CCA Florida Releases Responses to Gubernatorial Candidate Questionnaire on Fisheries Conservation Policies

October 21, 2010, CCA Florida released the responses to a questionnaire sent to both candidates for governor. The questionnaire was designed to determine candidate positions on specific marine fisheries conservation issues. Similar questionnaires have been done by CCA Florida for the previous Gubernatorial elections.

“There are a number of conservation policies that we believe are critical for the proper management of publicly-owned marine resources,” said CCA Florida Executive Director Ted Forsgren.

CCA Florida asked both candidates to indicate if they agreed or disagreed with six positions statements and also to include any comments. Rick Scott provided responses to the questionnaire. Alex Sink declined to participate in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire statements and complete responses are as follows.

CCA Florida 2010 Gubernatorial Candidate Fisheries Conservation Questionnaire RESPONSES

INTRODUCTION: CCA Florida sent a questionnaire to both candidates for governor to determine their positions on important marine fisheries conservation issues. The questionnaire contained six position statements. Candidates were asked to indicate if they agreed or disagreed with the statements and also to include any comments they may want to add. The questionnaire statements and the complete responses are as follows.

1. In managing Florida’s marine fishery resources, the first and primary concern must be for protection and conservation of the resource.

Rick Scott: I believe that in managing Florida’s marine fishery resources we must strike a balance between the protection and conservation of the natural resource and our recreational and commercial fishing industries’ ability to enjoy that resource for both sport and economic activity.

Alex Sink: Did not participate

2. Individuals with direct financial conflicts of interest, such as commercial fishermen, fishing guides, seafood processors and charter boat captains, must not be appointed to serve on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Any legislation that would mandate financial conflicts of interest on the Commission must be opposed and vetoed.

Rick Scott: Agree. In order to maintain objectivity and transparency, I believe that members of the Commission should not have any financial conflicts of interest when serving.

Alex Sink: Did not participate

3. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is an independent constitutional agency with complete and direct regulatory control over all fishing and hunting activities in Florida. There are individuals who are opposed to all hunting and fishing. Such individuals must not be appointed to serve on the Commission.

Rick Scott: Agree.

Alex Sink: Did not participate

4. The Governor nominates individuals for appointments to federal management councils which develop fishery regulations for offshore federal waters. Paid lobbyists for any special interest group, either commercial, environmental or recreational, whose interests are affected by the actions of these federal fishery councils must not be nominated for council appointment.

Rick Scott: Agree. I agree that paid lobbyists for any special interest group whose interests are affected by the federal fishery councils should not be nominated for an appointment and will ensure that the law that prohibits them from being nominated remains in place.

Alex Sink: Did not participate

5. Florida’s current redfish management and recovery plan has been a success which has resulted in substantial increases in redfish abundance. This plan, which prohibits commercial take and sale and imposes strict daily recreational bag limits, should be continued.

Rick Scott: I agree that the plan has been a success and resulted in a healthy supply of redfish. Should any attempt to change the current plan be proposed, I would have to be thoroughly convinced that the proposed change would not adversely affect the redfish population in order for me to consider supporting it.

Alex Sink: Did not participate

6. Saltwater recreational fishing license monies must be used only for marine fisheries research, management, law enforcement and habitat enhancement. No saltwater license monies should be diverted to other programs, nor should the fishing license monies be used to supplant current general revenue monies used for existing marine resource programs.

Rick Scott: Agree. I believe that when license fees are put into a trust fund for a specific purpose that those funds should be used only for that purpose. I do not support raiding trust funds to supplement general revenue.

Alex Sink: Did not participate

7.   Any Additional Comments

Rick Scott: As Governor, I look forward to working with the Coastal Conservation Association as an advocate for sensible federal and state fishery regulations that are based on sound science. Together we can work to preserve our state’s resources in a manner that also protects the livelihoods of those that earn their living on our coastal waters.