FKCFA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COUNTY STATE & FEDERAL
Improved relations with South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, FWC, NOAA and both State and Federal Congressional Representatives
Increased Media Coverage of Commercial Fishing Industry
Increased awareness of Commercial Fishing value to Monroe County & State of Florida
Testified to House Natural Resources Committee on Catch Shares
Bill Kelly, presented, “Annual Catch Limits – Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries – 3”, Washington, DC, May 2013
ENVIRONMENTAL
Hurricane IRMA Cleanup Grant, Middle & Lower Keys, AEI, FKCFA, CRMA, 2021-22, $1.3 M, $60,000 to FKCFA
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Spiny Lobster Amendment 11 – 60 new coral protection sites
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Claim – $18,000 to FKCFA – 2017
HURRICANES
Hurricane Irma Cleanup Grant, Middle & Lower Keys, FKCFA, AEI, CRMA, 2021-22, $1.3 M
UFL- Hurricane Irma Cleanup Grant, Marquesas & Woman Key, $74,000, June 2018
FWC- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Hurricane Irma Cleanup Grant, Hawk’s Cay & Duck Key, $130,000, March 2018
FWC- Hurricane Irma extended post season trap retrieval by 10 days, 2018
FWC – Hurricane Irma permitted multiple parties to retrieve lost gear, 2018
Community Foundation of the Florida Keys (CFFK), $44,650 Relief Grant, February 2018
FWC – Hurricane Irma waiver of lobster trap tag fees for 2018-19 season, $473,500
Sea Grant rapid assessment flyovers, $36,900, September 2017
Coordinated and completed Hurricane Wilma cleanup, 2011, $4M
KING MACKEREL
CMP Framework Amendment 12 – Change to rules and regulations permitting in-season gillnet fishing on weekends and holidays, April 2023
King Mackerel Gillnet Fishery – Increase in trip limits to 45,000 lbs., 2017
King Mackerel Gillnet Fishery – Transit authority to any Florida port, 2017
STONE CRAB
Introduction of 2-3/16” Escape Ring in Crab Traps Effective 2023-2024 Season
Increase in Minimum Claw Size to 2-7/8” to Increase Biomass, 2022 Season
Negotiated Seasonal Closure Date to May 1st Instead of April 8th
LEGAL & REGULATORY
Joint Law Enforcement effort on trap robbing and resource violations, 2014
Increased Penalties for trap robbing, 2013
Increased Penalties for possession of wrung tails and out-of-season harvest, 2014
Increased Penalties for deployment of traps with no tags
Purchased Gear for Law Enforcement, 2011
Law Enforcement and State Attorney’s Office special recognition for convictions and prosecutions
LEGISLATIVE
Biscayne National Park – HR 3310, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to prevent large scale closures – passed
Biscayne National Park – GMP House Natural Resources Hearing, Homestead, FL – park superintendent reassigned 2016-17, management plan put on hold
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary–GMP–following investigation, senior management reassigned 2016-17, management plan put on hold
RULES & REGULATIONS
FWC –Increased soak time for Spiny Lobster Fishery – First Saturday following the two-day Mini Season – July 2018
FWC – Approval of retention of live lobster post season – March 2017
FWC – ‘C’ and ‘X’ numbers transferable – 2017
Dual Saltwater Products Licenses (SPL) permitted per vessel – 2017
Trap Rope Marking Requirement rejected by NOAA, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management and South Atlantic Fishery
Management Councils – industry-wide savings $12m
YELLOWTAIL SNAPPER
Yellowtail Snapper – 433,000 lb. quota increase in South Atlantic, 2014
Yellowtail Snapper – Avoided commercial closure in 2013
Yellowtail Snapper – Change of fishing year to August 1 thru July 31 – 2016
Yellowtail Snapper – Use of J-hooks approved for commercial fishermen