Th
is is an open letter to those concerned that was sent to Bruce Marx, in regards to the Bug Light marker that was removed from Biscayne Bay. You can help by doing the same – details available below.
We are hoping that with the support of the local angler community, a fish aggregating device (FAD) can be added where the bug light was located.
Here is our supporting letter – We urge you strongly to do the same if you are a fisherman in the Miami community.
Miami Fishing Charters, LLC strongly encourages you to support the installation of a Fish Aggregating Device in the location of the former Bug Light Marker within Biscayne National Park.
The removal of the Bug Light was a devastating blow to the local ecosystem and the charter fishing economy which supports many families in the Miami area. Bug light provided critical habitat for juvenile game fish, baitfish, and a variety of avian species, which took refuge amidst its structure. For decades, the waters around the Bug Light Marker were teaming with biodiversity – today, the entire area has become barren, devoid of any life which once thrived there. It is a travesty both ecologically and economically.
We adamantly believe that placing a Fish Aggregating Device where the Bug Light Marker once stood will lead to recovery of this important ecosystem. Aside from the positive environmental impact a Fish Aggregating Device would deliver, it is likely baitfish would return to the area as well. Baitfish are the fundamental element in the broader ecological spectrum that supports Key Biscayne’s marine biodiversity. Installing a Fish Aggregating Device where the Bug Light Marker once stood could help to restore the ecological balance that was disrupted by the removal of critical marine habitat.
We implore you to act responsibly by authorizing and supporting the placement of a Fish Aggregating Device at the former location of the Bug Light Marker.
Respectfully,
Capt. Charlie Ellis & Capt. Todd Malicoat
Miami Fishing Charters LLC
Miamifishing.com
3400 Pan American Drive
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
More information courtesy of Bruce –
Biscayne Channel Light (“Bug Light”) had been a part of the Miami maritime landscape since 1929. It’s primary purpose was to serve as a navigational aide to markthe entrance to Biscayne Channel. Over the years, Bug Light also served a critical secondary purpose as a Fish Aggregating Device (“FAD”) that provided a haven for various species of bait fish including pilchards; threadfin herring; blue runner and ballyhoo.
On July 27, 2014, Bug Light was removed by the United States Coast Guard. As a result, the fishing community has been greatly impacted since the bait fish no longercongregate in the area like it had when Bug Light was in place. A campaign is now underway to install a FAD at the location where Bug Light once stood in order to hopefully restore the bait fishery that previously had flourishedthere. Such action will require the support of numerous governmental officials, including Brian Carlstrom, the Biscayne National Park Superintendent.
In order to support this campaign, please prepare a letter/email and direct it tot he attention of Superintendent Brian Carlstrom outlining your experience with Bug Light and how it served such an important part of our local sport fishing. We need Superintendent Carlstrom to understand why it is now necessary to install a FAD in this area so that the bait fish can return. You can send your letters/emails to me at bmarx@marlowadler.com and I will ensure that Superintendent Carlstrom receives your comments. Thanks, in advance, for your support to this worthy cause.
The bug light was an ecosystem of fishing people as well as fish. Dozens of fisherman met each morning around 7:00am to greet each other driving in circles over clouds of bait to be used for the days bill fishing expedition.
The economic impact of this change was more than significant. About a dozen boats met nearly every morning in the winter to spring months to take people from all over the world fishing with the bait that was caught right there on the way to the grounds.
The impact of the loss of live bait has been devastating. Every amateur angler from west palm to key west that has fished in miami knew of the spot as a first stop for livebait for the day’s fishing adventure.
We hope for the good of the entire fleet that there is the ability to renew the ecosystem we miss, and appreciate your time in helping to bring back this local treasure.