Planning under way to preserve coral reefs and boost fish stocks.
BISCAYNE N.P., FLA.-The public will have a say in plans to address declining fish stocks and impacts to marine resources at Biscayne National Park, a process that park advocates consider crucial to reversing some alarming trends.
Park officials at Biscayne are shaping two different plans that could restrict or ban fishing in parts of the park: a general management plan and a plan specific to fisheries.
"All indications are that fish stocks have declined over time," said Rick Clark, the park's chief of resource management. "We have an obligation to look at this very seriously."
Should such a restriction or ban be implemented, visitors could view fish at certain areas but not catch them. Many park advocates believe that, in addition to enhancing visitor experiences, banning fishing in parts of the park will boost declining fish stocks. NPCA supports marine reserves and has urged park officials to protect coral reefs as part of the planning under way.
"This process is extremely important," said Mary Munson, NPCA's Sun Coast regional director. "There has been a dramatic increase in fishing and boating in the area, which has placed marine resources under pressure—not just the fish, but also sea grass and coral reefs, also at risk from activities like boating, diving, and anchoring."
Park advocates hope that the park's general management plan will include restrictions on boating activities as well as policies to protect marine resources and fish stocks.
"The fisheries plan may have seasonal, gear type, or time of day restrictions, and it will identify other research and monitoring needs to evaluate whether these measures assure sustainable fish stocks," said Clark.
A growing number of scientists support marine reserves, otherwise referred to as no-take zones, as a way to restore depleted fish stocks. Some fishermen agree, believing that restored fish stocks can pay bigger dividends in the long run. Other fishermen, however, have decried marine reserves as a slippery slope that could lead to complete bans on fishing. NPCA has brought together park resource managers, biologists, and fishers for educational and public outreach.
"We're looking to fishermen to help us determine what needs protection at Biscayne," said Munson. "They spend more time on the water and, as a result, know much more about problems than any of us. Their livelihoods depend on a healthy ecosystem, so they are not going to support policies that deplete fish or harm habitat."
In addition to protecting marine creatures from overfishing, no-take zones would limit boating traffic. People on both sides of the fisheries issue agree that boaters who do not know what they are doing pose many problems to the marine ecosystem.
"There is no requirement that adults take courses in boating in Florida," said Munson. "Anyone can buy a large boat operated by powerful engines, and if they do not know what they are doing they can wreak havoc on sea grass beds and reefs."
Outside the park's boundaries, coral reefs between Biscayne and Dry Tortugas national parks received protection in November, with an international agreement to ban the large ships that had been damaging resources there. It is the first such area designated in the country to protect reefs from anchoring, grounding, and collisions from ships.
"That announcement was a major accomplishment for the marine sanctuary there," said Munson. "It is important to Biscayne because the waters are ecologically connected. The designation recognizes the global importance of this endangered ecosystem."
Park officials expect to issue alternatives to be considered in the general management and fisheries plans in March. Public comment will be invited, and several public meetings are planned, at which citizens can offer input and opinions. The final fisheries plan is expected by summer, the general management plan by fall.
