Commissioners approve Black Bass Management Plan
News Release
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Media contact: Bob Wattendorf, 850-488-0520
(Back to Commission meeting news)
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
approved the long-term Black Bass Management Plan at its meeting in
St. Augustine Thursday.
Tom Champeau, director of the FWC's Division of Freshwater
Fisheries Management, said the integrated plan will focus on
expanding new opportunities, in addition to refining traditional
conservation approaches dealing with habitat and fish management
practices that take into consideration human needs. Implementation
of the plan will create significant ecological, economic and social
benefits for Florida.
"We appreciate the public support that went into developing this
comprehensive plan," Champeau said. "More than 7,500 anglers
provided input, as did a technical assistance group representing a
variety of fishing-related businesses, university experts,
professional anglers, outdoor media and fishing guides."
The overall goal is to ensure Florida is the Black Bass Fishing
Capital of the World by:
- Ensuring healthy lakes and rivers to benefit many species of
fish and wildlife, as well as trophy bass fisheries.
- Strengthening local economies by documenting and increasing the
economic impacts derived from bass fishing, which already provides
more than 14 million days of quality outdoor recreation for bass
anglers and generates an economic impact of $1.25 billion.
- Attracting events such national professional bass fishing
tournaments, which have huge economic impacts, to smaller towns and
cities as a result of Florida's enhanced reputation.
Noreen Clough, the national conservation director for B.A.S.S.,
applauded staff for the comprehensive plan.
"This is an excellent road map for the state of Florida," Clough
said. "It will make bass fishing in Florida even more world-class
than it already is, if that's even possible."
Encouraging youth and families to get outside and enjoy fishing
improves health by reducing the potential for obesity and enhancing
social interactions as well as a respect for nature. Consequently,
the FWC will integrate the plan with the agency's Creating the Next
Generation that Cares initiative (MyFWC.com/Youth).
For more information on the Black Bass Management Plan and
recreational fishing in Florida, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing.
Persons with Disabilities