Welcome to Florida!

The Fishing Capital of the World!

Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World because

Abundant and accessible saltwater and freshwater fishing destinations Amazing diversity of sport fish Great coastal communities with excellent accommodations World class fishing guides/captains, charter boats, marinas, tackle shops, etc. Responsible, scientific and stakeholder engaged resource management

By the numbers

More fishing days than any other state More non-resident anglers than any other state More anglers than any other state
* National Survey of Fishing and Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation (2006)

Popular Inshore Game Fish

Awesome Offshore Game Fish

FishingCapital.com
New website launched by Governor Scott, VISIT FLORIDA and FWC April 2011

Florida has long been known as the Fishing Capital of the World for good reason, and we need to make sure everyone knows it, said Governor Rick Scott.

Statewide Economic Impacts

Category Boating Industry Saltwater Rec. Fishing

Economic Impact $16,800,000,000 $5,499,000,000

Jobs 203,000 54,500

Commercial Fishing and Seafood Industry

TOTAL

$5,657,246,000
$27,956,246,000

108,700
366,200

Challenges and Complications

Widely diverse interests in the use and enjoyment of saltwater fisheries Recreational interests: shoreline, private boats, charter boats, head boats, dive boats, hook and line, catch and release, spear fishing, fly fishing Commercial fishing/seafood industry State waters Federal waters

Division of Marine Fisheries Management

The Division plays an active role in managing Floridas vast marine resources as well as educating anglers and providing fishing opportunities. The FWC is responsible for management of more than 500 saltwater species. Promotes ethical angling through outreach programs such as kids fishing clinics and womens fishing clinics.

Artificial Reef Program

Enhance fishing and diving opportunities Provide major economic boost to coastal communities Increase reef fish habitat

We sink ships!

Ornamental and Invertebrate Fishery (Aquarium Trade)

600 species of saltwater fish, invertebrates and plants 800,000 US homes maintaining salt water aquariums.

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Marine Fisheries Research

Pensacola Apalachicola Northeast Florida

Cedar Key
Tampa Bay

Northern Indian River Lagoon Southern Indian River Lagoon

Charlotte Harbor

Florida Keys

Marine Fisheries Research

Scientific Surveys

F 2004
Spawning biomass 3

F goal

F= 0

1 3

9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29

F 2004

Age (yr)

Commercial Fisheries Monitoring

Recreational Fisheries Monitoring Directed Research Projects

Fish illustration Diane Rome Peebles

Marine Enhancement Centers and Fish Hatcheries

Focus on recreationally critical species that could benefit from stock enhancement
Have plant nurseries connected with the facility to treat effluent and grow critical marine plants for marine restoration efforts

Education/outreach for local communities and our stakeholders

Implementation Strategy
Partner with like-minded organizations and work to integrate our joint efforts, wherever possible

Avoid duplicating the effective work of others

Developing conservation education programs compliant with state standards

FYCCN Partner Locations

2,335
Number of campers completing a 40hour conservation education camp this summer at our Wild Outdoors Hubs!

 TakeMeFishing.org

Nick Wiley, Executive Director Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission