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| CCA Florida Recent News |
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CCA FLORIDA PARTNERS WITH COSTA DEL MAR FOR INFO-VIDEO
Two groups, both impassioned with natural resource issues and driven by a desire to make positive change, met in mid-May to discuss plans for a new video project aimed at furthering the message of Sunshine State conservation. Representatives from Costa Del Mar sunglasses met with CCA Florida to talk about ideas for new partnership initiatives. |
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COUNCIL FOILS BACKDOOR BID BY COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council voted last week to recommend that the National Marine Fisheries Service deny an application to allow pelagic longline fishing boats into conservation zones off South Carolina, Georgia and Florida that have been closed to this destructive commercial fishing gear since 2001. |
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CCA FLORIDA APPLAUDS FWC ACTION TO PROTECT SNOOK
On June 14, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved additional regulations to manage and protect snook.
“These rule changes are intended to provide additional protection for Florida’s valuable snook populations,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “The FWC believes a reduction in harvest is necessary to help achieve the Commission’s management goal for snook and sustain and improve the fishery for the future.” |
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GULF COUNCIL MANDATES 74% BYCATCH REDUCTION FOR SHRIMP FLEET
The most significant bycatch reduction measures ever imposed on the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fleet were announced today, paving the way for a steady recovery of Gulf red snapper stocks. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voted unanimously to put limitations on the shrimp industry despite its persistent position denying any responsibility for the current status of the red snapper fishery. |
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CCA FLORIDA GRASS ROOTS ALERT: MAJOR CHANGES ON ANGLER ACCESS MAY OCCUR IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK!
The National Park Service (NPS) has recently released four preliminary alternatives, which are being taken to the public as options and the basis of the development of the Everglades National Park General Management Plan (GMP). As a result from the public comment process the NPS will select one as the Preferred Alternative. The NPS will then over the next year develop the Draft GMP. The four alternatives range from Alternative A which is the no action – status quo option (which is unlikely to occur) to Alternative D which would prohibit the use of internal combustion engines in waters less than three feet deep. Virtually all of Florida Bay would be in such a zone. It is imperative that if you have interest in continuing to fish in the Everglades National Park you read these alternatives and comment! Note: Written comments are being accepted as well but are a poor substitute for being at one of these meetings in person. |
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GOVERNOR CRIST ADDS STRONG OBJECTION TO SWORDFISH LONGLINERS’ ATTEMPT TO ENTER EAST COAST PROTECTED AREAS
Florida Governor Charlie Crist has added his strong objections to those of other marine conservationists, in requesting that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) deny an attempt by the 13 longline boats to conduct “research” in the areas closed to swordfish longlining off of Florida’s East coast and the Gulf of Mexico. In a letter to Dr. William Hogarth, Director (NMFS), Governor Crist states that “I, therefore, respectfully ask that you deny this permit request and uphold existing policies that help swordfish and other migratory species continue to flourish.”
Governor Crist's Letter to Dr. William Hogarh, Director, National Marine Fisheries Service |
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MISSISSIPPI MAKES GRAB FOR FLORIDA SEAT ON FEDERAL FISHERY COUNCIL
CCA Florida has obtained written confirmation that the State of Mississippi has submitted recommendations for a seat on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) that is currently allocated to the State of Florida. Mississippi wants Florida representation on Gulf Federal Fishery Council reduced to three so that they can have four representatives. |
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BILLFISH CONSERVATION UNDER ASSAULT
Conservationists are expressing concern over a recent course of action taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that could significantly roll back and delay conservation measures for threatened billfish stocks. NMFS has elected to delay a regulation requiring circle hooks for billfish tournaments until 2008 and is considering allowing longlingers into conservation zones that have been closed to industrial fishing since 2001. |
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FEDERAL JUDGE: FISHERIES SERVICE HAS FAILED RED SNAPPER
In a stunning repudiation of the National Marine Fisheries Service’s rebuilding plan for red snapper, a federal judge ruled yesterday that NMFS violated the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by its continuing failure to take timely and appropriate steps to rebuild red snapper stocks in the Gulf of Mexico or to regulate the harm to red snapper caused by shrimp fishing. |
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COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION EXPANDS TO PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Coastal Conservation Association, the nation’s largest marine resource conservation group, announced today that the organization will expand its operations to the U.S. Pacific Northwest to address a variety of conservation issues, including problems within the salmon fishery. |
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CCA FLORIDA URGES ADDITIONAL REDFISH PROTECTION
On February 8, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will discuss possible changes to Florida’s redfish regulations. CCA Florida is providing recommendations for additional protection.
