KEEPING THE BAN - STAR 2021 - THE PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO CONSERVING AND PROTECTING FLORIDA'S MARINE RESOURCES - CCA Florida
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T H E P U B L I C AT I O N D E D I C AT E D TO C O N S E R V I N G A N D P R OT E C T I N G F LO R I D A ’ S M A R I N E R E S O U R C E S
SPRING 2021
KEEPING
THE BAN
STAR 2021
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 1
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2 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
Keeping the Ban | 6 S P R ING 2021
features
South Walton Kids
Fishing Tournament | 14
S.T.A.R. | 20
Recycled Oyster Shells
to Create New Reef In
Charlotte Harbor | 30
departments
advocacy news.......................................... 6
around the state...................................... 14
habitat projects....................................... 26
habitat hero........................................... 38
contents
dont miss it............................................ 54
T H E P U B L I C AT I O N D E D I C AT E D T O C O N S E R V I N G A N D P R O T E C T I N G F L O R I D A ’ S M A R I N E R E S O U R C E S
Sea Watch is published three times a Managing Editor CCA FLORIDA Mary Hillyer Peelen Sara Anderson
year by CCA Florida, a nonprofit state Mary Hillyer Peelen STAFF Director of Regional Director
affiliate of the Coastal Conservation Communications
Creative Director Brian Gorski Andrew Danter
Association. Debbie Dewell Executive Director Denise Perine Assistant Regional Director
Editorial/business inquiries and Great Minds, Inc. Director of Accounting
850-386-7401 Adam Miller Leiza Fitzgerald
information requests: Mary Hillyer Chief Operating Officer Zack Batley STAR Director
Peelen, P.O. Box 568886, Orlando, Florida, Printer Senior Regional Director
32856-8886 407-854-7002 Durraprint, Trip Aukeman Andrea Gillispie
Tallahassee Director of Advocacy Amanda Krpan Assistant STAR Director
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Regional Director
CCA Florida, P.O. Box 568886, Orlando,
Frank Gidus
Director of Habitat Mandy Tuckus
Florida, 32856-8886 & Environmental Regional Director
407-854-7002 • ccaflorida.org Restoration
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 3
4 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
REDFISH
RELEASE
RESTOCK
CCA Florida’s East Coast Redfish Restocking Iniiaave
Anglers on Florida’s east coast know that the redfish populaaon has declined in recent years. And at
CCA Florida, we know that something needs to be done to ensure this iconic fishery is healthy for
generaaons to come.
We’re working with the Duke Energy Mariculture Center to restock Florida’s redfish populaaon and you
can help. Phase I of our east coast redfish restocking iniiaave includes the raising and release of up to
100,000 juvenile redfish, but we can’t do it without you.
With your support, we can meet our $100,000 goal, which will fund the equipment, feed and other
supplies needed to support the effort. Feeding the broodstock and juveniles is a $25,000 annual cost
alone! Get more informaaon online and donate today.
Corporate partnerships are welcome. Learn more online.
DONATE NOW
releasethemfortomorrow.org
ccaflorida.org
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 5
KEEPING
THE BAN
6 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
IN 1994, THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTIONAL
advocacy news
NET LIMITATION AMENDMENT WAS
ADOPTED BY 72% OF FLORIDA VOTERS
AND IT WAS A BIG WIN FOR MANY OF
FLORIDA’S MARINE RESOURCES. (continued on page 8)
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 7
advocacy news
THE BATTLE TO KEEP THE
CONSTITUTIONAL AMEND
AND TWO-INCH STRETCH
MESH SIZE HAS BEEN ONG
SINCE THE AMENDMENT’
IMPLEMENTATION.
8 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
Keeping the Ban
c o n t i n u e d f ro m p a g e 7
Following the Amendment’s passage, the
Florida Legislature allocated $1.1 million to
convert net fisherman to shellfish farmers in an
effort to create alternative job opportunities
for commercial netters and others. The Flori-
da Legislature also appropriated $20 million
for unemployment benefits and created a net
cash buyout program when the net limitation
amendment went into effect.
The battle to keep the Constitutional
Amendment and two-inch-stretched mesh size
has been ongoing since the Amendment’s im-
plementation. Challenged more than 15 times
from Circuit Court to the Florida Supreme
Court, the Amendment has been upheld in ev-
ery Court decision except for one by a local
Wakulla County Judge who ruled on behalf of
the net fisherman.
In 2018, a Wakulla plaintiff for commercial
netters filed the latest in a string of cases over
the years against the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC). As always,
the goal is the throw out the rules established
by FWC regarding gill nets. The netters lost in
the Leon County Circuit Court after the Judge
allowed four sets of amendments to the lawsuit
and the Court threw out the suit following the
netters’ fifth motion. Now, the netters have ap-
pealed the case to the First District Court of
Appeal in Tallahassee.
E
In early April 2021, the netters’ lawyers filed
their initial brief on the merits of the case. The
51-page brief is a painful description of the legal
DMENT
twists and turns involved by joining two Florida
agencies into one. In 1999, the citizens of Flori-
HED
da voted to create the current FWC, combining
the then Marine Fisheries Commission with the
Florida Game & Freshwater Fish Commission.
GOING
Seemingly important to the netters’ lawyers is
the fact that the former ‘Game Commission’
was a “constitutional” agency and the former
’S
Marine Fisheries Commission was created by
the Legislature. “Constitutional” agencies have
more power than legislatively created agencies.
