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.

"We are very pleased to recognize these individuals," said David Howton, CCA Florida Chairman. "Because of their efforts legislation relating to important fishery issues was passed in acceptable form or died on the calendar."

Legislators chosen to receive CCA Florida 2006 Legislative Conservation Awards are:
Senator Carey Baker (R - Eustis)
Senator Mike Bennett (R - Bradenton)
Senator Paula Dockery (R - Lakeland)
Senator Ken Pruitt (R - Port St. Lucie)
Representative Andy Gardiner (R - Orlando)
Representative Stan Mayfield (R - Vero Beach)
Representative Jack Seiler (D - Pompano Beach)

During the 2006 session legislation was introduced relating to the Florida Constitution, fishing and hunting penalties, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) authority and constitutional status. In addition, there were significant FWC appropriation issues considered including artificial reefs and rebuilding the saltwater fisheries hatchery.

One of the biggest issues was Senate Joint Resolution 1918 which was described as a major "clean-up" of the Florida Constitution. What began as amendments to correct 289 typographic errors and other corrections eventually involved proposing amendments to remove constitutional measures that were adopted as a result of citizen initiative petitions. At one point, an amendment to remove the "net ban amendment" was proposed but was defeated by Committee vote. SJR 1918 passed the Senate in acceptable condition, but did not get a final vote in the House before the session ended.

Regarding budget issues, the FWC received $2 million for the new saltwater fisheries hatchery and $850,000 for the on-going artificial reef construction program.

"The leadership and support of these legislators on a variety of issues made it another good year for marine fisheries," said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director. "We greatly appreciate all that they have done."