 �� - NNW BaniIWNGER„a 020 ATTORNEY A April 29, 2020 Ms. Sarah Fangman Superintendent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 33 East Quay Road Florida Fish Key West, FL 33040 and Wildlife Conservation RE: NOAA-NOS-2019-0094;Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Florida Keys Commission National Marine Sanctuary:A Restoration Blueprint; Comments from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Commissioners Robert A.Spottswood Dear Ms. Fangman: Chairman Key west The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)has reviewed the Draft Vice ChairW.man Environmental Impact Statement for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary-, A Vice Chairman P Y Y� Tequesta Restoration Blueprint(DEIS) and provide the following comments for Florida Keys Rodney 8arreto National Marine Sanctuary(FKNMS) consideration. Coral Gables Steven Hudson Background Fort Lauderdale Current management of the FKNMS is based on a 1996 Final Environmental Impact Gary Lester Statement and Management Plan(adopted in 1997), and a 2007 Revised Management oxford Plan. The proposed DEIS provides detailed information and analyses of a range of Gary Nicklaus alternatives that would change current management of the FKNMS as established in Jupiter 1991 and revised in 2007.The alternatives proposed in this DEIS would: (1) change the z Sonya Rood FKNMS boundary, (2) modify existing sanctuary-wide regulations, (3) modify existing 5t.Augustine and create new marine zones, (4) modify existing and create new marine zone-specific i regulations, and(5)update the FKNMS management plan to reflect the proposed Office of the changes. Executive Director Eric Sutton Comments Executive Director Thomas H.Eason,Ph.D. As my fcllow Commissioners and I consider the management changes proposed in the Assistant Executive Director Restoration Blueprint, we find ourselves asking important fundamental questions Jennlfer Fitzwater including;whether or not the current management strategies are working;if the new Chief of Staff proposed management approaches are the best way to ensure a healthy ecosystem as 850-487-3796 well as sustainable fisheries in the Florida Keys; and whether or not the proposed 850-921-5786 FAX increased local level access restrictions will even accomplish the goals of the DEIS at the Managing fish and wildlife ecosystem level. resources for their long-term welofp being and the benefit It is critical to understand that gaining public support for our management decisions or of people. g g P PP g at a minimum, providing the public with clear communication about the sound reasoning behind our decisions,is an important part of the Commissions'management process. We are concerned that the public will struggle with the same questions that we have, and that the lack of clear answers will make it difficult to gain public support for 62o Saute Meridian Street the proposed management actions. In order to satisfactorily address these questions, Tallahassee,Florida P P g Y q , 32399-1600 further evaluation of existing management measures, as well as proposed management Voice:850-488-4676 measures, are needed tb ensure that the actions we ultimately take are necessary and Hearing/speech-Impaired: expected to produce results. 800-955.8771(T) 800 955-8770(V) Further, we believe that a strong partnership with our Co-Trustees and a regular M"C.com revaluation of our measures is necessary for adaptive management, as anticipated by Sarah Fangman f" Page 2 April 29, 2020 the five-year management plan review process identified in the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and the Co-Trustees Agreement for Cooperative Management. Ecosystem Management Ecosystem-level impacts significantly influence the health, abundance, and productivity of marine resources. Factors such as good water quality, suitable water flow from the Everglades, and habitat abundance are essential to a healthy Keys ecosystem,but unfortunately, management of these impacts are not appropriately addressed in the DEIS. Fisheries management and access restrictions alone may not be sufficient to meet the goals of the DEIS. We do understand that many of these ecosystem impacts are beyond the scope of the FKNMS to control,but the effects of these impacts should still be identified and the actions to address them should be recognized in the DEIS. A successful Management Plan must address basic factors essential to ecosystem health. FWC places ecosystem-level management issues a high priority for management of the FKNMS. Fisheries Management As you know, FWC is responsible for fisheries management in Florida state waters and over the years, FWC has extended our management authority into adjacent federal waters for a large number of species that reside within the FKNMS;primarily coral reef- associated species. FWC is committed to its continuing lead role, as part of the shared partnership with MOMS,in promulgating fisheries management actions within the FKNMS, including area closures and access restrictions for fisheries management purposes. Area closures and access restrictions should be an action of last resort and should be considered on a case-by-case basis,only