This current lawsuit alleges that the FWC
has refused to promulgate rules in accordance
with its statutory authority. The suit further al-
leges that FWC rules adopted prior to July 9,
2018 are illegal and unenforceable. The Plain-
tiffs complaint challenges rules relating to, but
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 9
advocacy news Keeping the Ban
c o n t i n u e d f ro m p a g e 9
FLORIDA SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE
INDISCRIMINATE EFFECTS OF THOSE
BANNED NETS AGAIN.
not limited to, statewide net specifica- summer before we see the response. the net ban amendment in 1994, but
tions, carriage of proscribed nets and After that, there is a Reply Brief. Then nearly 30 years later, CCA Florida is
longlines in State waters. Although the the Court may take as much time as it still fighting in the courts to keep the
restrictions have been in place for 27 sees fit to rule. The Court may, or may ban intact.
years, the commercial netting industry not, order oral argument. CCA Florida will continue to moni-
refuses to accept the legal reality that Since the Amendment was imple- tor these court proceedings and invest
the constitutional prohibition on gill mented, many of Florida’s fisheries have resources to improve water quality,
nets means no gill nets. shown tremendous levels of recovery enhance Florida’s marine environments
The answer brief from FWC is due and abundance. Florida should not al- and revitalize coastal habitats with sea-
30 days from the filing of the initial brief, low the indiscriminate effects of those grass and mangrove plantings, reef de-
but extensions of time are common in banned nets again. ployments and oyster bed restoration.
such cases and it could be well into the CCA Florida not only helped pass
10 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1CATCH ’EM.
RELEASE ’EM.
PASS IT ON.
PROUD CONSERVATION
PARTNER OF
888-272-9838 | ENGELCOOLERS.COM | 900 Jupiter Park Drive | Jupiter, FL 33458 | info@engelcoolers.com
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 11advocacy news
Recreational Fishing and Boating Groups Back Forage Fish Bill
to Promote Robust Sportfish Populations
The recreational fishing and boating Fisheries Conservation and Management However, research shows that forage
community applauded the introduction Act with these science-based forage fish fish are worth over twice as much in the
of the Forage Fish Conservation Act by conservation measures.” ecosystem by supporting stocks of more
Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) In 2014, the Commission on Saltwa- popular food fish and recreational game
and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). The legislation ter Recreational Fisheries Management, fish,” said Dr. Guy Harvey, chairman of
would require that the role forage fish chaired by Bass Pro Shops Founder and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. “We
play in the marine ecosystem be ac- CEO Johnny Morris and Maverick Boat thank Sens. Blumenthal and Blunt for
counted for when federal fisheries man- Group Founder Scott Deal, released a working on this issue, and we encourage
agers set catch limits on these small but report identifying key policy changes to Congress to quickly approve this valu-
important fish. the federal marine fisheries management able, science-based legislation.”
“For years, the recreational fishing system to benefit fisheries conservation “It is critical that we pay more atten-
community has advocated for better and public access. One of the six key tion to the tiniest of fish in our oceans be-
conservation of our nation’s forage fish recommendations of that report was im- cause they are the base of the food chain
populations because a healthy forage base proving management and conservation of and essential to the success of America’s
fuels healthy sportfish populations,” said forage fish. blue economy,” said Jeff Angers, president
Mike Leonard, vice president of Govern- “Forage fish are experiencing unprec- of the Center for Sportfishing Policy.
ment Affairs for the American Sportfish- edented fishing pressure to help satisfy “We thank Sens. Blumenthal and Blunt
ing Association. “We commend Sens. Blu- the world’s growing demand for protein, for reaching across the aisle to tackle this
menthal and Blunt for their commitment being used for everything from feeding important conservation issue.”
to strengthening the Magnuson-Stevens farmed fish and livestock to fertilizer. Forage fish provide food for nearly
CCA SOLIDO SUN MASK
UPF 40 BLOCKS 97.5% OF THE
S U N ’ S H A R M F U L U V R AYS .
MOISTURE WICKING FABRIC KEEPS
Y O U C A L M , C O L L E C T E D A N D D R Y.
$ 5 F R O M T H E S A L E O F E V E RY C CA B Y A F T C O P R O D U C T I S D O N AT E D
12 T O F U N D C C A C O N S E R V A T I O N E F F O R T S . A V A I L A B L E N O W A T A F TS CE O
A .W
C OA TMC. H • S P R I N G 2 1all recreationally important fish species, is the sportfishing industry’s trade association social values of sportfishing in America. ASA
as well as seabirds and other marine life. committed to representing the interests of the also gives America’s 49 million anglers a voice
Meanwhile, human demand for these nutri- sportfishing and boating industries as well as in policy decisions that affect their ability to
ent-rich species continues to increase. the entire sportfishing community.We give sustainably fish on our nation’s waterways
However, the Magnuson-Stevens Act is the industry and anglers a unified voice when through Keep America Fishing, our national
not currently designed to account for the emerging laws and policies could significantly angler advocacy campaign. America’s anglers
unique role of forage fish in the marine eco- affect sportfishing business or sportfishing generate nearly $50 billion in retail sales with
system, instead relying on traditional single- itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy
species management approaches. The For- ensure the industry will remain strong and creating employment for 800,000 people.
age Fish Conservation Act would require prosperous, as well as safeguard and promote
that the impacts on fish populations and the the enduring economic, conservation and
marine ecosystem be considered before al-
lowing harvest on any currently unmanaged
forage species, and that predator needs be
accounted for in existing management plans
for forage fish.
