News Release

FWC, partners install mooring buoys on Breakers Reef

August 4, 2009
Contact: Gabriella B. Ferraro, 772-215-9459

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management (PBC ERM), and the Wildlife Foundation of Florida (WFF), have cooperatively designed a mooring buoy project to protect a sensitive coral reef in Palm Beach County.  

The Breakers Reef is a popular local dive and snorkel spot, approximately one-half mile directly offshore of the Breakers Hotel on Palm Beach.  This diverse shallow reef is home to sponges, hard corals and abundant marine life, including protected species. 

"The goal of the mooring buoy project is to reduce anchor damage and to give the reef a chance to recover from previous negative impacts (including anchor damage and sedimentation)," said FWC marine biologist Erin McDevitt.  "Protecting the reef from anchors will lead to more sponge, sea fan and hard coral coverage, thus increasing habitat for fish, lobster, sea turtles and other reef-associated species." 

Six buoys have been installed by Industrial Divers Corporation, a Fort Lauderdale-based contractor.  The FWC and PBC ERM will provide brochures to local fishing and diving businesses that will highlight the locations of the buoys and indicate proper procedures for safely using the buoys. 

Funding for the project has been provided by a State Wildlife Grant administered by the FWC's Wildlife Legacy Initiative.  Installation of the buoys costs approximately $8,700, and annual maintenance is $5,500. 

WFF has created an endowment fund to provide for ongoing maintenance of the buoys.

"Securing funding to maintain the buoys is critical to ensure the long-term success of the project," said Brett Boston, executive director of the foundation.

Individuals and organizations wishing to contribute to the fund, may contact the WFF at 800-988-4889 or visit its Web site: www.wildlifeflorida.org/.