Biscayne National Park is a national treasure and home to part of the third largest barrier coral reef ecosystem in the world. In addition to its colorful coral reefs and palm-fringed islands, Biscayne protects an abundance of different fish species. Unfortunately, decades of overfishing and overuse have taken their toll and many of Biscayne’s reef fish species are severely threatened, some – like black grouper – on the verge of collapse.
Biscayne National Park’s Fishery Management Plan (FMP) aims to protect and restore reef fish populations in the park. The National Park Service and Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are holding a series of public workshops to get input from the public on the type of regulations that should be implemented as a part of the FMP. We need your voice to help protect marine wildlife in Biscayne National Park and make sure we have more fish in Florida!
Initial proposals that only increase minimum size limits are not strong enough to lead to sustainable reef fish populations in Biscayne. Instead, we are advocating for increased size limits, habitat protection, education, enforcement AND no-take marine reserve areas to help restore fish populations while also continuing to allow for fishing opportunities in Biscayne National Park.
Please attend one of the upcoming workshops to help us fight for the future of Biscayne!
Event Details
WHAT: Biscayne National Park Fishery Management Plan Public Workshops
WHEN & WHERE:
Coral Gables: Tuesday, August 6, 6 - 9 p.m.
Newman Alumni Center, University of Miami
6200 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Florida City: Wednesday, August 7, 6 - 9 p.m.
Florida City City Hall
404 W Palm Drive, Florida City, FL 33034
Key Largo: Thursday, August 8, 6 - 9 p.m.
Murray Nelson Government Center
102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
RSVP: Please register here to receive additional information from NPCA, such as fact sheets, key messages and updates. Please contact Caroline McLaughlin, cmclaughlin@npca.org, 954.401.4592 for more information.
OTHER INFO: All workshops are free of charge and will likely include a background presentation, followed by an opportunity for the public to weigh in on different fishery management options.
NPCA has been fighting for decades to protect Biscayne’s incredible but increasingly threatened marine wildlife and habitat. Your participation is vital to our efforts to protect the future of Biscayne National Park and to make sure we have more fish in Florida!
Those unable to attend the public workshops can also submit comments by:
- Filling out a comment form online
- Emailing marine@myfwc.com
- Calling 850-487-0554
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- Location:
- Coral Gables, Florida City, and Key Largo
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General
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- Park:
- Biscayne National Park
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- NPCA Region:
- Sun Coast
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