“It is virtually impossible to manage
sportfish and predator populations suc-
cessfully over the long-term without taking
into account the food chain that supports
them,” said Ted Venker, conservation direc-
tor for Coastal Conservation Association.
“We applaud this effort by Sens. Blumen-
thal and Blunt and hope that it will serve to
enhance conservation of critical forage for
the marine ecosystem.”
“Implementing responsible conserva-
tion practices for forage fish is essential
to the long-term wellbeing of marine eco-
systems and we thank Senators Richard
Blumenthal and Roy Blunt for addressing
this critical issue,” said Frank Hugelmeyer,
president of the National Marine Manufac-
turers Association. “Healthy and sustainable
forage fish and sportfish stocks are equally
important to the recreational boating and
fishing community and this measure is a
major step toward protecting both of these
critical populations.”
“Forage Fish are the foundation of
healthy marine ecosystems and recre-
ational fisheries,” said Jason Schratwieser,
president of the International Game Fish
Association. “The IGFA would like to ap-
plaud Sens. Blumenthal and Blunt for their
commitment to conservation of this critical
group of fish species through the introduc-
tion of the Forage Fish Act.”
“A significant number of the 12 mil-
lion registered boats in the United States
are used for recreational fishing. For many
families, their fishing boat is their single big-
gest investment in outdoor recreation,”
said Chris Edmonston, vice president of
government affairs for BoatU.S. “Protecting
the resource that keeps this family-friendly
pastime viable is good policy.”
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA)
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 13around the state
SOUTH WALTON
KIDS FISHING
14
TOURNAMENT S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1Throughout the year, CCA Florida hosts kids fishing tournaments and clinics in different regions of the state. CCA Florida’s goal is to foster kids’ excitement for being outdoors and enjoying the water, and often times, our staff has the privilege of watching kids catch their first fish. For our team, planting that seed of excitement for fishing and enjoying the outdoors is what it is all about! (continued on page 17) S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 15
16 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
South Walton Kids Fishing
Tournament
continued from page 15
On April 18, the CCA South Walton chapter held its
15th annual Kids Fishing Tournament. More than 75 kids
attended and received a rod-and-reel combo from Fish
Florida, a beach rod holder from Ferguson Waterworks,
bait and tackle from Yellowfin Ocean Sports, T-shirt from
Century 21 and lunch from Dewberry Preble-Rish! Medals
and awards were given to first through third place winners
in each age division. Special thanks to O’Connell & Associates
for sponsoring the medals and to Mainsail Realty for
donating $50 Bass Pro Gift Cards to the winners!
(continued on page18)
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 17South Walton Kids Fishing
Tournament
continued from page 17
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,”
CCA Florida Regional Director Amanda Krpan
said. “To see over 75 fishing poles out on the
beach, kids running around laughing and
encouraging each other, parents helping each
other out ... it is all so great to see!”
The event is all about getting off the couch and
enjoying the outdoors! We look forward to making
next year’s event even bigger and better.
18 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 19
2021
Fishing and winning ... the perfect
summer combination brought to you
by STAR 2021! And, winning has already
begun, are you registered?
That’s right, just for registering early, participants are entered
in weekly drawings for prize packages from Engel Coolers, danco
pliers and Humminbird. Plus, by participating in STAR presented
by Yamaha you could earn big rewards just for catching fish. The
STAR competition is as digital-based format that allows you to
enter every saltwater fish you catch with the opportunity to win
some amazing prizes, and requires almost no social interaction,
unless of course someone knows your honey hole!
20 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1SPONSORS
Yamaha
Contender
Pathfinder Boats
Spyder Boats
Duke Energy
iHeart Radio
West Marine
Realtree Fishing
Academy Sports
+ Outdoors
Tigress Outriggers
& Gear
Salt Marsh Skiff
Piranha Boatworks
Central Florida
Marine
Custom Gheenoe
Humminbird
Minn Kota
Engel Coolers
T H Marine Supplies
Power Pole
Discover Crystal River
Visit Space Coast
Pure Florida: Punta Gorda/
Engelwood Beach
Costa Sunglasses
danco sports
STAR has a total of 17 Divisions both 2021 West Marine Tagged Redfish Divi- Cannon
inshore and offshore which includes the Ti- sion will provide five winning anglers their
gress Outriggers & Gear tagged dolphin and choice of a Contender 22 Sport, Pathfinder Traeger Grills
the West Marine tagged redfish divisions. In 2000TRS, SPYDER Vapor 19FX and Salt
2020, there were two tagged dolphin and Marsh Skiff 1656 (youth prize) all sporting Native Watercraft
24 tagged redfish recaptured during the a Yamaha motor and sitting on a trailer. The
competition, but unfortunately, none of the Tigress Outriggers & Gear Tagged Dolphin
Southeast Environmental
tagged redfish or dolphin recaptured were Division will award $10,000 cash to the first
Solutions, Inc.