“We are urging that the Commission adopt a 40 percent escapement resource management goal and we are recommending new conservation regulations to achieve that goal,” said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director. |
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BEVERAGE MAKER POURS OUT ECO-FRIENDLY SUPPORT
Exemplifying the potential for diverse and far-reaching partnerships, 360 Vodka, the world’s first eco-friendly vodka, recently announced its sponsorship of CCA Florida. Under the agreement, currently extending through 2007, $20 of the proceeds from each case of 360 Vodka sold in the Sunshine State will go directly to CCA Florida. Also, 360 Vodka and Premier Beverage Company will serve as exclusive spirits sponsors of CCA Florida events. |
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SWORDFISH
RECOVERY A VICTORY IN THE MAKING
As proper conservation measures succeed in rebuilding swordfish
stocks in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, Coastal Conservation Association
(CCA) is calling for a series of additional steps to ensure that the future
of this important species is secure - and that a renewed, exciting recreational
fishery is assured. |
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RED SNAPPER CONSERVATION STALLED
HOUSTON, TX - Coastal Conservation Association today expressed its profound disappointment in the continuing reluctance of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to address shrimp trawl bycatch as the primary cause for the decline of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.
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NEW CCA FLORIDA FEATURE: GRASSROOTS ACTION CENTER
Click here to register.
Elected Official Directory |
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CCA FLORIDA ANNOUNCES 2006 LEGISLATIVE CONSERVATION AWARDS
The Coastal Conservation Association of Florida has selected seven state legislators to receive Legislative Conservation Awards in recognition of their support for marine fisheries conservation issues during the 2006 Legislative session.
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| CCA FLORIDA'S 2006 INAUGURAL CONVENTION PHOTOS AND REVIEW |
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CCA Florida’s Third Annual Inter-chapter Challenge was held on July 28 at the River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp in Jensen Beach in conjunction with the first annual State Convention. The Orlando Chapter won the overall Grand Championship. |
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CCA Florida's first Featured Artists Steve Whitlock, Carey Chen and Pasta Pantaleo have provided strong support for marine conservation in Florida. |
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CCA FLORIDA COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SNOOK RULE
CCA Florida recommends a stronger conservation measure for the proposed snook rule. The Commission should just increase the lower end of the slot by one inch and leave the upper end at 34 inches. That will address the new measurement rule issue and provide additional needed protection.
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DECEMBER 2006 SEAWATCH
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Stepping to the forefront of support for marine conservation in Florida, Cobia Boat Company has donated a 2007 Cobia 211 Bay Boat to CCA Florida. |
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CCA Florida has been honored with the prestigious "Best of the Year Award" from Motor Boating Magazine for the organization's successful effort to stop the two-month ban on grouper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005. CCA Florida was nominated for the award by Capt. Dave Lear, sportfishing editor for the magazine. |
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CCA FLORIDA'S 2006 INAUGURAL CONVENTION PHOTOS AND REVIEW
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CHAIRMAN DAVID HOWTON'S COMMENTS ON THE INAUGURAL CONVENTION
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CCA FLORIDA APPLAUDS FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION'S SNOOK PROTECTION DECISION
At its recent meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) considered a change in snook regulations from the current slot size of 26-34 inches to 27-35 inches. The original proposal was designed to prevent adverse impacts on snook which could result from the new criteria for measuring fish which goes into effect on July 1, 2006. CCA Florida recommended a stronger measure for the Commission's rule.
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CCA FLORIDA SUPPORTS INCREASED PROTECTION FOR SNOOK
On June 8, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will consider a change in snook regulations to increase the current slot size of 26-34 inches to 27-35 inches. . . "Additional conservation measures will be needed for snook and that is why we believe the Commission should just increase the lower slot size," said Forsgren.
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