The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a significant change in nomenclature, renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14172 and is formalized through FWC’s Executive Order 25-04. The change will be reflected across all Commission materials, documents, maps, forms, and resources.
Roger Young, the Executive Director of FWC, emphasized the importance of this body of water: “As a vital resource for the State of Florida and its citizenry, providing both recreational and economic opportunities through fishing, boating, tourism and other outdoor pursuits, the Gulf of America plays a significant role in our nation and state’s economy and leisure activities.”
The FWC oversees several divisions related to the Gulf of America:
– The Division of Marine Fisheries Management focuses on managing marine life in Florida. It develops recommendations for commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries resources and implements marine fisheries management programs.
– The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute provides research and technical information on wildlife and marine life in Florida.
– The Division of Law Enforcement enforces laws related to marine life conservation and ensures safe use of state waterways for boating.
– Within this division, the Boating and Waterways Section manages state waterways to promote safe boating practices. This includes coordinating waterway markers, providing boating education programs, improving access for boaters, and removing derelict vessels from state waters.
The mission of FWC is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being while benefiting people. More information about FWC can be found at MyFWC.com.
