FWC Director's Ken Haddad's Message

Written by Kenneth D. Haddad, Executive Director FWC | 02 January 2009

Kenneth D. Haddad, Executive Director Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

A Florida Wildlife Magazine Report

Recreational saltwater fishing generates a staggering amount of consumer spending in this state’s economy – roughly $14.3 million per day when you add up all the numbers economists include in the tally. That’s close to $10,000 per minute. By some accounts, 39 percent of the recreational saltwater fishing in the United States takes place in Florida. Taking care of marine resources is critical to Florida’s economic condition and future.

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.

The Snook Foundation is a supporting partner in the efforts to boost the sport fish populations that have earned Florida’s billing as the Fishing Capital of the World.

Plans call for a well-thought out, balanced approach that combines releases of hatchery-raised sport fish with habitat enhancement and restoration. We expect that project to benefit many species, in addition to boosting the sport fish that earned Florida’s billing as the Fishing Capital of the World.

FWRI Stock Enhancement at Port Manatee has released millions of Redfish, the time has come to increase the potential through numerous Hatcheries throughout Florida (photo credit Tampa Bay Soundings)

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 do it as efficiently as possible. Planners expect to eliminate overland transport of fish and that will increase survival rates.

To complete the network, public and private marine researchers will work together and partner with state-run and private universities, private research facilities, non-profit organizations, other state agencies and local governments. The FWC will lead the initiative and serve in an advisory role to ensure things run smoothly and address regional needs. Each of the strategically situated facilities will bear an $8-15 million price tag and will take years to build. A $2 million legislative appropriation for FY 06-07 allowed us to get things started, and private donations to the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, grants and contributions from local, state and federal sources will cover the rest.

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.