A Blueprint for Florida’s Oceans and Coasts – New Strategies for Reforming Ocean Governance in Florida
David J. White, Ocean Conservancy’s Southeast Atlantic Regional Office
Nothing defines Florida more than its oceans and coasts. People come from around the world to swim, boat, fish, scuba dive, surf, kayak, enjoy our beaches, and see our unique marine wildlife. The coast is Florida’s economic engine that drives much of our economy. But alarming changes are taking place, from plummeting fish catches to outbreaks of harmful algae blooms, dying marine life, frequent beach closures, and rising sea levels.
A new coalition of conservation organizations is emerging to help focus public attention on these and other coastal and ocean issues, and to challenge Florida’s new leadership to take action to address these problems. The Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition has published Florida’s Coastal and Ocean Future: A Blueprint for Economic and Environmental Leadership, which outlines the most pressing environmental issues facing our oceans and coasts, and makes priority recommendations for reforming coastal management policies before we lose the natural resources that fuel our economy and our identity as Floridians. Most importantly, the Blueprint serves as a call to action to government leaders, state and federal resource agencies, and the public to implement actions to protect our marine and coastal ecosystems. Major topics include: Curbing Unwise Coastal Development to Protect Valuable Coastal Habitats; Reducing Coastal and Ocean Pollution; Keeping Offshore Oil Drilling Away from Florida’s Coast; Restoring Marine Ecosystems, Ensuring Robust Fisheries, and Protecting Vulnerable Marine Species; and, Addressing Global Climate Change.
The Steering Committee of the Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition includes leaders from the following organizations: Caribbean Conservation Corporation and Sea Turtle Survival League, Environmental Defense, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Wildlife Federation, Reef Relief, Surfrider Foundation, and the Ocean Conservancy.
- Next>