Coast Guard seeks input on Fort Myers anchorage

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(TAMPA, Fla.) — The Coast Guard is asking mariners to participate this month in a Waterway Analysis and Management System study of the mooring area adjacent to Fort Myers Beach.

This outreach is designed to gather information on the potential designation of the Matanzas Harbor Mooring Field as a special anchorage area and establish a special local regulation for the anchorage.

A special anchorage area is a designated and charted area with federal oversight where boats may not be required to carry or exhibit anchorage lights while at anchor.

"We want to get the word out to waterway users in the area and seek their comments or concerns," said Chief Warrant Officer Darren Pauly, the aids-to-navigation officer at Sector St. Petersburg. "The WAMS survey provides a great way for the public to provide their vital input."

WAMS studies are conducted year-round on waterways all around the country and focus on managed mooring fields, anchorages, aids to navigation systems, waterborne commerce, marine casualty information, port/harbor resources, and future development projects.

Any interested company or individual wishing to provide comments or participate in the user survey should use the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FortMyersBeachAnchorage

Mariners are asked to comment before March 15.

Interested participants can also contact:

Commander Sector St. Petersburg
Attn: BOSN Darren Pauly
600 8th Ave, S.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(813) 228-2191, Ext. 8184
E-mail to darren.a.pauly@uscg.mil

By Professional Mariner Staff