PAGE 12 - August 5, 2015
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes New
Manatee Protection at Three Sisters Springs
Crystal River ­ The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new measures to safeguard
manatees inside Three Sisters Springs during winter while providing for in-water viewing.
Andrew Gude, Project Leader for Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge said
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will announce their additional manatee protection rec-
ommendations at Three Sisters Springs in a draft Environmental Assessment that will be
available for public review and comment. Last manatee season, a series of measures were
established. Monitoring results, paired with record manatee usage of Three Sisters Springs
during winter, prompted the Service to propose additional measures to protect wintering
manatees in the springs while also providing people with a high-quality wildlife viewing
experience. The new policy will be made public on Wednesday August 5, 2015, 11:00 a.m.
FWC encourages use of divers-down flags/buoys
Whether diving in Pensacola, scalloping in the Big Bend, lobstering in the Florida
Keys or seeing the sights below the water's surface in one of the many rivers in the Sunshine
State, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to remind div-
The Newscaster
The
ers to use a divers-down flag or buoy whenever they are snorkeling or scuba diving.
The divers-down symbol is rectangular or square and red in color with a white
5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446
diagonal stripe. A divers-down flag displayed on a boat must be at least 20 inches by 24
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inches and displayed at a high point where it can be observed from 360 degrees aroundmail, Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.comIEmail, Debbie Russell, Editor: d
E the
vessel. A buoy may not be used or displayed from a vessel. A divers-down flag or buoy,Websites: thenewscaster.com · newscasterarchives.com · history.newscasterarchives.c

displayed water, must12 inches by 12 inches. A flag must have a wire
 from the   be at least  
or other stiffener to hold it open and a buoy can be three- or four-sided.
Alldivers mustprominentlya 
    display divers-down flag or buoy in the area in
divingoccurs."Properuseandadivers-down symbol
which the      understanding of what  

means critical," Lt.SethBoatingandWaterways Section.
 is  said   Wagner with the FWC's  

"It is meant to alert boaters to the presence of people under the water's surface and to give
them plenty of room."All vessels must make reasonable effort to stay at least 100 feet away  Thie week's featured picture is of Ryan Murphy from Ocala with a 5.85 lb Redfish . Ryan is cur-
  
from a divers-down flag or buoy within a river, inlet or channel. In open waters, vessels  rently in first place in the 6th Annual Redfish contest sponsored by Captains Cove Outfitters.
Bowling Quiz Answer:

must make reasonable effort to stay 300 feet away. For safety, divers should stay within
      
those same distances of their displayed flag or buoy. A vessel that approaches closer must
           lane       to      the          pocket.
be fully off plane and at idle speed. "Divers share the responsibility of boating safety with
      
                                                                   middle         of      the        lane         than       on      the           outside.            This           allows           more            "hook"           from        the          outside           part       of      the
the boat operators," Wagner said.

                                                                  Answer:            Oil        isn't           spread             evenly            across          the        lane.              Typically,              there       is        much           more        oil      in      the
Captains Outfitters 
Cove   
BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE
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39 W.Inglis, 447-5610
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M-Sa  Sun. 5:45-5pm


More 
 Than A Bait Store

Evenwehaveselection!
though   a great bait 
              
Big Redfish Contest thru Aug. 31
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Shim  Homosassa
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