Look out snook.

Channel deepening is set to begin next month in Government Cut, the Port of Miami. Part of the project includes the detonation of submarine explosive charges to loosen rocky substrate prior to dredging.

Port authorities, contractors and a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers say the explosions won’t be as intense as previous similar events that killed thousands of snook and tarpon in the Cut and nearby Port Everglades. New techniques designed to reduce shock waves involve “stemming” holes drilled to accommodate explosives.

Still, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (as well as Florida Sportsman magazine and numerous local anglers) has expressed reservations about the project, and plans to document fish mortality. The Corps says it will monitor the area to ensure dolphins, manatees and sea turtles aren’t subject to the explosions.

Local anglers in the Miami area are invited to help with fish counts. E-mail Lisa.Gregg@myfwc.com; include your name and phone number.

FS