Attached is the latest in artificial reef regulation. As I read the regulations for Florida, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, as a businessman, I can see the benefits of restricting “materials of opportunity” and I'm flattered that most of my reef units meet or exceed the guidelines drafted by the Corps of Engineers and the London Convention Draft of Artificial Reef Guidelines. However, it saddens me that the regulations deter local fishermen from the art and joy of reef building by restricting the acceptable material to things not affordable to most. In addition, these new regulations wheel the final deathblow to private reef building in Florida.
In addition to the restriction of materials, its puts a heavy burden on the permit holders (County Governments) to spend most of their reef money complying with unnecessary regulations that other Corps Districts do not require of their permit holders. So much for equality under the law. The Corps of Florida must consider Floridians second-class and less responsible than Alabamians. Possibly that is why Alabama has amassed over 40% of the entire recreational catch of Red Snapper with only 1.5% of the coastline with a more liberal artificial reef program under a more friendly Corps. All this at no cost to the taxpayer.
This comes at the worst possible time for fishermen in Florida, when the National Marine Fisheries Service has self-admittedly botched their duties in managing our fishery. Their actions will bankrupt a lot of businesses and cost many jobs. I do not think any fisherman would complain if their actions improved the fishery, but to limit seasons and the total allowable catch on Red Snapper when everyone, including NMFS knows the Gulf of Mexico is overflowing with Red Snapper is criminal. Local fishermen and all the people that make their living from recreatinal fishing feel abandoned by our representives in the government, including both State and Federal. I encourage everyone concerned to contact Bob Zales bobzales@att.net for information about how you can help.
