The full correspondence can also be read here.
April 27, 2022
The Honorable Marco Rubio
U.S. Senate
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Carlos Gimenez
U.S. House of Representatives
419 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Senator Rubio and Representative Gimenez,
On behalf of the recreational fishing and boating community, thank you for your leadership on the South Florida Ecosystem Enhancement Act (S.3676 and H.R.6771). This legislation will reform and bolster the South Florida Geographic Program (SFGP) to support critical ecosystem restoration and monitoring efforts across the aquatic ecosystems of southern Florida.
Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World, with 4 million anglers contributing nearly $14 billion to the economy and supporting 119,678 jobs. Conservation and access to vibrant fisheries are extremely important to anglers.
Many challenges face South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Despite its historically modest funding level, SFGP has provided tremendous value in helping to address the immediate and emerging ecological pressures and threats to nearshore waters, bays, estuaries, beaches, and coral reefs. However, to help fully address these challenges, the program’s scope and available resources must be expanded. Not only will the South Florida Ecosystem Enhancement Act ensure that more funds reach an expanded geographic area, your legislation will facilitate better interagency cooperation and improve environmental literacy for students through an education grant program. This will help ensure restoration projects are effectively coordinated while increasing public awareness about the importance of the South Florida ecosystem.
The South Florida Ecosystem Enhancement Act will advance essential conservation efforts in South Florida. Not only is this exciting legislation for marine life and anglers, but also for local economies that can benefit from the spending power of anglers. We are grateful for your commitment to improving marine habitats and increasing recreational fishing opportunities through the South Florida Ecosystem Enhancement Act. We are ready to assist you as you work toward the passage of this important legislation.
Sincerely,
American Sportfishing Association
Angler Action Foundation
Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society (B.A.S.S.)
BoatU.S.
Bonefish and Tarpon Trust
Captains For Clean Water
Center for Sportfishing Policy
Coastal Conservation Association
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
International Game Fish Association
Major League Fishing
Marine Retailers Association of the Americas
National Marine Manufacturers Association
National Professional Anglers Association
Recreational Fishing Alliance
Wildlife Forever
Cc:
The Honorable Byron Donalds
The Honorable Brian Mast
The Honorable Bill Posey
The Honorable John Rutherford
The Honorable Maria Salazar
The Honorable Greg Steube
The Honorable Michael Waltz
