the reintroduction of seagrasses. Seagrass is
temperamental and will only grow in shallow,
clean, clear water, but once established these
seagrass beds are considered one of the most
productive ecosystems in the world. Their leaves
absorb nutrients (even from runoff) and their
roots trap and stabilize sediment, which not only
helps improve water clarity and quality but also
reduces erosion and can buffer the coast against
storms. Seagrasses provide shelter and food for
many forms of marine life from tiny invertebrates
to fi sh, crabs, turtles, marine mammals and birds.
Once the fi ll has been allowed to settle the GICIA
will work with biologists to plant test plots within
the cove to establish which areas will be able to
successfully sustain seagrasses.
Although the reintroduction of seagrasses
would signal a successful project and help ensure
a healthy marine system within the Cove for years
to come, the GICIA has enlisted the help of Mote
and Dr. Locascio’s ongoing acoustic telemetry
program to monitor the site post-restoration. The
GICIA has recently purchased enough telemetry
equipment for the Cove area to be added to
Mote’s current study, which monitors habitat use
by fi sh such as snook, tarpon and the critically
endangered smalltooth sawfi sh.
Acoustic telemetry is used to track movement
patterns of animals. This method requires two
components – an acoustic tag which transmits a
unique ID, a receiver to detect the signal
transmitted by the tag and log its ID along with
water temperature, and the date and time of the
detection event. The GICIA will initially have 10
to13 acoustic tags, and the goal is to tag snook,
tarpon, sharks and smalltooth sawfi sh ... if they can
coordinate with an agency that has a sawfi sh
permit. Acoustic receivers are moored to the
bottom at strategic locations and detect tagged
fi shes that come within range of the receivers.
The transmission range of the acoustic tag and
the detection range of the receiver is generally
between 100 to1,000 meters. The GICIA will have
fi ve to seven acoustic receivers set up within and
adjacent to the area of Mercabo Cove. The tags
and receivers are compatible with other tags and
receivers used throughout Florida, so the GICIA
tags will be detected if the animals move to other
areas of Charlotte Harbor or beyond.
The Mercabo Cove project is estimated to cost
$2 million, and the GICIA is extremely pleased to
announce they have raised more than $1.7 million.
Now with the groundbreaking set for March 1
and they hope to draw interest and support from
the entire Boca Grande community.
The GICIA is grateful for the extremely
generous support that allowed for the purchase of
this parcel, but that was just the fi rst step in truly
protecting this important site. The upland
restoration has been successful and the completion
of the Cove project will improve water quality
and provide extremely valuable habitat for fi sh,
birds, manatees, dolphins and other life forms.
“To everyone who generously supported the
GICIA’s purchase of this site, thank you,” said
GICIA president Bruce Carbonari. “If you haven’t
yet, please consider donating to this exciting fi nal
phase of the restoration.”
If you would like to visit
the site and learn fi rsthand
about the exciting eco-
restoration plans for the
Cove, please call to
reserve a spot on one of the
six remaining tours for the
year. These tours are limited
to 15 guests per tour and
the spots will fi ll up quickly.
Tours will begin at 9 a.m. and reservations are
required. GICIA members and donors to
Mercabo Preserve will be given priority when
booking these limited tours. To sign up for a tour
or contribute to this exciting project, contact the
GICIA Offi ce at (941) 964-2667. If you prefer to
mail your donation, the GICIA address is P.O. Box
446, Boca Grande, FL 33921.
One of the old structures at the Mercabo
facility prior to demolition.