Musson Bridge
Back in Service

Just in time for the spring migration, one of the choke points of the ICW, the George Musson Bridge in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, is back in regular service, although if you try contacting the bridge tender on VHF using the bridge’s old name–Coronado Beach Bridge–you might get such a chilly reception that you’d think it’s still closed for painting. Those of you requiring more than 23 feet of vertical clearance should note that this bridge at Atlantic ICW MM 840 is on a restricted opening schedule year round and opens on the hour and at 20 and 40 minutes past.

Meanwhile
SkySail, the German developer of huge tow kites for merchant ships and yachts we introduced you to in “Designers Choice” in our February 2008 issue, reports that its freighter, M/V Beluga, completed a two-month, 11,952-nautical trip, including crossing the Atlantic twice, to test the viability of towing kites. Data generated during the trip supports initial calculations that the 1,722-sq.ft. test kite reduced engine use by at least 20 percent, generating five tons of power in force five conditions for fuel savings of about $1,000 per day. SkySail will soon start testing larger tow kites for freighters in the 20,000 ton deadweight class and several yacht projects are in the works with naval architect Rob Humphries. For more information, visit skysails.info.

Bonefish Cha-CHING!
The fifth annual Bonefish Population Census in the Florida Keys–utilizing 72 teams under the direction of Dr. Jerry Ault of the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science–reveals that the Keys bonefish population is remaining stable. That’s good news on two fronts. Bonefish, says Dr. Ault, are an important “indicator” species, in that they help scientists to better understand population density of small organisms in the same community, while also providing clues to the overall health of the ecosystem. Declines in the number of indicator species often give early warning that something is adversely affecting the local environment. The census, estimated at 364,000 bonefish throughout the Florida Keys, showed a very slight decrease from the previous year. Bonefish being calculated are those large enough (i.e.> 14 inches) to be targeted on the flats for catch and release sport fishing. The other important thing about bonefish? “This fishery brings in roughly $1 billion annually in tourism to the Florida economy, which ends up being $75,000 per fish over its lifetime,” Dr. Ault said.

Panama City Update
This Florida Panhandle city is lucky enough to have not one, but two, municipal marinas. Earlier this spring, however, the St. Andrews Marina (ICW MM 287) was partially out of commission with construction at its fuel dock. Panama City’s Director of Marinas, Bill Lloyd, now reports that the double-wall fuel tanks are in place and the fuel pier is in full operation 24-hours a day. St. Andrews has slips for boats up to 60 feet and is home base for a number of commercial fishing boats. Both city marinas have live webcams you can control from your computer, which is a fun way of previewing the place. The link is at panamacity-fl.gov/marina_sa.htm.