The Saltwater Hatchery and Habitat Initiative
The Florida Saltwater Hatchery and Habitat Initiative is a multi-year, multi-partner program vital to sustaining our saltwater sportfish populations and the natural habitats of our precious marine life.
Our first saltwater hatchery helped keep the red drum population healthy and available in the Tampa Bay area. New technology and scientific insight have enabled the construction of even more effective hatcheries that can provide a variety of game fish, at different stages of development.
To help bolster Florida's sportfish populations that will otherwise be reduced by current demand, fishery scientists and managers advise creating a series of strategically networked hatcheries and grow-out facilities on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This network, combined with parallel habitat restoration, will be most the efficient model for sustaining healthy sportfish populations.
Florida is the most popular sportfishing destination in the country and that popularity contributes almost $8 billion to Florida's economy annually. Maintaining healthy fish populations and habitats is critical to the continuation of that success. That is why we urge everyone who lives, works or plays in our beautiful state to help us make this initiative a reality and Support Florida Sportfish.
The Florida Saltwater Hatchery and Habitat Initiative is a multi-year, multi-partner program vital to sustaining our saltwater sportfish populations and the natural habitats of our precious marine life.
Our first saltwater hatchery helped keep the red drum population healthy and available in the Tampa Bay area. New technology and scientific insight have enabled the construction of even more effective hatcheries that can provide a variety of game fish, at different stages of development.
To help bolster Florida's sportfish populations that will otherwise be reduced by current demand, fishery scientists and managers advise creating a series of strategically networked hatcheries and grow-out facilities on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This network, combined with parallel habitat restoration, will be most the efficient model for sustaining healthy sportfish populations.
Florida is the most popular sportfishing destination in the country and that popularity contributes almost $8 billion to Florida's economy annually. Maintaining healthy fish populations and habitats is critical to the continuation of that success. That is why we urge everyone who lives, works or plays in our beautiful state to help us make this initiative a reality and Support Florida Sportfish.
A Team Effort
Construction of these innovative marine propagation and ecosystem restoration facilities will only be possible through teamwork. In addition to the partners already involved in the initiative, the team must include support from government, non-profit, academic and private fisheries research institutions-and from concerned citizens and other stakeholders. We also want to work with interested communities to design a localized program that can involve all interested residents. Your contributions are vital. Donations can be in the form of time, money, a life income gift, or property.
A network of saltwater hatcheries with diverse capabilities will be built on both the east and west coasts of Florida.
Fish Artwork copyright
Diane Rome Peebles,
reprinted with permission.
Diane Rome Peebles,
reprinted with permission.
Phone: 800 - 988 - 4889
© 2007 Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc.
© 2007 Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc.
