The Bathtub Reef on South Hutchison Island, and Blowing Rocks Reef on Jupiter Island may be lost because of down-drifting sediments from so-called “beach re-nourishment” projects. Dan McCarthy, a marine ecology professor under contract with Martin County to monitor Bathtub Reef, found the reef and Sabellariid worms that create and live in the reefs smothered with sand.

Like most nearshore hard-bottom in Florida, Bathtub Reef is home to more than 530 marine species, including many post-larval and juvenile snappers, grunts and groupers.

McCarthy knew from his work late last year that the covering wasn't caused by September's storms. Meanwhile, an $8 million “beach restoration” effort is under way just north of the reef.

"The net movement is generally south,” he told the Stuart News. “The million-dollar question is how much will it impact the reefs?"

Also, biologists at Blowing Rocks Preserve said the reefs that make the preserve a popular snorkeling and snook fishing destination are completely covered with sand, which has reduced visitor attendance.

Kathy FitzPatrick, Martin County’s coastal engineer, denied any connection between past or present dredge-and-fill projects and the reef impacts.

But Mike Renda, restoration coordinator at Blowing Rocks, told the Stuart News that, "It appears to be renourished sand. It's grayer in color." Florida Sportsman is running a 3-part, investigative report on these massive dredge-and-fill projects in the April, May and June issues. Stay tuned.

FS