after evaluating the science and potential ramifications of such actions. As each of these proposals are considered, the rationale behind the proposal should be clearly identified.This includes a clear description of the problem that needs to be addressed, the goals to be achieved,knowledge gained from similar past experiences, what the likely outcome is, and an evaluation of the proposed management alternatives relative to expected stakeholder impacts.All of these steps are absolutely necessary to reasonably ensure a successful outcome but are not addressed in the current iteration of the DEIS. FWC will be considering a number of fisheries management items within the FKNMS for rulemaking in the coming months which may impact proposals contained in the DEIS. For example, the proposed closure of Western Dry Rocks is a fisheries management action under FWC's authority and we will consider whether alternative management strategies are warranted for this area. We also look forward to working with the Gulf and South Atlantic Councils to consider fisheries management changes for federal waters of the FKNMS through the councils'rulemaking process. Law Enforcement FKNMS regulations are enforced by FWC. FWC does not have enough resources to enforce the current FKNMS regulations as well as the hundreds of additional changes to the current FKNMS regulations as proposed in the DEIS. FWC is requesting that the FKNMS take immediate action to secure additional funding for FWC officers and equipment before finalizing the DEIS. DEIS Process FWC would like to bridge the gap between those who support the actions proposed in the DEIS and those who oppose them. As managers, FWC and the FKNMS need to improve public confidence in the management process and find ways to gain stakeholder trust. Sarah Fangman. Page 3 April 29, 2020 The current DEIS process has not built public confidence and needs to be reset in order to best implement adaptive management measures. Providing sound justification for management actions, as well as transparency about the process and the roles of each manager, will go a long way in gaining that confidence. If we are implementing adaptive management correctly, it should allow for access restoration as management goals are achieved and fisheries and their habitats rebound. That is how we build trust and confidence in the process. Additionally, in order to provide clarity and transparency for our partners and the public, FWC is requesting that all FKNMS implementing agreements be reviewed and updated,including the Protocol for Cooperative Fisheries Management. Additional Comments My Commissioners and I are requesting that the five-year reviews required by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and its supporting regulations, and the Co-Trustees Agreement for Cooperative Management,be presented to the FWC every five years. At the time of a five-year review, the Co-Trustees Agreement also requires the FKNMS to re-propose both the Management Plan and all regulations in their entirety. FWC will utilize this 5-year review process to determine if fishery management actions included in the Management Plan are working as intended, need to be modified, or repealed in state waters. FWC technical comments and recommendations with supporting information for the DEIS are included in Attachment 1. In summary: • FWC supports making coral restoration and recovery in the Florida Keys a primary focus of the DEIS. FWC agrees with a re-evaluation of boundaries,but needs to see a more common- sense approach to this process. Boundary expansion could be warranted in areas where additional protections are necessary such as Pulley Ridge,but is not warranted in other areas and should be reduced. • FWC does not support large, contiguous area closures such as the proposed areas around Carysfort Reef,Long Key/Tennessee Reef and the Tortugas Corridor. Ecosystem and fisheries benefits for these three large areas are poorly understood. Further biological and social science is needed to evaluate if large area management can be effective in the FKNMS. • A more balanced approach between resource needs and user access is needed for proposed management of Wildlife Management Areas. FWC advocates for further evaluation of these areas on a case-by-case basis to determine better ways to achieve management goals and still provide user access. FWC does not support increased regulations or area closures, such as those proposed at Boca Grande Key,Woman Key, Snipes Key, and Marvin Key,where current regulations are deemed sufficient for resource needs or where the ecosystem/fisheries benefits of the proposed action are not understood. • FWC does not support the proposed actions at Western Dry Rocks and recommends they be removed from the DEIS. FWC views the proposal as a fisheries management issue in state waters,which is under the authority of FWC.The Commission will consider rulemaking items for this area, and others, in the coming months. Sarah Fangman � r Page 4 April 29, 2020 FWC appreciates the coordination and cooperation with FKNMS and appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Should you require additional assistance regarding