The conservation-minded attendees of the Coastal Conservation Association, Treasure Coast Chapter’s Annual Banquet and Auction, held last Thursday evening at the Vero Beach Country Club, are in the game – to tackle the growing challenges to recreational fishing in Florida.
“We are all on the same team here and we’re working hard to protect our fisheries and marine habitat,” said chapter president Lange Sykes. “I, for one, want future generations to be able to enjoy the recovery of the marine resources of our state.”
Time and time again this has proven to be no easy task. But, thanks to strong advocacy and monetary support, CCA Florida has had multiple successes with key initiatives. Lange outlined some of them during the dinner program.
Hot topics such as management of saltwater species and habit regeneration top the list. CCA Florida created a Water Quality and Seagrass Subcommittee within its Government Relations Committee, which worked with Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to prevent severe access restrictions to recreational fishermen.
The CCA played a key role in a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Florida, which denied a petition by the Wakulla Fishermen’s Association and upheld the state’s net ban amendment that was approved by 72 percent of voters in 1994.
Locally, CCA has been engaged in efforts to reconstitute oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon, and helped motivate concerned citizens to voice their opposition to the proposed Oslo boat ramp expansion project. The Board of County Commissioners ultimately voted to table the environmentally destructive project for at least three years.
“It’s a constant battle,” said Dan Askin, general manager of CCA Florida, of fighting commercial fishermen interests, restoring habitat and continuing angler access. “The issues don’t go away in a year.”
The banquet included a silent auction and raffle, and a live auction that featured in-state and exotic trips, an Engel “Cooler of Cheer,” and a paddle board from Three Brothers Boards. Attendees also had an opportunity to meet acclaimed marine artist, Carey Chen.
Nick Pectol, CCA regional director, highlighted the importance of the annual fundraiser to help boost programs that help maintain fisheries in the marine environment. “I’ve fished these waters since I was 10,” he said, noting that the conservation group’s efforts are paying off. “You see manatees are doing well, dolphins chasing mullet, and there’s plenty of food to go around – the main driving force behind the ecosystem and food chain.”
“This community has a big affinity for the lagoon and realizes what it’s worth,” he said. “People want to be involved.”
The local CCA chapter, which has 335 members, is one of 206 chapters in the United States with an overall membership of 100,000. Presenting sponsors of the event were Dyer Fort Pierce, Marine Connection and Pathfinder.