Division of Marine Fisheries Management

Jessica McCawley, Director
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
850-487-0554

Mission: To sustain the long-term health and abundance of Florida's marine fisheries.

Benefits

• Brings together fisheries interest groups, research institutions, governmental agencies and the public to consider ways to manage Florida's marine fisheries effectively.
• Supports Commission efforts to make wise management decisions based on scientific data from marine fisheries stock assessments.
• Develops fisheries management plans to prevent over-fishing of important commercial and recreational marine species while allowing for sustainable levels of annual harvests to benefit people.
• Provides grants for artificial reef construction, reef-related monitoring and research.
• Provides the public with information regarding conservation and management of Florida's valuable marine fisheries.

The Division of Marine Fisheries Management (MFM) works with many agencies and groups to accomplish its mission. Fishery management requires coordination with federal agencies and other states, including the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. Other activities include issuance of special activity licenses, recovery of lost or abandoned lobster and crab traps, coordination of federal programs to provide disaster relief assistance to commercial fishers, and review and comment on proposed development projects that may affect marine resources. This division also conducts administrative hearings and wholesale-dealer audits.

Marine Fisheries Management sections

Marine Fisheries Management

This section compiles fishery data, coordinates with other governmental agencies and research institutions, and solicits information from the public regarding fishery management strategies and regulations. Section staff uses this information to develop management and rule-making recommendations for Commission consideration.

Marine Fisheries Services

This section works as a liaison between the marine fishing community and the FWC and promotes responsible recreational and commercial fishing activities. Marine Fisheries Services also works to resolve issues related to proposed regulations, commercial license applications and wholesale-dealer compliance; coordinates with the industry to document fisheries disasters, seek fisheries disaster-relief financial assistance and distribute funding; operates a trap-retrieval program; and comments on environmental projects.

MFM budget summary

Glossary of funding sources