An important aspect of our program is not only to deploy artificial reefs, but to monitor their economic and environmental impacts. Our program continues to strive to achieve and expand upon these goals. Support local marine ecosystem stewardship.Improve intergovernmental coordination for artificial reef development.Identify new artificial reef funding sources.Use artificial reefs as a component of fisheries management.Use artificial reefs in scientific research.Assure long-term social, economic and quality of life values of artificial reefs.Our program relies on these cooperative partnerships to accomplish six general goals detailed in our strategic plan: To date, Florida has distributed more than $26,575,000 for artificial reef related activities. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program and state’s saltwater fishing license revenues, the FWC Artificial Reef Program provides annual financial grants to local government, nonprofit organizations, and state universities for new reef construction and monitoring. If you are not located in these three counties, no private reefs are permittable. To learn more about the private reef inspection programs, please contact the artificial reef coordinators for Escambia, Okaloosa, or Bay County. The process typically involves completion of County applications forms, pre-deployment reef materials inspections, fees, and post-deployment verification of placed material. However, there is only one program in Florida restricted to Escambia, Bay, and Okaloosa County, where private individuals can apply to deploy their own unpublished reefs in an existing county-held permitted area. Army Corps of Engineers artificial reef permitted areas is a violation of the Army Corps permit and may constitute illegal ocean dumping, an activity which carries significant federal penalties. The Army Corps of Engineers does not issue artificial reef permits directly to the general public (private citizens, fishing clubs, and nongovernmental organizations) due to long-term liability coverage requirements.Īny placement of artificial reef materials outside a valid U.S. Artificial reef construction can only be completed by state or local coastal governments (County or City) in authorized permitted areas. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network.Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees.Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc.
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