The Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen's Association (FKCFA) is contributing their expertise and 3,000 dollars to the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF), a 501 c (3) non-profit conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs. CRF is the continuation of a successful staghorn coral nursery and transplantation program initiated by Ken Nedimyer in the Florida Keys and the result of the re-organization of the former Keys Marine Conservancy.

 

The CRF's primary projects include:

 

· Development and enhancement of Elkhorn and Staghorn coral nurseries (Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis, both of which are federally listed as Threatened Species)

· Restoration of damaged reef areas by transplanting nursery reared corals

· Restoration of degraded coral reef sites by transplantation of nursery reared corals

· Transplantation of long-spined sea-urchins (Diadema antillarum) to enhance coral health and success of coral transplantation

· Education programs for students and the general public on coral health, nursery and transplantation issues

· Hands on opportunities for divers and students to engage in coral restoration activities

· Sharing of knowledge and techniques with other agencies and organizations in efforts to successfully build partnership projects

"It its very important that FKCFA decided to sign on as a supporter of CRF's work; it shows the public that the commercial fishing industry wants to be part of the solution" said Ken Nedimyer. 

 

Jeff Cramer, a commercial stone crab and lobster fisherman expressed concerns about the wide variety of reef-users and their cumulative impact on reef ecosystems. "All natural resources are impacted by a variety of different industries. The impact commercial fishing has on coral reef ecosystems is minimal in comparison to the effects of nutrient rich stormwater run-off and sewage outfalls. Everyone that interacts with the reef has to address their impact."

 

Doug Gregory, a Sea Grant agent from the University of Florida pointed out, "It is important for the commercial fishing industry to commit to finding sustainable solutions by addressing their share of impacts"

 

Some of the problems facing our coral reefs include:

 

• Warming seas and coral bleaching

• Rapidly rising seas

• Ocean acidification

• More powerful, more frequent storms

• Coral diseases

• Water pollution

• Coastal development

• Boat groundings

• Anchor damage

• Diver and swimmer impacts

 

The commercial fishing industry in the Florida Keys is actively addressing its impact on coral reef ecosystems by addressing overfishing and gear impacts. Some of the solutions include, promoting Best Fishing Practices (FKCFA will soon be publishing an educational video regarding these practices), researching potential area closures to preserve habitats of particular concern and alternative gear types.

 

The FKCFA/CRF partnership is a one of a kind opportunity which will bring a greater awareness to the importance of essential fish habitat and the coral reef ecosystem.