Saturday, January 18, 2025
Executive Director Roger A. Young | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida highlights major conservation achievements under Governor DeSantis

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a series of achievements in conservation for the year 2024. The state, known for its fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities, continues to prioritize the preservation of natural resources under Governor Ron DeSantis's leadership.

"Governor DeSantis, with his unwavering commitment, continues to make conserving Florida’s natural resources one of his top priorities," stated FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. He emphasized that the governor's leadership ensures Florida's conservation legacy will endure.

FWC Executive Director Roger Young expressed gratitude towards Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their dedication to environmental protection. "This steadfast support plays a vital role in preserving Florida’s unparalleled beauty," he said.

A significant initiative under Governor DeSantis is encouraging families to explore Florida's outdoors through Executive Order 24-238. This includes offering residents discounts on hunting and fishing licenses, generating over $2 million in sales with 83,000 discounted licenses issued.

Governor DeSantis also extended the Gulf red snapper recreational season by 17 days, marking a total of 120 days for 2024. This extension followed an initial announcement of a 103-day season earlier this year.

The annual Florida Python Challenge resulted in the removal of 195 Burmese pythons from the Everglades ecosystem. The event saw participation from individuals across multiple states and Canada.

In collaboration with various partners, FWC has made strides in managing invasive species like lionfish and expanding public hunting opportunities by adding over 130,000 acres across nine new wildlife management areas.

Efforts to protect manatees have been bolstered with expanded care facilities and habitat restoration projects. From 2018 through 2024, FWC conducted over 750 manatee rescues statewide.

Significant investments have been made in red tide research since Governor DeSantis took office. More than $14.5 million has supported tracking harmful algal blooms while an additional $18 million was allocated for mitigation technology development initiatives with Mote Marine Laboratory.

FWC's Vessel Turn-In Program has seen success since its launch in late 2022 with over 100 vessels removed as part of derelict vessel prevention efforts. In response to hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton more than 700 derelict vessels were identified statewide; many have been processed or removed by contractors or owners themselves.

In fisheries management news: collaborations continue between commercial/recreational anglers via summits/projects aimed at improving data collection; Monroe County launched its first artificial reef deployment after securing necessary permits thanks partly due assistance provided through DMFM programs which celebrated milestones such as recording their fifteenth-thousandth bass catch highlighting importance private partnerships play preserving top-notch angling experiences available throughout Sunshine State today!

Research efforts included investigating abnormal fish behavior reported within Keys region utilizing legislative funding alongside local guides collecting crucial information needed understand events impacting Biscayne Bay area better overall contributing valuable insights regarding sea turtle conservation monitored approximately hundred twenty-four thousand nests recorded record-breaking nesting seasons endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles among others during past year alone!

For further details about these initiatives visit MyFWC.com