Raking/Seaweed Beach Information
Town of Juno Beach staff are often asked why the Town does not remove or mechanically rake seaweed from its beaches, particularly because of the importance of the beaches to our community. This information is intended to explain the reasons why seaweed is not removed as well as the benefits seaweed provides for environmental and ecological purposes. As with many seaside communities there are seasonal times when seaweed may be hand raked, but again, not removed from the beaches. Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department has the authority to mechanically rake the public guarded beaches, but this process is rarely performed during turtle nesting seasons.
The Department of Environmental Resource Management has provided the Town with regulatory guidance for beach raking within Juno Beach. They stated that all beach regulatory agencies, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Marine Life Center adamantly oppose mechanical raking since it negatively impacts the environment, sea-life, turtles and waterfowl. The unsightly and sometimes foul smelling accumulated seaweed on the beach (called wrack) following high tide serves an important ecological function. Organisms found in recent wrack serve as a source of food for migratory birds. As wrack dries, it is blown by the wind toward the dune, where it serves to catch wind-blown sand to help fertilize dune vegetation as it breaks down and stabilizes the dune.
Mechanical raking during turtle nesting season is allowed only below the High Water Line and after the beach is cleared of nests by the Marine Turtle Permit holder. The Marine Permit Holder for our segment of beach is the Loggerhead Marine Life Center biologist, who is responsible for marking, care and relocation of turtle nests. Palm Beach County contracts with the Loggerhead Marine Life Center to monitor nests in areas when their public guarded beaches can be mechanically raked. Sea turtle nest monitoring and relocation may cost $100 each. Environmental Resource Management estimates 1000 – 2000 nests would warrant that level of care on the monitored beach within Juno Beach. Should the Town consider mechanical raking during nesting season these costs would be borne by the Town.
Juno Beach’s Town Ordinance allows mechanical raking only at County public beach areas, but the County has essentially abandoned the raking program on publicly guarded beaches for more than three years. Added to the costs for relocating turtle nests, a licensed contractor who specializes in beach raking is expensive and generally charges several dollars per foot for this work.
Town Ordinance does allow hand raking of beaches in Town. A “no fee” permit spells out the allowable dates and conditions which must be followed by individuals or groups wishing to relocate the seaweed. Of primary importance is the condition that seaweed cannot be removed from the beach. Seaweed can only be hand raked to the toe of the dune. Anyone wishing to apply for a beach raking permit can apply at the Town’s Building Department.
We hope this information is helpful and insightful but should there be any additional questions or comments, they can be directed to the Town’s Public Works Department or call 561-656-0310.
