Delray Beach has received necessary permits from the U.S. Coast Guard for the July 4 firework show that will take place over the ocean in Delray Beach. That show will be one of four South Florida fireworks shows that will be conducted from sea barges. The U.S. Coast Guard asked that fireworks vendors involved in those shows at Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale conduct public service announcements in an effort to save endangered species and critical marine habitats that could be affected by vessels and partygoers.

According to Eileen List, spokeswoman for the Delray Beach Downtown Marketing Cooperative, an entity of the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce that produces the fireworks show in Delray Beach, stipulations of that approval include special advisories.

Boaters cannot anchor on a coral reef. If they anchor in the Elkhorn/Staghorn coral critical habitat, they must do so over a sandy bottom that is free from coral or Johnson’s sea grass. List said it’s also the boater’s job to maintain a lookout for endangered species. She said they are especially concerned about sea turtles and manatees. List also said boaters are asked to proceed at a safe speed, especially at night, to avoid striking any marine mammal or sea turtle.

A federal or state agency may impose a civil fine of $25,000 and/or a criminal penalty of $50,000 and/or up to one year in jail for violating the Endangered Species Act or state statute by taking an endangered or threatened species or damaging coral.

“A take is defined as harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, killing, trapping, capturing, collecting or attempting to engage in such conduct,” List said.

The special advisory also asks that any incident be immediately reported. Any collision with, injury or deaths of manatees or marine turtles must be reported to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Law Enforcement hotline at 888-404-FWCC for rescue and/or recovery.

Boaters are also asked to report any marine animals (most importantly sea turtles and manatees) they notice dead of natural causes on the ocean surface.

List said beach spectators can’t use flashlights on the beach during the July 4 show. Delray Beach also asks that residents don’t shoot fireworks on the beach or disturb sea turtle nests. Dispose of all trash and leave the beach at the conclusion of the firework display.

Report marine mammals to the SE U.S. Stranding Hotline at 877-433-8299

Report sea turtles to the NMFS SE Regional Office at 727-824-5312

For information call 561-279-1380, ext. 17 or visit www.DowntownDelrayBeach.com