The Coastal Conservation Association of Florida has selected two Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) members to receive CCA Florida Conservation Awards. FWC Commissioners Rodney Barreto and David Meehan were selected to recognize their leadership and support for marine fisheries conservation measures.

"We are very pleased to recognize these Commissioners," said David Howton, CCA Florida Chairman. "Their leadership has been instrumental in efforts to increase penalties for flagrant illegal netting, the establishment of protective management plans for snook, permit and other fisheries, and in getting the state Commission more involved in federal fisheries management off of Florida."

Both Commissioners have been selected by their fellow Commissioners to serve terms as Chairman of the Commission. Commissioner Meehan served as Chairman in 2001 and is currently Vice Chairman. Commissioner Barreto served as Chairman in 2004.

"All of the Commission members have been conservation-minded in their decisions and actions toward Florida's saltwater fisheries. We felt, however, that the leadership and work of Commissioners Rodney Barreto and David Meehan deserved special recognition," said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director.