Florida’s Fishing Industry Under Siege

The Growing Populations

Any 21st-century fishing story must begin with the numbers which account for the populations of people. The world’s population currently stands at over eight billion, with 342 million people in the U.S. and almost 23 million living in Florida. Many of these individuals enjoy fishing or consuming fish. A century ago, with just two billion people in the world, 110 million people in the U.S., and less than one million living in Florida, there was no need for rules or regulations regarding fisheries. The first fishing licenses were instituted to protect and preserve resources for state residents rather than conserve fish. Commercial fishermen caught whatever they could sell without regards to conservation which had detrimental and enduring effects on fish populations. However, times have changed. Marine environments and many fish species are still under threat, despite some success stories in the past 30 years which show some species stabilizing or increasing.

Protecting and Preserving the Fish Species

The fishing industry in Florida, along with the quality of water, is under threat, as illustrated by Florida Weekly’s in-depth report. The sheer volume of vessels alone impacts the habits and behaviors of the fisheries, whether or not they are part of the fishing activity. According to Capt. Cody Pierce, a career fishing guide and head of the Calusa Waterkeeper, combustion engines present in sensitive areas do have a thriving negative impact on migratory behavior, as well as the number of gamefish available daily. To emphasize his point, Capt. Pierce likens it to someone flying a helicopter across the roof of your house multiple times a day, noting the immense disruption on surroundings.

But the fishing industry is not a lost cause. According to Eric Brazer, deputy director of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance, the country has some of the best-managed fisheries globally, thanks to a public process whereby scientists, seafood consumers, fishermen, and citizens can participate. He further highlights that people who care about the Gulf of Mexico or the environment need to take up the challenge. Many commercial and recreational fishers, marine scientists, and advocates agree that clean water along with careful use of resources by both commercial and recreational fishers would result in a healthier fishery for all involved.

Managing The Fisheries

Glenn Law, formerly editor-in-chief of Salt Water Sportsman Magazine and an editor of Florida Sportsman, agrees that healthy habitat is critical for a successful fishery along with a healthy food chain for both prey species and the predator species. Historically,

Originally Post From https://fortmyers.floridaweekly.com/articles/fishing-for-the-future/

Read more about this topic at
The Future of Florida’s Commercial Fishing Industry …
Fishing for the Future – Fort Myers Florida Weekly