caught by STAR registered anglers who STAR registered angler to land a tagged dol- Florida’s Sports
were CCA members, leaving boat, motor phin during the competition. Winners must Coast/Pasco Co
and trailer packages and the $10,000 cash be a CCA member and registered in STAR
unclaimed. The donated boats were sold before catching a tagged fish. We hope to Papa’s Pilar
and the monies were used to underwrite award some cash and tagged redfish boats
the 2020 Youth Scholarship division. in 2021. Continental Trailer
(continued on page 22)SPONSOR LIVE Watersports
Power Tech
Propellers
Elemental Methods
STAR 2020
c o n t i n u e d f ro m p a g e 2 1
The 2021 Salt Marsh Skiff Open Inshore
Division features three divisions, the T-H
Marine Non-Tagged Redfish division, which
motor and danco sports package, the Can-
non Kingfish Division will award the win-
ner a Cannon Unitrol 10 STX-TS and West
Florida Cracker is one of the most popular, as last year’s Marine Inflatable Boat w 9hp Yamaha and in
Invitational winner took home a Salt Marsh Skiff 1656 the AFTCO Dolphin Division the winner
with 40hp Yamaha and trailer. The Central will take home an AFTCO prize package,
AFTCO Florida Marine Custom Gheenoe Trout Di- 115hp Yamaha and Tigress Outriggers and
vision is a close second in popularity with Kite package. Each of the Open Inshore
Road King Trailers the winner being awarded a Custom Ghee- and Offshore Divisions have six winners
Florida Fishing noe LO 25 with 25hp Yamaha and Conti- per division with the winners determined
nental trailer.The Pirahna Boatworks Snook by a random drawing of all entries in each
Products
Division rounds out the Open inshore di- of the divisions not by the biggest fish, al-
Gillz Technical visions with the winner being awarded a lowing anglers of all skill levels the oppor-
Fishing Piranha RASO 140 with 15hp Yamaha and tunity to win.
trailer. The most challenging division is the The other divisions such as the Gillz
Bull Bay Tackle Humminbird Tarpon Division with the win- Technical Fishing Ladies, Native Watercraft
ner being awarded $10,000 in prizes from Kayak, Traeger Grill Fly, the Power Pole
Reel Life Apparel Humminbird, Minn Kota, Engel, Costa and Conservation Division, Yamaha Guides divi-
more great partners. Please note that in sion and the Scuba Quest Lionfish division
Manta Racks
the Tarpon Division there are special han- are equally as popular and offer great prizes.
Tailin Toads dling requirements with a proper release Most of the winners in these divisions are
for the Tarpon catch to be eligible. determined by a random drawing of all en-
Skanu The Engel Coolers Open Offshore Divi- tries not by the biggest fish allowing anglers
sion has the offshore angler covered with of all skill levels the opportunity to win.
Scuba Quest three divisions. The danco sports Grouper The highlight of every year is the Youth
Florida Insider Division offers the winner a 115 Yamaha Scholarship Division presented by Academy
Fishing Report
Reel Animals Fishing
Plantation Inn Crystal River
Ocean Tamer Bean Bags
Rod Racks
Anisa Stewart Jewelry
Luna Sea Cush it
Kahuna Wagons
Reliable Fishing Bags
Tacklewebs
Thrashcan Bucket Topper
Knotty Tails
Rod Runners
Hydro Glow
Florida Sportsman Magazine
GuideLines Television
Dolphinfish Research Group
iAngler Action
Talon
22 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1Sports + Outdoors awarding $100,000 in collected and submitted via the STAR tour- The competition has also cleaned our
scholarships to 12 youth anglers who are nament app. Every bucket of trash submit- coastal waterways as more than 7,000 five-
drawn as winners from all of their fish en- ted provides and entry in the division with gallon buckets of trash have been collected.
tries made over the summer. Many thanks a shot at being drawn as a winner of great “STAR continues to be a wonderful
to Realtree Fishing and Academy Sports prizes from Costa sunglasses, Papa’s Pilar tool for CCA to encourage participants
+ Outdoors for sponsoring two $25,000 and Kahuana Wagons. Details for commu- to implement conservation practices while
scholarships and to the $5,000 scholarship nity service hours are found on the STAR enjoying a really cool competition that has
sponsors, Southeast Environmental Solu- website. friends and families fishing, picking up trash
tions, Florida’s Sports Coast, Plantation Inn As the state’s leading organization and planning their summer around our
Redfish Classic, Tailin Toads Eggnog Open dedicated to habitat restoration projects, event,” states STAR Director Leiza Fitzger-
and Florida Cracker Invitational Fishing water quality initiatives and fisheries advo- ald.
Tournament. cacy, STAR is a great way for CCA Florida CCA Florida STAR is not only a fun fish-
STAR even has a division for non-an- to engage anglers and non-anglers in their ing competition that provides awareness,
glers; the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division conservation efforts. For the seventh year, and recruits new members to the organiza-
presented by Papa’s Pilar. Participants are CCA Florida will produce a fishing compe- tion, but also provides a large amount of
encouraged to pick up trash from our lo- tition that is not only fun and rewarding for dependent data that can be used by fisher-
cal saltwater shores and bays, take a photo our participants but is raising awareness of ies management groups and universities for
of their full bucket of trash with the West our organization and the continued need further research on stock assessment, habi-
Marine Official STAR measuring device and for the preservation and conservation of tat management and so much more. Please
submit it via the app. This divisions allows our marine resources. take the time to patronize the many part-
for an unlimited number of entries a day Since its launch in 2015, STAR has ners and sponsors of STAR as we would
but the trash must be disposed of. Youth awarded more than $1.3 million in prizes, not be able to offer such a wonderful event
who participate in the trash clean up will with $600,000 of that being Youth schol- without their support.
receive 30 minutes of community service arships to young anglers from Florida and
hours for every five-gallon bucket of trash other states in our catch-and-photo event.
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 232021
2021 STAR will return to the original dates from
Memorial Day to Labor Day, May 29 through September 6.
