Action Items


There are numerous threats to our fisheries, and these need to receive conservation attention. At the top of our list are:

Protection of Water Rights and the Clean Water Act

Change to freshwater flows to estuaries is perhaps the greatest threat to coastal fisheries, but little is being done to prevent this. Current regulations don't take this into account, and there are no incentives for responsible water use. Pollution continues to be a major factor impacting our coastal fisheries, and efforts to correct this need to be increased, not diminished. Responsible anglers must become involved in this issue.

Habitat Protection

Habitat loss and degradation are major factors in fisheries declines. Did you know tht most fisheries management plans don't include habitat? How can fisheries be managed if habitat protection are part of the overall management strategy? Anglers need to become strong and vocal advocates for coastal habitats. Anglers are the primary users of coastal waters, and need to become the strongest stewards. There can’t be healthy fisheries without healthy habitats, so anglers need to work to preserve and restore healthy habitats.

Support and Sustain the Fishing Cultures

Angler-based communities need to become organized to protect the fisheries because their livelihoods and culture depend on it. Traveling anglers should support guides and lodges that are involved in conservation.

Nature is Not a Theme Park

Many people now treat nature like an amusement park - pay $50, enjoy yourself for a day, and go home. The park will always be there. But that’s not the way things work in the natural world. We are part of the system, so we must treat the system well.

Media Call to Action

The outdoor media are front line when it comes to communicating the need fo conservation to anglers, hunters, and others. This is a call to action from a speech in 2011 to the Florida Outdoor Writers Association.