Habitat is the Future of Florida Fisheries

Florida has lost a vast amount of coastal habitat to development, altered water flows, and pollution from nutrient runoff and contaminants entering the watershed. The only way to protect and improve our fisheries is by conserving and restoring the habitat that remains. To do this, we must include Habitat in Marine Fisheries Management Plans.

Florida’s recreational and commercial fisheries generate more than $27 billion annually for Florida’s economy. These fisheries rely on healthy habitats.

Habitat is not part of current fisheries management approaches, and fish populations can only be regulated using seasonal closures, slot limits and bag limits. Regulation alone cannot prevent further decline to our fisheries caused by habitat loss and degradation; a new approach is needed, one that makes habitat a central part of fisheries management.

By signing this petition, I express my support for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to collaborate with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to create a new way to manage our fisheries that focuses on habitat. This includes habitat identification, habitat protection, habitat restoration, and incorporating habitat into fisheries management plans.

Sign the Petition

We're 22% of the way to our goal of 20,000. Help us by signing the petition to advocate for the inclusion of habitat in marine fisheries management.

It's Your Turn

The petition has already been signed 4,398 times, but we want to get to 20,000. Complete the petition form on this page to add your name to the list!

Mark M. Castle Rock, CO

Signed
18 hours ago

Todd B. Tonawanda, NY

Signed
20 hours ago

Juan S. Arecibo , USVI

Signed
22 hours ago

Mark C. Aurora, CO

Signed
24 hours ago

Benny B. Cutler Bah, FL

Signed
1 day ago

Maria B. Davie, FL

Signed
1 day ago

BRENT H. SANFORD, NC

Signed
1 day ago

Jim S. North Port, FL

Signed
2 days ago

Steve H. Carbondale , CO

Signed
3 days ago

Michael Haven R. Edgewater , FL

Signed
3 days ago

FL Compliance Statement

Financial information about Bonefish & Tarpon Trust can be obtained by writing to us at 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 203, Miami, FL 33133 or as stated below: BONEFISH & TARPON TRUST FLORIDA REGISTRATION # CH15047: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITE AT: https://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/giftgiversquery/giftgiversquery.aspx REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE STATE.