STAR continues to provide anglers with BOAT SIZE incentives to fish and practice
conservation over the summer. We are experiencing more early registrations than ever before
and will continue to provide great early bird registration incentives from our partners like Engel
Coolers, Humminbird and danco Pliers, so get registered today and be entered in the drawings.
Just a few little hints ... Get the STAR tournament app downloaded on your phone, pick up
the West Marine Official STAR measuring device after May 17th in any West Marine store or
check the website for a distribution location near you and make plans to fish Brevard(www.
visitspacecoast.com), Citrus County (www.discovercrystal river.com), Engelwood/ Punta Gorda
(www.pureflorida.com) as these counties are our destination counties and will have more West
Marine tagged redfish than any other counties. Get out on the water with your family and friends
this summer, catch fish, pick up trash and make memories, you may even land a winning fish!
24
For more information on STAR, please visit www.CCAFLSTAR.com
S E A WAT C H • W I N T E R 2 0 - 2 1presents
REDFISH LODGE'S LOW COUNTRY BOIL
A tried-and-true Southern tradition, Redfish Lodge’s Low Country Shrimp Boil is best
enjoyed outdoors with friends (even better after a great day fishing). Cleanup is minimal if
you skip plates and serve on paper-covered tables. Just drain the shrimp and pile high
where everyone can dig in. Peel, eat and be merry.
INGREDIENTS
• 12 cloves garlic, peeled
DIRECTIONS • 1 lemon cut in fourths
• 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
• Heat 2 gallons water to a boil, then add first 8 ingredients.
• 20 cloves
• When water returns to a boil, add butter and potatoes. • 4 bay leaves
• Boil 10 min, add corn and sausage, boil 5 min, add shrimp • 4 tsp salt
and boil 2 min. • 2 tsp Tabasco sauce
• 2 onions, quartered
• Drain, season with Old Bay and cayenne to taste, serve
• 10 small new potatoes
with cocktail sauce and lots of napkins
• 1/4 lb butter
• 3 lbs 31-35 shrimp, no heads
• 10 small ears corn
• 1/2 lb smoked sausage, cut in 1/2 inch coins
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 25COMPLETED
HABITAT
PROJECTS 1
Since 2010, and in collaboration with the Building Conservation
Trust, CCA has contributed $820,000 which has been leveraged
with our partners to over $4,900,000 in habitat projects
statewide. Join us in these efforts!
1. CCA/South Walton Artificial Reef 21. Naples Bay Oyster Restoration Project
Association, Inc. Reefs
22. CCA Florida Bay Seagrass Restoration
2. CCA Reef/MBARA
23. CCA/UNF Florida Bay Turtle Grass Research Project
3. CCA/Ocean Aid 360 Apalachicola Ghost Trap Rodeo
24. CCA/No Shoes Reef 4
4. CCA/FDEP/Duke Spartina Grass Replanting
25. CCA/BCT Goggle Eye Reef
5. CCA/BCT Billy’s Barge Artificial Reef
26. CCA/BCT Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation Reef
6. NCBS Lone Cabbage Reef Fish Monitoring
27. CCA/BCT Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation “No
7. CCA/UF/IFAS Centipede Bay Oyster Shoes” Reef
Reef Restoration
28. CCA/Florida Oceanographic Society Seagrass and
8. CCA/Hernando Co. Ghost Ship Reef Oyster Restoration
9. CCA/BCT/Tampa Bay Watch Fantasy Island 29. CCA/MCAC Brause Girls Reef
Oyster Restoration
30. CCA Curtis Bostick Reef
10. CCA/BCT/Tampa Bay Watch 2D Island Oyster
Restoration 31. CCA/Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Seagrass Restoration
11. CCA/FWC Suncoast Youth Conservation Center
Saltwater Pond 32. CCA Indian River Lagoon RISSA Seagrass Buoys
and Oyster Restoration
12. CCA/Ocean Aid 360 Apalachicola Ghost Trap Rodeo
33. CCA Spotted Seatrout Acoustic Study
13 CCA/UCF De Soto National Memorial Living
Shoreline Stabilization 34. CCA/UCF/NPS Canaveral Nat’l Seashore Indian
Midden Living Shoreline Restoration
14. CCA/BCT Sean Gucken Memorial Reef
35. CCA/BCT Lady Philomena Cargo Ship - Volusia
15. CCA/Sarasota Bay Watch Clam Restoration County Reef Site No. 12
16. CCA/FWC Larry Borden Artificial Reef – 36. CCA/UCF Tomoka State Park Indian Midden Living
Manatee County Shoreline Restoration
17. CCA/Lee County USS Mohawk CGC Reef – 37. CCA/Heineken/UCF Tomoka State Park Indian
Veterans Memorial Reef Midden Living Shoreline Restoration
18. CCA/BCT/Lee County Punta Rassa Oyster 38. CCA/City of Fernandina Living Shoreline Oyster
Restoration Restoration
19. CCA/BCT/Lee County San Carlos Bay Oyster 39. CCA/BCT Starship Reef
Restoration
40. CCA/BCT Jacksonville River Reef
20. LBHS Prop Scar Restoration and Sea Grass Project
26 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1ccaflorida.org
BUILDING
CONSERVATION
TRUST
CCA’s Habitat
40
39
2 38
3 5
4
6 37 36
35
34
7
8
33
9 10 32
12 11 31 30
29
14 13 28
16 15
27
26
18 20 25
17
19 24
21
23
22
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 27ONGOING &
UPCOMING
HABITAT 1
PROJECTS
Since 2010, and in collaboration with the Building
Conservation Trust, CCA has contributed $820,000 which
has been leveraged with our partners to over $4,900,000 in
habitat projects statewide. Join us in these efforts!
