Miami Marine Stadium Basin Mooring Field Proposal

Expressed deep concern over the sudden expansion of mooring plans from 50 or 75 buoys up to 195 anchors, noting it would ruin the basin for paddlers and conflict with master plans.

Highlighted the importance of the basin as a safe haven for small watercraft and noted that law enforcement has successfully cleared derelict boats without needing a mooring field.

Argued that the mooring field is an obsolete solution since enforcement has cleared the basin and new state laws and county anchoring limitation areas make the project redundant.

Warned that dense mooring fields would cast shadows over shallow waters, destroy seagrass, and harm rich marine life including tarpon, manatees, and dolphins.

Emphasized that competitive rowing and paddling teams require uninterrupted flat water and that filling the basin with boats would destroy South Florida's premier paddling hub.

Shared the history of the Miami Rowing Club's youth and master programs, noting past safety hazards from jet skis and expressing that 195 mooring balls would destroy their ability to operate.

Clarified that while the club discussed anchors with staff, a full mooring field with 195 yachts would completely shut down their operations.

Invited board members and citizens to weekly Friday stakeholder meetings hosted by Friends of Biscayne Bay to discuss ongoing research on Virginia Key projects.