Supporting Documents (Data and Analysis) - Satellite Beach

class projects on Samsons Island Nature Park to assist in devising and implementing maintenance
programs to preserve and enhance desirable wildlife habitats.
The loss of habitat for endangered/threatened species is always a concern in areas undergoing
urbanization. Previously, replacement of a species was part of the natural process of faunal
succession, allowing other species to supplant those which declined or disappeared due to changes in
their niches and habitats. However, species are now approaching extinction at a rapid rate as a result
of direct and indirect human activities which lead to loss of habitats. Besides threatened,
endangered, or species of special concern, other native animal populations within City boundaries
include rabbits, mice, rats, bobcats, armadillos, opossums, raccoons, squirrels, snakes, turtles, a wide
variety of birds, and numerous species of small lizards, reptiles, and insects. According to Dr.
Herbert Kale of the Florida Audubon Society, approximately 200 different species of birds can be
observed in and around Satellite Beach over the period of a year, and up to 300 species over a period
of several years.
In 1956, a north-south canal was dredged for mosquito control. The dredge spoil was placed on the
mangrove marsh area immediately to the west, thereby forming the island area characterizing the
westernmost land portion of the City. During the next several years bulkheaded finger canals were
dredged east of that canal to provide land for development as waterfront residential properties.
These activities resulted in loss of a broad expanse of wetland habitats, dominated by mangroves,
which had previously stretched from the approximate location of the north-south canal (Grand
Canal) westward to the Banana River.
On the east side of the Barrier Island lies the Atlantic Ocean. The marine waters with a sand-coquina
bottom extend from the shoreline to the continental shelf offshore. This area is categorized into two
major zones--intertidal and subtidal zones--which support differing biological communities.
The intertidal zone experiences the regular pounding action of the waves and the constant littoral
drift of sediment along the shoreline, resulting in a high-energy environment. The inhabitants of this
area include the mole crab, ghost crab, and other mollusks and crustaceans. Other transient species,
such as bluefish, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, channel bass, pompano, and black drum, also are
found here. The major bird species that use this area for feeding, breeding, and nesting are: willets,
plovers, sanderlings, terns, pelicans, and gulls.
The subtidal zone provides a suitable environment for planktivorous species, such as shrimp and
other crustaceans, mollusks, and other benthic organisms, as well as carnivorous fish species which
prey on the abundant planktivores.
Both the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean are Class III waters, which allows for recreation and
the management of fish and wildlife. Populations of both finfish and shellfish in the Banana River
have declined with increased development, due to over-harvesting and pollution. The decline in
water quality in the Banana River is a result of both point source and non-point source pollution.
According to Florida Sea Grant Technical Paper No. 44 (Overview of the Indian River Lagoon), the
Banana River south of the Pineda Causeway showed signs of nutrient enrichment, primarily due to
wastewater discharges by sewage treatment plants in the area at that time. Since 1989, State law has
Coastal Management/Conservation Element
Data and Analysis 5-11