1. CCA/Chochtawatchee Bay/Toadfish Living Shoreline Restoration
2. CCA/FDEP/Duke Energy/Conservation Corps Spartina Grass Replanting
3. Dr. Bart Carey Memorial Reef
4. CCA/Epic Tails Charters/Watergoat Project
5. CCA Phoenix Reef
6. CCA/Turtle Bay Oyster Reef Restoration
7. CCA John Michael Baker Memorial Reef - Broward County
8. CCA Broward Chapter Pilot Oyster Project
9. CCA Bob Burton Memorial Reef
10. CCA/Addictive Fishing/FWC/UF Indian River Lagoon Clam Restoration
11. CCA/Brevard County Artificial Reefs
12. CCA/UCF Mosquito Lagoon Oyster Restoration
13. CCA Oyster Shell Recycling Program
28 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1ccaflorida.org
BUILDING
CONSERVATION
TRUST
CCA’s Habitat
2 3
12
13
11
4
10
5 6 9
Ongoing
Upcoming
8 7
Coastal Cleanups
Redfish Stock Enhancement
Locations - Total of 200 Adults
and 38,000 Juveniles released
Snook Stock Enhancement
Location - 5,000 Juveniles
released
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 29habitat RECYCLED OYSTER SHELLS TO CREATE NEW REEF IN CHARLOTTE HARBOR 30 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
CCA Florida and
partners join effort to
create new oyster reef
in Turtle Bay
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 31Turtle Bay Oyster Reef
continued from page 31
In March, water quality, marine fisheries and recreational angling
receive a big boost when two dump truck loads of oyster shells were
deployed in Turtle Bay in Charlotte Harbor. Coastal Conservation
Association Florida (CCA Florida) partnered with Ingman Marine,
Abbott Construction, Lee Reefs, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation
Foundation (SCCF), Capt. Jay Withers, Placida Point LLC, Clermont
Oyster Bar and Lake County Solid Waste Division to make this
project a reality.
(continued on page 34)
32 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1This is a unique
partnership
involving a huge
amount of support
from the community
as well as our
sponsors and
members.
Adam Miller,
—
CCA Florida Chief
Operating Officer
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 33Turtle Bay Oyster Reef
continued from page 33
Abbott Construction hauled the dried-out oyster shells from CCA
Florida’s Oyster Recycling Program at the Lake County Landfill in
Astatula to a staging area in Placida. The materials were loaded onto a
barge provided by Abbott Construction and deployed in Turtle Bay at a
pre-permitted location.
“This is a unique partnership involving a huge amount of support from
the community as well as our sponsors and members,” CCA Florida
Chief Operating Officer Adam Miller said. “With all the water quality
issues Charlotte Harbor is facing, it is important to partner together
and do what we can to help restore the water quality, seagrasses and
marine life.”
(continued on page 37)
34 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 35
36 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
Turtle Bay Oyster Reef
continued from page 34
Turtle Bay Oyster Reef
continued from page 34
The recycled oyster shell, donated
by the Clermont Oyster Bar, are first
dried out for six months to kill any
potential pathogens and will eventually
attract new oyster larvae and over
time will form a new oyster reef.
“It is critical to come together and
pool our resources in effort to tackle
larger areas in need of restoration,”
CCA Florida’s Director of Habitat
and Environmental Restoration Frank
Gidus said. “With an estimated 85%
loss of oyster reefs worldwide,
efforts for restoration must be made
a priority all around the state.”
The federal pre-permitted location
allows for more material to be
deployed at this Turtle Bay site. In the
near future, SCCF and Lee Reefs plan
to deploy fossilized shell to serve
as a host structure for new oyster
growth, creating a foundation for
new oyster reef to form. Oyster reefs
filter pollutants, reduce turbidity and
create habitat for a variety of
marine species.
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 37habitat
Habitat
Hero
38 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1Several years ago, CCA Florida was 1-year-old and bounced around child visiting his grandparents in
began recognizing members who on the West Coast of Florida dur- North Carolina hiking and fishing,
have gone above and beyond with ing his youth from St. Petersburg to and thoroughly enjoyed the good,
regard to habitat restoration in Sea Rotonda, graduating from Boca Cei- quality time he had with them.
Watch. In this edition, we are rec- ga High School. He enjoys boating, Mike joined CCA Florida in the
ognizing Mike Brimer, President of shooting, fishing, four-wheeling and early 2000s but never envisioned
the CCA Charlotte County Chap- golf, and his favorite fish to catch being as involved to the extent he
ter and General Manager of Ingman is the snook because of its strong and Ingman Marine are today. Over
Marine, as the next Habitat Hero. fight and acrobatics. He grew up the years as Ingman Marine grew,
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, fishing Charlotte Harbor since the the opportunity to sponsor more
Mike moved to Florida when he age of 4. He spent summers as a
(continued on page 40)
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 39Habitat Hero
continued from page 39
of the local CCA chapter banquets tat project, and in early 2017 the idea took that chapter over,” Mike said.
