Fish Hatcheries and Estuarine Habitat
Restoration: Matching Habitat Conservation
with Fisheries Management in Florida
Kent Smith
Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida supports 39% of the nation’s
saltwater fishing activities
•$5.8B annually, supporting 32,000 jobs
•Saltwater anglers:
$1.3B annually (fishing equipment alone)
$1.5B annually on fishing trips
Florida boating industry: $18B annually
2008 Mich.St.Univ.+FWC figures
Florida estuarine habitat degradation:
• oyster reef abundances reduced by from
(1)
50-90% in assessed bays
• Seagrass losses in estuaries range from 3050%(2,3)
• 5,900 miles of streams and coastal habitat
in current need of restoration (4)
(1) Stedman, et al. 2008
(2) FWC, 2003
(3) Sargent, et al. 1995
(4) NFHAP 2010
Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative
A partnership to ensure more recreational fishing opportunities
today and tomorrow through sound management practices
A New Plan for Success
Eco-Center three-pronged approach:
~Hatchery-reared saltwater species
~Habitat restoration/enhancement
~ Environmental education
Public /Private Partnerships
Coastal Conservation
Association
Florida Institute
of Technology
FMFEI
Ecosystem Restoration Workgroup
Regional Advisory Groups
 Repository for restoration resources
 Nexus for restoration communication
 Leverage partnerships/funding
 Maximize effectiveness of programs and Enhancement Centers
 Provide statewide perspective
* New Smyrna Beach
HS site
100K plugs annually
(20acres planted on 3ft centers)
L
Lewis, R.R. et al. 2005. Project facilitates the natural reseeding of mangrove
forests (Florida). Ecol. Rest. 23(4):276-277
Living Shorelines
Emphasize Ecosystem Restoration
- Restore the lands surrounding each site
- Eco-Centers will develop
plant materials for restoration
efforts on the property and in
the area
- Provide research support for
better local ecosystem
understanding
- Develop statewide and regional
Ecosystem Restoration Workgroups
Educate current and future generations about importance
and value of the resource
–
–
–
Create outreach and education programs for youth and
communities
Forge strong links to the research community through
partnerships with state and private institutions
Establish on-going affiliation and coordinate efforts
with other research institutions and organizations
focused on Florida’s marine ecosystem
http://www.fmfei.org/