our comments,please feel free to contact Jessica McCawley, Director for FWC's Division of Marine Fisheries Management at(850) 487-0554 or ,J-cssica.McCawley@myfwc.com. We look forward to working with you and your staff as you move through the next phases of this process including finalizing the EIS, the rulemaking, and on each 5-year review of the management plan and changes to supporting regulations. Sincerely, Robert A. Spottswood Chairman rsljmlmgllg Attachment cc: John Armor Noah Valenstein 3 a ° °' Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court&Comptroller—Monroe County, Florida July 22, 2020 Sarah Fanginan NOAA/NOS Sanctuary Superintendent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 33 Fast Quay Road Key West, FL 33040 Dear Ms. Fangman, Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 201-2020 supporting a letter, plus formal comments, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to die Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) regarding FKNMS' "Drli EnvitonmentalImpact Statement for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:A Blueprint for Restoration";urging FKNMS to implement FWC recommendations contained in the attached letter from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood, dated April 29, 2020, along,with its accompanying formal comments; urging FKNMS to focus on improving water quality to protect the reef; directing die Clerk transmit copies of the Resolution to representatives of FKNMS, FWC, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Key West Charterboat Association;and providing an effective date. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in formal session, on July 15, 2020. Should you have any questions, please fed free to contact me at(305) 292-3550. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and czol ncio to die Monroe County Board of County Commissioners By: Pamela G. Hancock, D.C. cc: File KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY PK/ROTH BUILDING 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Key West,Florida 33040 Marathon,Florida 33050 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 305-294-4641 305-289-6027 305-852-7145 305-852-7145 , .ww. ,' Kevin Madok, CPA „'., .�uM ; '�' ''= Clerk of the Circuit Court& Comptroller— Monroe County, Florida '1 'Sf.Y� July 22, 2020 Eric Sutton Executive Director Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 Dear Mr. Sutton, Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 201-2020 supporting a letter, plus format comments, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) regarding FKNMS' Draft Pvrviroruttental Impact Statement Ior the Honda Keys National Marine Sanctuary:A Blueprint fir Resoomtion', urging FKNMS to implement FWC recommendations contained in the attached letter from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood, dated April 29, 2020, along with its accompanying formal comments; urging FKNMS to focus on improving water quality to protect the reel; directing the Clerk transmit copies of the Resolution to representatives of FKNMS, FWC, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Key West Charierboat Association; and providing an effective date. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in formal session,on July 15, 2020. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (305) 292-3550. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex-oflicio to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners By: Pamela G. Hancock, D.0 cc: File KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY PK/ROTH BUILDING 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Key West,Florida 33040 Marathon,Florida 33050 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 305-294-4641 305-289-6027 305-852-7145 305-852-7145 ` is Kevin Madok, CPA s, `.. rs Clerk of the Circuit Court& Comptroller—Monroe County, Florida ' _ July 22, 2020 Chairman Robert A. Spottswood Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 Dear Mr. Spottswood, Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 201-2020 supporting a letter, plus formal comments, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary(FKNMS) regarding FKNMS' "Draft Environmental Impart Statement for the Ronda Keys National Marine Sanctuary:A Blueprint for Restoration urging FKNMS to implement FWC recommendations contained in the attached letter from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood, dated April 29, 2020, along with its accompanying formal comments; urging FKNMS to focus on improving water quality to protect die reef; directing the Clerk transmit copies of the Resolution to representatives of FKNMS, FWC, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and die Key West Chaterboat Association;and providing an effective date. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in fonmal session, on July 15, 2020. Should you have any questions, please feel flee to contact me at (305) 292-35.50. