CCA Florida members met in Sarasota to work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on the Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative (FMFEI). The FWC held a two day meeting September 29 and 30 at the Mote Marine Laboratory where discussions on marine fisheries enhancement centers were held among approximately fifty participants. During the two day meeting the participants were split among the Finance and Legislative, Fish Production, Habitat Restoration, and Education and Outreach groups. Volunteers from CCA Florida were placed in each group. The groups met to discuss a work plan for the coming months on their specific issues. These issues ranged from locating funding sources, timing for putting fish in the water, and where the hatcheries will be located.
Many areas throughout Florida are being assessed right now for potential hatcheries. The hatchery sites are proposed to serve as destination facilities, including education areas, ecological parks, and habitat restoration projects, along with the main goal of establishing hatcheries. The additional activities planned in and around the facilities are designed to make the marine fisheries enhancement centers public friendly.
CCA Florida thanks CCA Tampa Volunteer Jimmie Stembridge, CCA Charlotte County President Pete Herber, CCA Charlotte County Volunteer Bob Leonard, CCA Palm Beach President JD Dickenson, and CCA Florida Deputy Director of Advocacy Trip Aukeman for their participation and commitment to serving on the working groups.
“We are very pleased to be working with The Wildlife Foundation of Florida and The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on this fisheries enhancement initiative” said Bill Bird, CCA Florida Vice-Chairman.
