Regional Events

Biscayne National Park Fishery Management Plan Public Workshops

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Biscayne National Park is our country's largest marine national park and protects diverse, colorful species and habitats like coral reefs, palm-fringed islands, dolphins, sea turtles and an abundance of fish. Unfortunately, decades of unsustainable use and human-caused impacts have taken their toll, depleting many of Biscayne's fish populations and damaging the health of its coral reef ecosystem.

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Boca Chita Key, Biscayne National Park

  camera icon iStockphoto / photo52

In August, we asked you to join us at public workshops held by the State of Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the National Park Service to gather public input on the implementation of Biscayne National Park’s Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Despite strong public support, our calls for sustainable fishing guidelines and no-fishing marine reserve areas that would help restore Biscayne’s fisheries have not been taken seriously by decision makers. Instead, the FWC has rolled back many of their initial proposals in response to pressure from industry groups calling for weaker regulations that would not save Biscayne’s fish.

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Protect Marine Wildlife at Biscayne National Park

We need responsible, science-based policies to manage Biscayne’s threatened fish populations.

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Next week, the FWC will be hosting another series of public workshops to gauge public feedback on updated proposals. Your voice is needed now more than ever to advocate for sustainable fisheries, no-fishing marine reserves, enhanced habitat protection and increased investments in enforcement and education. Biscayne needs regulations based on sound science that will lead to sustainable fish populations and healthy habitat. Please attend one of the upcoming workshops to help us fight for the future of Biscayne!

For those interested in learning more or better understanding how you can participate in these workshops, NPCA will be hosting a webinar prior to the meetings. The free, casual webinar is open to all and will include information on the decline in Biscayne’s fisheries, what to expect at the meetings, fisheries management regulations proposed by the FWC, and NPCA’s recommendations for specific measures that will lead to sustainability in Biscayne National Park.

Workshop Details

Biscayne National Park Fishery Management Plan Public Workshops

Monday, October 28, 6 - 9 p.m.
Murray Nelson Government Center
102050 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037

Tuesday, October 29, 6 - 9 p.m.
UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County
18710 SW 288th ST
Homestead, FL 33030

Wednesday, October 30, 6 - 9 p.m.
James L. Knight Center
400 SE 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33131

NPCA’s informational webinar will be held on Monday, October 28 from 12 - 1 p.m. Details will be provided upon registration.

RSVP: Please contact cmclaughlin@npca.org or 954.401.4592 for more information. Please register here if you plan to attend the public meetings and to sign up for NPCA’s informational webinar.

OTHER INFO: All workshops are free of charge and will include a background presentation, Q&A session, “clicker” survey and a public comment period.

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.

calendary icon Date October 28 - 30, 2019
  • Location:
    Key Largo, Homestead, and Miami
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