Marine Hatchery Expansion in Florida

Written by Snook Foundation | 05 August 2008

Redfish

Recreational saltwater fishing contributes about $14.3 million daily to the state’s economy based on recent economic data. That’s nearly $10,000 per minute in angler spending. It’s been estimated that 39 percent of all the recreational saltwater fishing in the United States takes place in Florida which enhances the state’s reputation as the “Fishing Capital of the World”. Therefore, taking care of our marine resources is critical to Florida’s economic well being and future.

Pond water being pumped into an effluent marsh pond. This 1.5-acre marsh pond is populated primarily with smooth cord grass, Spartina alterniflora, which assimilates nutrients from hatchery effluent. The plants are harvested as plugs with 2-5 shoots and a golf-ball size root ball and planted into coastal areas to restore shoreline habitat. Approximately 938,000 Spartina have been harvested from the marsh pond since 1997, and replanted into 79 locations and local school nurseries throughout Tampa Bay.

Since 1988, the FWC has worked closely with its partners at the marine fish hatchery at Port Manatee. It has raised and released millions of recreational sport fish, mainly in southern Florida. However, the Port Manatee facility no longer has the capacity to meet the state’s needs, so the FWC is developing a long-term, statewide plan to ratchet up its saltwater stock enhancement program. Plans call for a well-thought-out, balanced approach that combines releases of hatchery-raised sport fish with habitat enhancement and restoration.

This plan, known as the Florida Marine Fishery Enhancement Initiative, will revolve around a statewide network of facilities to keep pace with the demand for fishing opportunities and to do it as efficiently as possible. Planners expect to eliminate overland transport of fish and that will increase survival rates. FWC will lead this Initiative and partner with marine researchers, universities, local governments, and non-profit organizations to ensure operations run smoothly and to address regional needs.

Redfish being graded during the intensive (indoor) rearing process. The smaller fish pass through the bars and the larger fish can not.

A $2 million legislative appropriation for FY 2006-07 allowed FWC to begin the search for suitable locations statewide and developing funding for building these facilities. By combining hatchery fish production with habitat restoration the new facilities will benefit local communities as well as fish and wildlife.

They will serve as ecotourism attractions and include visitor centers, scheduled tours and outdoor recreational amenities. This concept will enable the local and visiting public to learn more about Florida’s marine aquaculture and see first-hand how science and technology can work cooperatively to sustain essential ecosystems. Initially, new facilities will focus on the most popular sport fish—red drum, sea trout and snook. Other species will be added as the initiative continues.