in the region grew. Today, Ingman for the Phoenix Reef was born. They “The Phoenix Reef project was ex-
Marine sponsors five different local wanted to create a new reef acces- citing from the standpoint of build-
chapter banquets including Mana- sible to most boats and make annual ing a habitat/nursery where none
tee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and deployments on the reef eventually existed before. As soon as Gary
Arcadia. As involved as Mike and In- making it one of the largest reefs in Ingman, one of my board members,
gman Marine were with CCA, they southwest Florida. “The Phoenix heard the details of the project he
really wanted to give more back to Reef project was presented to the instantly understood the impor-
the environment with a special habi- Charlotte County Chapter after I tance of the project and the value
habitat
40 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1to the community. It was an expen- Pass and conducted the required pre- tion because it was close enough for
sive project due to the barge work dive bottom survey of the site. Lee everyday anglers to get to due to it
needed, which is why after hearing County successfully secured the re- being about 10-12 miles out of Little
the details he announced that Ing- quired permits, and on November 30, Gasparilla Pass and 10-12 miles out
man Marine would pledge $10,000 2018, the idea because a reality when of Boca Grande pass,” Mike said.“The
a year towards the annual project.” CCA and Ingman Marine deployed water depth is about 50 feet which
Mike and CCA staff visited the almost 200 tons of high quality con- meant that we would still get grou-
potential deployment location ap- crete structures on the Phoenix Reef. per and other sought-after species to
proximately 12 miles off of Gasparilla “We were also excited about its loca- (continued on page 42)
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 41A proud sponsor of
PUSH. PULL. POUR. PROTECT.
$1 is donated to the Coastal Conservation Association
for EVERY box of Coast Vodka purchased at ABC.
Your Coast Vodka purchase supports efforts to help
restore Florida’s fragile marine resources, including
reef development, shoreline stabilizations, and the
planting of hundreds of acres of saltmarsh, seagrass
beds and mangroves.
Coast Vodka is 100% recyclable and made in Florida.
42 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1Habitat Hero continued from page 41 migrate thru the area throughout the Mike has always been very in- restocking of thousands of snook year.The proximity of the reef would volved in the local environmental and redfish. He also got wind of a make it possible for even 20-foot issues and has gone above and be- potential project from a very good boats on a nice day to go out to what yond to help create new habitat and customer one day while at work. will become one of the largest artifi- better water quality in and around “An incredibly good customer of cial reefs on the west coast of Florida the Charlotte Harbor area. After mine approached me one day about thanks to the 10-year permit we have the severe red tide in the harbor a a Marine Biology Teacher named to do annual drops.” few years ago, he assisted with the (continued on page 44) habitat S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 43
Habitat Hero
continued from page 43
Mia Conlon who taught at our local A more recent project that Mike the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Pre-
High School. She was working on has been involved with is the Turtle serve that had never been accom-
permits to do propeller scar resto- Bay Oyster Bar Restoration project plished before,” Mike said.
ration work, which was awesome which recently saw its first deploy- Mike would like to see more of
and was a project I was interested ment on March 23, 2021. “This was what has already been accomplished
in doing myself. What made it great brought to me by Adam Miller CCA but on a grander scale. He and In-
is that she was seeking locations Chief Operating Officer, and Mike gman Marine are fully involved and
and permits in Charlotte Harbors Campbell with SWFL Reefs. This ready to do as many projects as
Aquatic Preserve. In short, I was project was something I had wanted possible. “No project is too small,”
able to introduce her to Frank Gi- to do for a few years and am ex- Mike said. He is also very thankful
dus with CCA Florida and we were tremely appreciative to get to be a to everyone involved with CCA.
able to get here $10,000 in fund- part of it. With water quality issues “That’s everyone from the people
ing and also introduce her to some becoming more prevalent in SWSFL that support CCA by going to their
special people at Sea & Shoreline due to a variety of issues as well as local banquet, local businesses that
that will now help her choose the the accomplishment of getting a per- sponsor or attend the banquets, the
equipment that will allow her stu- mit to do a project that helps water CCA staff that most people don’t
dents to grow grass and restore quality, fish habitat, creates a larger even know exist and that without,
larger areas,” Mike said. nursery for our juvenile species in (continued on page 53)
The Official Whiskey of:
44 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1SUNSHINE
FIZZ
Fill glass with ice
1.5 oz old st. Pete
tropical gin
.25 oz lemon juice
.25 oz simple syrup
Top with soda water.
Add strawberries for
garnish.
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 45Show your support for Florida’s fisheries, coastal habitats and marine resources
on the road with a “Conserve Florida’s Fisheries” specialty license plate!
The “Conserve Florida’s Fisheries” license plate voucher will be available at local DMV
offices across Florida’s 67 counties
Funds from the sale of this license plate support protecting and enhancing saltwater
marine resources, expanding habitat restoration efforts, developing saltwater fisheries
conservation and enriching coastal environmental education.
Designed by Capt. Mike Goodwine of Blackneck Adventures and graphic designer Jesse Starr
Special thanks to Rep. James “J.W.”Grant and Sen. Aaron Bean for their support
and helping advance the “Conserve Florida’s Fisheries” license plate
For additional information, please visit REDFISHTag.com
46 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 47
Conserve Florida’s Fisheries Specialty License Plate
Achieves 3,000 Pre-Sale Requirement Guaranteeing
Statewide Production And Distribution
nd marine resources
Proceeds from Specialty Redfish our marine habitat today and generations to come.”
Tag will Protect and Enhance The redfish tag features lush mangroves accompanied by a
vibrant redfish tail, designating it the “redfish tag.” Funds from
Florida’s Marine Environments
icense plate!
Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida),
the sale of this license plate support protecting and enhanc-
ing saltwater marine resources, expanding habitat restora-
tion efforts, developing saltwater fisheries conservation and
the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries
enriching coastal environmental education.
conservation, education and advocacy, announced its “Con-
The redfish tag license plate voucher is $32.50 and avail-
serve Florida’s Fisheries” license plate will officially go into
able online at redfishtag.com or in-person at local Tax Collec-
production as it fulfilled the minimum 3,000 pre-sale vouch-
tor’s Offices across the state. Vouchers can be purchased for
ers, required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety
car, trucks, boat trailers or any motorized vehicle and will be
purchased online at
and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
The “Conserve Florida’s Fisheries” plate was one of 41
approved plates under House Bill 1135, as signed into law by
redeemable for the plate once printed.
CCA Florida appreciates the support of Rep. James “J.W.”
Grant, Sen. Aaron Bean, Sen. George Gainer and Rep. Chris
Gov. Ron DeSantis in October. Organizations were granted
Latvala for helping advance the “Conserve Florida’s Fisheries”
a two-year period to meet the minimum pre-sale mandate
license plate. The redfish tag was designed by CCA Florida
and CCA Florida completed the requirement within 12
member Capt. Mike Goodwine of Blackneck Adventures and
weeks.
graphic designer Jesse Starr.
“After three years of working with Florida’s lawmakers, the
chance to see CCA Florida’s license plate is now a reality,” CCA Florida is committed to enriching Florida’s marine
Director of Advocacy Trip Aukeman said. “We are passionate resources for today and generations to come.
about protecting Florida’s fisheries, and now, we can show that
support off the water and on the road. Purchasing a Conserve
Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen | 407.617.0604
mhpeelen@ccaflorida.org
enhancing saltwater
Florida’s Fisheries specialty plate is an investment to protect
48 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1FISH HOW YOU WANT
ALL DAY
The Power-Pole CHARGE Marine Power Management Station does the work of three devices — a
traditional battery charger, a charge-on-the-run and an emergency start system — all in one
compact unit. The CHARGE automatically manages your power supply to all of your batteries and
with the C-Monster app, you can monitor those batteries in real time, giving you the power to fish
how you want for as long as you need to without having to worry about your power supply.
For complete details or to find a dealer, go to power-pole.com.
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 49VACATION HOME
SITTING EMPTY?
ccaflorida.org
Let CCA Help Fill Your Unused Weeks
We host events
throughout the year
and can keep your
property full.
Our members are your
target audience.
Whether you need
to fill one week or 50,
Contact Adam Miller at (941) 270-0895 we can help.
50 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 51
Start up
with ease.
STA RT Every time.
Run faster,
cleaner,
U N
smoother.
R Store with
RE
confidence
T O
between use.
S
WWW.STARTRON.COM
52
PROTECTION + PERFORMANCE S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1Habitat Hero
continued from page 44
these projects would never make it past
a talking point. It is truly amazing what
this community of anglers, environmen-
talists and watermen have and can ac-
complish. I’m just proud to be a very
small part of this amazing community,”
he said.
In line with CCA’s objective to conserve,
promote and enhance the present and future
availability of those coastal resources for the
benefit and enjoyment of the general public,
habitat restoration continues to be a major
focus around the state. Over the last several
years, hundreds of CCA members have volun-
teered countless hours on habitat restoration
projects and on helping acquire the funding for
those projects. Without these volunteers and
the increasingly important habitat restoration
efforts, both our habitat and our fisheries would
suffer greatly. Based on this, CCA regularly rec-
ognizes in Sea Watch some of the people that
have gone above and beyond to help protect
and restore our fragile coastal resources. For
more information or to recommend a CCA
member as a Habitat Hero, please contact
Frank Gidus at fgidus@ccaflorida.org.
Sunset Mule
Fill Glass with Ice
1.5 oz Old St. Pete
Sunset Gin
Fill with Ginger Beer
Squeeze of Lime.
Garnish with Orange
S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 53don’t miss it
CCA FLORIDA PET CLUB
By joining the CCA Florida Pet Club*, your pet
will support Florida’s marine fisheries, habitat,
waterways, coasts and more. Join us as we
continue to work toward enhancing
these resources and Florida’s fishing future.
Invest in the CCA Florida Pet Club
and your pet will receive:
AN EXCLUSIVE CCA The CCA
FLORIDA PET BANDANA lorida Pet Club
for Florida’s
THE OFFICIAL CCA FLORIDA PET four-legged
CLUB CERTIFICATE fish friends!
*Please Include Name of Pet in “Order Notes” upon Checkout
https://ccaflorida.org/product/petclub/
Endless Summer
Fill Glass with Ice
1 oz Oak & Palm
Coconut Rum
.5 oz Amaretto
4 oz Orange Juice
Splash of grenadine.
Garnish with
pineapple
54 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1Looking For
A Guide?
https://ccaflorida.org/product/cca-florida-custom-toadfish/
Purchase your
custom CCA
Florida Toadfish
Non-Tipping Log on to
ccaflorida.org
Can Cooler! This and choose from
our regionalized
koozie is the directory of Florida
first of its kind guides who support
CCA’s conservation
un-spillable initiatives.
beverage cooler.
From rocking
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on a boat or
wagging dog
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product will Memorial Day
keep your drink to Labor Day,
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S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1 5556 S E A WAT C H • S P R I N G 2 1
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