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and exoficio to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners By: Pamela G. Hancock, D.C. cc: File KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY PK/ROTH BUILDING 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Key West,Florida 33040 Marathon,Florida 33050 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 305-294-4641 305-289-6027 305-852-7145 305-852-7145 ila. Kevin Madok, CPA V:,; ,'r Clerk of the Circuit Court&Comptroller— Monroe County, Florida ra�0 July 22, 2020 Brice Barr, President Key West Charter Boat Association 7025 Shrimp Road Suite 1 Key West, Fl.33040 Dear Mr. Barr, Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 201-2020 supporting a letter, plus formal comments, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) regarding FKNMS' Drat[Environmentallmpact Statement lnr the Honda Keys National Marine Sanctuary:A Blueprint for Restoration; urging FKNMS to implement FWC recommendations contained in the attached letter from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood, dated April 29, 2020, along with its accompanying formal comments; urging FKNMS to focus on improving water quality to protect the reel; directing the Clerk transmit copies of the Resolution to representatives of FKNMS, FWC, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Key West Charlerboat Association;and providing an effective elate. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in formal session, on July 15, 2020. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (305) 292-3550. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and exofficio to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners By: Pamela G. Hancock, RC cc: File KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY PK/ROTH BUILDING 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Key West,Florida 33040 Marathon,Florida 33050 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 305-294-4641 305-289-6027 305-852-7145 305-852-7145 Kevin Madok, CPA CAP." Clerk of the Circuit Court& Comptroller— Monroe County, Florida July 22, 2020 Thomas K. Frazer Council Chairman Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 4107 W. Spruce St. 4200 Tampa, FL 33607 Dear Mr. Frazer, Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 201-2020 supporting a letter, plus tonal comments, from die Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) regarding FKNMS' 'Dia11 Tvironmental Impact Statement Th' the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:A Blueprint for Restoration';.urging FKNMS In implement FWC recommendations contained in the attached letter from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood, dated April 29, 2020, along with its accompanying formal comments; urging FKNMS to focus on improving water quality to protect die reel; directing the Clerk transmit copies of the Resolution to representatives of FKNMS, FWC, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Key West Charterboat Association;and providing an effective date. This Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in formal session,on July 15, 2020. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (305) 292-3550. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex-officio to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners 13y: Pamela G. Hancock, D.0 cc: File KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY PK/ROTH BUILDING 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Key West,Rorida 33040 Marathon,Florida 33050 Plantation Key,Ronda 33070 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 305-294-4641 305-289-6027 305-852-7145 305-852-7145 °w`-\ Kevin Madok, CPA *i. p;4.; ;« Clerk of the Circuit Court&Comptroller—Monroe County, Florida July 22, 2020 Jessica McCawley, Chair South Atlantic Fishery Management Council 40.55 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201 North Charleston, SC 29405 Dear Ms. Cawley, Attached is a certified copy of Resolution No. 201-2020 supporting a letter, plus formal comments, from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary(FKNMS) regarding FKNMS' `Drag Environmental Impact Statement for the Florida Keys National Marine.Sanctuary:A Blueprint!or Restoration";urging FKNMS to implement FWC recommendations contained in the attached letter from FWC Chairman Robert A. Spottswood,dated April 29, 2020,along with its accompanying formal comments; urging FKNMS to locus on improving water quality to protect die reef, directing the Clerk transmit copies of the Resolution to representatives of FKNMS, FWC, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the Key West Charterboat Association;and providing an effective date. TNs Resolution was adopted by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting, held in formal session, on July 15, 2020. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (305) 292-3550. Respectfully Submitted, Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex-oflicio to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners By: Pamela C. Hancock, D.0 cc: File KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY PK/ROTH BUILDING 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88820 Overseas Highway 50 High Point Road Key West,Rorida 33040 Marathon,Florida 33050 Plantation Key,Florida 33070 Plantation Key,Flodda 33070 305-294-4641 305-289-6027 305-852-7145 305-852-7145