For Hometown News
SEBASTIAN -- If the Sebastian Inlet was not adequately maintained, boaters that currently use the inlet and businesses servicing boaters would be negatively impacted.
The Sebastian Inlet district commission wants to know more about the value of maintaining the connection between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, so the district is sponsoring a survey of boaters in the region.
This study is part of a larger study that will estimate the economic impact of the Sebastian Inlet to our region's economy. The study is being conducted by Cardno ENTRIX, a Florida consulting firm specializing in natural resource economics.
"A boating survey is the obvious beginning to an inlet economic study," said Beth Mitchell, chairman of the Inlet District Commission. "Then we will look at related business activities, employment, personal income and property values linked to the inlet."
The Sebastian Inlet forms the county line between Brevard and Indian River counties and is surrounded by the Sebastian Inlet State Park. Ocean water flows through the inlet twice per day, mixing with fresh water tributaries, to establish the unique Indian River Lagoon estuary.
Local boaters are encouraged to log onto the boating survey website and answer survey questions. Boaters remain anonymous and will contribute valuable information to the inlet economic study.
The survey site is www.sebastianinletdistrict.com/boatingsurvey.html. For more information, call (321) 724-5175.