Mercabo Cove Project
The Vision
The Mercabo Cove Project will create a marine sanctuary using innovative techniques. This project will enhance the marine environment, improve water quality, increase habitat, improve the aesthetic views and reduce maintenance costs of the 4700 feet of seawall.
The Project – Three Major Elements
• The Mercabo Cove Project will re-engineer and re-purpose the existing seawall, adding rip rap (small pieces of clean concrete generated from the removal of the existing seawall caps), reef balls and mangroves. These additions will significantly enhance habitat and improve the visual appearance of the property while eliminating expensive seawall repair costs.
• The Mercabo Cove Project will include the construction of a tidal creek to allow the flow of tidal water, which will significantly improve the water quality.
• The Mercabo Cove Project will include the addition of clean fill to reduce water levels. Once reduced, the shallower, cleaner, clearer water will allow for the re-introduction of seagrasses which are critical to water quality, juvenile fish (including small tooth sawfish), turtles and manatees.
Mercabo Before GICIA
Mercabo After GICIA
Questions & Answers
What is the Mercabo Cove Project?
The Mercabo Preserve is one of the GICIA’s largest and most visible parcels. When the funds were raised to purchase this property, a promise was made that responsible stewardship would be a priority. The GICIA completed the demolition of the existing buildings in the summer of 2016. The restoration of the uplands, which included removal of exotic pest plants and the installation of more than 900 native plants was completed later that year. This restoration effort increased wildlife habitat and greatly enhanced the views at the entrance of Gasparilla Island. Working with coastal engineer Hans Wilson and certified arborist Rick Joyce, GICIA is now focused on improving the marine environment while softening the appearance of the 4700 feet of seawall. Today, due to lack of habitat and poor water quality, the Cove does not support a productive marine environment.
What are the environmental benefits of the Mercabo Cove Restoration?
By integrating reef balls and rip rap into the Cove project juvenile fish and oyster habitat will be significantly increased. Research has proven that increasing the number of oysters, which are filter feeders, will also considerably improve water quality.
A second and integral part of improving water quality will be creation of a tidal creek. This newly formed creek will allow the daily free flow of tidal waters from Charlotte Harbor through the Cove. Finally, fill material will be added to reduce water levels, which will allow for the reintroduction of seagrasses. Seagrasses also improve water quality by absorbing nutrients, slowing the movement of water and capturing sand and silt particles. Water quality as well as both fish and bird habitat will be greatly enhanced with the addition of mangroves, reef balls and rip rap. Increasing the number of oysters, which are filter feeders will also improve water quality.
What marine life will benefit from the project?
Once completed, the cove will provide sanctuary for manatees, dolphin, turtles, juvenile fish, birds, and the federally listed small tooth sawfish.
What does the re-engineering of the seawall involve and how is the seawall “re-purposed”?
The existing seawall was constructed in the 70’s and its integrity is beginning to be compromised. The restoration of Mercabo Cove will consist of reinforcing the existing wall by utilizing reef balls, mangroves and rip rap. Some of the wall will be completely removed to create area of “living shoreline” using native shoreline plants.
The removed portion of wall will be used to create rip rap and will be used in other sections of the project. Once the project is completed the aesthetics of site will be softened and enhanced and the cost of maintaining the seawall will be significantly reduced.
With Red Tide on everyone’s mind, why is GICIA taking on this restoration project now?
The upland restoration has been completed and the concern over red tide has emphasized the importance of improving water quality. By owning and managing more than 250 acres of property, GICIA has secured a large amount of land that will forever be protected from development. Further, by utilizing best land management practices on all of its properties, GICIA has significantly reduced the amount of nutrients entering local waters.
What will this project cost?
This is a state-of-the-art project designed to complete the restoration efforts of this important site while eliminating seawall maintenance costs and improving the aesthetic appeal of the site. Total cost including engineered plans, federal and state permits as well as construction is estimated at $2,000,000.