The Future of Freshwater Fishing in Florida
By BOB WATTENDORF, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

When you cast a lure in Florida, you are participating in a time-honored tradition in the Sunshine State. Today we all share responsibility for conserving our fisheries and for passing the angling tradition along to our youth. Some things such as climate change and population explosions may seem out of our hands, but individually, we all can do something to keep those fish biting even through challenging times. Perhaps even more than ever, we all could benefit from the pleasures of fishing, watching the sun glisten on the water and hearing a fish strike a topwater plug.

With the population in Florida hovering around 19 million, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) faces amazing challenges as it strives to manage freshwater fisheries for their long-term well-being and the benefit of all those people.

The population is increasing by nearly a thousand people per day, and by 2060, Florida is predicted to have 36 million residents.

A study, titled Florida 2060, published by 1000 Friends of Florida suggests that 7 million acres of natural or rural land will be converted to urban use by 2060. The report notes that the governor, state legislators, agencies and residents can help ensure sustainable natural resources and a healthy environment by deliberate growth management, fostering Florida Forever and other land acquisition programs.

Now more than ever, the FWC realizes that recognizing the unique attributes of Florida’s ecology and natural resources and the role they play in creating a quality lifestyle for Floridians is critical. The future depends on science-based management, and a proactive look at deliberate growth-leadership.

Wildlife 2060, a report by the FWC (see MyFWC.com), shows Florida’s natural lands and waters are at the core of our prosperity, bringing billions of dollars in economic benefits to our state every year. The report predicts what would happen if current growth patterns continue, but it also highlights activities that have been pursued to shape growth in an environmentally sensitive and community-friendly way. By building on these lessons, we can prevent haphazard sprawl, maintain a natural fish and wildlife community and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy them.

Projections for global warming suggest particularly severe threats to the future of our ecology, fish and wildlife, and recreational use, as shoreline areas become more inundated by rising water levels over the next century.

The FWC has taken a leadership role in this area too, by holding a summit titled “Florida’s Wildlife: On the front line of climate change.” The summit included Nobel Peace Prize laureates Dr. Jean Brennan, from Defenders of Wildlife, and Dr. Virginia Burkett, from the U.S. Geological Survey. With the information gathered at the summit, the FWC has set in motion the actions necessary to manage fish and wildlife as they adapt to the stresses of rapid change.

Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative is the FWC’s principal effort to conserve Florida’s wildlife and their habitats. The goal is to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered. Rather than rules and regulations, the Initiative creates partnerships to take action.

Get Outdoors Florida! is an effort to engage communities, families and individuals in outdoor experiences to achieve healthier lifestyles and sustain Florida’s natural resources. This broad coalition, including the FWC, envisions a healthy Florida community that is connected with nature and reflects social diversity, while exhibiting a conservation ethic to help ensure a sustainable future and recreational opportunities. We all can participate by encouraging our youth to get outdoors and enjoy all that Florida has to offer. When we begin to appreciate the wonders of the local fishing hole or the rivers flowing through our state, we become partners in conserving those resources for our enjoyment now and in the future.

Conservation measures, actions and education not only enhance our lifestyles, but ensure a healthy, sustainable world for Florida’s unique and precious fish and wildlife. Science-based management will ensure that as our population doubles, fish and wildlife will abound and future generations will enjoy all of the healthy benefits of being connected to nature.


Instant licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). Report violators by calling *FWC or #FWC on your cell phone, or 888-404-3922. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/ for more Fish Busters’ columns.