CEPD gives update on project and more
On Oct. 5, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District provided an update on the ongoing beach renourishment project on the Gulf-side of the island that commenced in early September.
As of Sept. 19, approximately 234,000 cubic yards of sand had been placed on the beach along 9,700 feet or 1.83 miles of shoreline. As of last week, the beach construction was in front of the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa and was progressing north. Sand placement was complete from the ‘Tween Waters south to the Blind Pass jetty on Sept. 19. The CEPD reported that all turbidity and vibration monitoring continues to be within compliance.
The project consists of the placement of over 750,000 cubic yards of beach fill and up to 350,000 dune plantings along 4.85 miles of shoreline, along with the rehabilitation of existing dunes, along the entire shore between Redfish Pass and Blind Pass. It is designed to last about 8-10 years and provides the necessary maintenance to counteract long-term critical erosion of the beach, properties and shorelines.
Beach-goers can expect Captiva beaches to remain open during the project. Sand bridges are being constructed every 200 feet to allow visitors safe passage over any existing pipeline. For safety purposes, the areas under active construction are off limits. The Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot will remain closed for the remainder of the project, which is due to be completely by around Oct. 31.
The CEPD reported that it is providing continuous updates on project through its webpage at https://www.mycepd.com/2021-beach-nourishment-project, along with in its newsletters and on its social media platforms. The updates include parking lot closures, maps, pictures and guidance.
TURTLE NEST RELOCATION
In March, the CEPD commission authorized a $45,000 research grant to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, as well as a state-mandated contract for sea turtle nest relocation and sea turtle and shorebird monitoring during the project.
The SCCF recently reported that turtle nesting numbers this year closely resemble the 2019 season, according to the CEPD. In 2021 and 2019, only one loggerhead nest was laid in April, compared to 15 in April of 2020. May’s nesting activity counted 199 nests, compared to 203 in May of 2019. During the peak of the nesting season in July, 283 nests were laid. The total is 53 percent higher than July of 2020 (186 nests) and 30 percent higher than July of 2019 (218 nests).
The SCCF continues to move every nest laid during the project.
“The timing isn’t ideal for the sea turtles; however, we are using it to our advantage as we undertake research on the effects of sand quality on incubation and hatching success,” SCCF Chief Executive Officer Ryan Orgera said. “Thanks to CEPD’s funding of this critical research, we can learn from the experience in hopes of informing global best management practices.”
Historically, Captiva has had a lower success rate in nesting completion than Sanibel. The study will provide data to analyze factors that contribute to the differences between the islands and determine why the island has a lower nesting success rate.
STRATEGIC PLANNING TO BEGIN
The CEPD reported that Executive Director Jennifer Nelson is preparing for strategic planning to begin later this fall and has selected Dr. Thomas Ankersen and his team of graduate students to assist in developing long-range goals and a sustainable business plan for the district. A legal skills professor, he is the director of the Conservation Clinic and the Florida Sea Grant Legal Program at the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law.
There will be several stakeholders contacted throughout the island and at the city of Sanibel to assist with surveys and questionnaires.
The CEPD reported that it looks forward to moving forward with goals and plans that will encompass coastal resiliency, a stronger legislative jurisdiction and a cohesive collaborations in the future.