Fishermen seek kiteboard rules...flats are being damaged?

[Jake]

I don't know if they are still out there but years ago in the Tampa bay area there were bay shrimpers stirring up the grass flats. You could always tell when they were out there as the weed/grasses floating on the surface were horrible and accumulated in large floating islands. I think their nets have large rollers on the bottom that disturb the sea grasses.

Regarding kiteboarders tearing up the flats, we do have some areas here in northern Pinellas where it is impossible to ride when the tide is dead low. However, there are some kiters that ride across them and may do some minor damage. I admit I did it myself on my finless skimboard a couple of times till I hit something (sponge or something anchored to the bottom) and wound up taking a mud bath.

[jetpack]

Bump...

Anyone have any new updated info on this issue in the Keys?