HomeMy WebLinkAboutJ. Madden_Comment letter US Coast Guard FW_ Collier’s ledge and southwest rockFrom: Karle, Darcy
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2024 10:12 AM
To: Cavanaugh, Kimberly
Subject: Comment le er US Coast Guard FW: Collier ’s ledge and southwest rock
Hi Kim,
Please forward this comment le er to the Commissioners and copy the file on the con nuance.
Thank you
From: John J. Madden <jjmadden10@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2024 4:29 PM
To: Karle, Darcy <Darcy.Karle@town.barnstable.ma.us>
Subject: Collier ’s ledge and southwest rock
Comment on the proposed removal of Collier ’s Ledge and southwest rock in
Nantucket sound:
As a former head boat captain, colliers ledge plays a pivotal role in the local marine
life. It historically is the center point for the squid and porgy spawning period in the
spring. Not to mention the vital ecological habitat it provides for tautog and sea bass.
Nantucket sound is primarily sand, thus making any form of rocky/hard bottom that
much more important to all marine species. Furthermore, I believe an artificial reef
was created just recently off Harwich for the sole purpose of bettering the health of
our local waters, so it doesn’t seem logical to then remove a different one that has
been in place for over 150 years. 150 years of algae and shellfish growth providing
habitat and food for marine life.
The same could also be said of southwest rock. It is a natural habitat for tautog, sea
bass, and porgies. The water is only 8ft deep there, thus any removal would decimate
the structure for marine life.
As far as safety concerns, both structures have always been marked with USCG aids
to navigation. Collier’s ledge has a lit navigational marker. Southwest rock has a
navigational marker, and the structure itself stands 8 feet out of the water. Safe
speeds, radar/gps, a proper lookout, etc… negate any danger the structures present.
A healthy ecosystem in our waters is paramount to what makes Cape Cod so
desirable. It should be safeguarded
Thank you,
John J. Madden
Captain
Hy-Line Cruises