Executive Summary
The
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognizes
that black bass (Florida largemouth, shoal, spotted and Suwannee
basses) are tremendous natural resources enhancing the quality of
life for citizens and tourists. In 2006, anglers enjoyed more than
14 million days fishing for this premier sport fish in Florida.
Moreover, they generated approximately $1.25 billion in economic
impact for Florida communities and supported approximately 12,000
jobs. Trophy Florida largemouth bass are a huge draw to resident
anglers, tourists from around the globe and tournaments, while
fisheries with high catch rates of quality bass, and fisheries with
relatively rare shoal, spotted and Suwannee basses have an appeal
of their own. Properly managing black bass fisheries will provide
profound ecological, economic and sociological benefits for
Floridians.
Numerous pressures challenge fisheries managers,
including human population growth and development, declining water
quality and current water management and fish management policies.
Climate change, including precipitation and sea level changes, may
create additional impacts. Preliminary surveys of stakeholders
indicated general satisfaction with the current fishery but
expressed some concerns with the adequacy of FWC fish management to
deal with increasingly negative impacts on bass populations and
fishing opportunities from development and other pressures.
This long-term management plan was compiled based
on science, augmented by the input of more than 7,500 people who
completed one of two surveys (or both) or spoke with our
biologists. A technical assistance group - comprised of a variety
of public stakeholders, including avid anglers, tackle shop owners,
lure manufacturers, tournament anglers, fishing guides, outdoor
writers, university researchers and tourism destination marketers -
helped to further refine the plan. The plan is now ready for
implementation. However, public, corporate and angler support to
help bring the vision to reality is essential.
Action steps have been divided into four sections:
New Opportunities, Habitat Management, Fish
Management and People Management. Among
some of the innovative approaches promoted in the plan are a new
high-profile TrophyCatch angler recognition program to document
trophy catches by rewarding anglers for releasing and reporting
bass weighing more than 8 pounds, including special categories for
12 pounders and bass greater than 13 pounds. Renewed aquatic
habitat enhancement efforts, including modified aquatic plant
management approaches, will enhance production of these fish.
The Florida Bass Conservation Center, a
state-of-the-art hatchery, will develop new stocking protocols to
ensure effective and efficient stocking programs using both normal
1-inch fingerlings and larger, advanced fingerling bass (4-6
inches), both of which will meet stringent genetic and health
standards. Another major focus will be expanding access to new
waters (e.g., reservoirs, reclaimed phosphate pits and some private
lakes) for Florida anglers. Boat ramps, fishing piers, fish
attractors, fish spawning substrate and other infrastructure
enhancements will allow additional fishing. Embellishing some ramps
and marinas to host major tournaments and promote Florida bass
fishing via national media will pay dividends for all bass anglers
and local business communities, while helping encourage them to
safely and sustainably enjoy this sport.
The North
American Model of Wildlife Management is a key concept of fish
and wildlife management emphasized by Theodore Roosevelt, Aldo
Leopold and many other conservation leaders. It provides the
framework that ensures conservation and restoration of sport
fisheries and will be essential to funding and implementing this
plan. It is being implemented throughout the nation and sets
us apart from other countries, in which there is a general lack of
conservation management, the resources are owned by private
individuals or commercial interests, or the political elite control
fish and wildlife recreational opportunities.
In accordance with this model, FWC uses various funding avenues
to manage fish and wildlife resources for everyone. A major
contribution comes through sale of hunting and fishing licenses and
permits (all those fees go to FWC). Federal excise taxes are
collected through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration
(Wallop-Breaux) program on equipment used for recreational fishing
and on taxes on imported pleasure boats and motor boat fuel.
Florida's share of the national pot is based on how many certified
fishing license holders we have. Collectively, these "user
pays-user benefits" fees are central to funding this plan. Florida
also receives funding for research, conservation and management of
fish and wildlife resources from other local, state and federal
programs, sale of specialty tags for vehicles (e.g., the "Go
Fishing" largemouth bass tag) and private grants. As part of this
plan, we seek to develop additional partnerships and sponsor
support from industry and tourism development groups to fund
implementation without seeking additional state revenues. Due to
diverse connections between economic benefits and jobs that are
dependent on recreational fishing, this is a well-supported course
of action.
This will be a living document that we will refine
as public opinions shift and new research and interim program
evaluations merit changes. We look forward to working with
stakeholders to make Florida the undisputed "Bass Fishing Capital
of the World."
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