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 26% 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 5,158 times, but we want to get to 20,000. Complete the petition form on this page to add your name to the list!

Richard F. Scarborough, ME

Signed
5 days ago

Ateve W. Loveland, OH

Signed
8 days ago

Robert V. Santa Fe, NM

Signed
9 days ago

John S. ,

Signed
10 days ago

Jacob V. Melbourne, FL

Signed
12 days ago

Liam B. Chelmsford, MA

Signed
15 days ago

Craig B. Islamorada , FL

Signed
16 days ago

Karli T. Fort Myers , FL

Signed
17 days ago

Thomas V. New York, NY

Signed
19 days ago

Spencer D. Wilmington, NC

Signed
20 days ago