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FL Gov DeSantis’ Budget Plans $30 Million for Apalachicola Oysters
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized preserving Florida’s natural resources by prioritizing Florida’s oyster reefs. Oysters and the reefs they form are pretty much the backbone of coastal ecosystems and the inshore fisheries. The oyster reefs form three-dimensional structures in the water that provide habitats for other aquatic creatures like crabs and fish. Additionally, their ability to filter large quantities of water through their filter feeding improves water quality by clearing sediment and algae from the water column. This creates clearer water that can allow more aquatic plants, like seagrasses, to grow and create a richer ecosystem. So with Apalachicola Bay historically accounting for 90% of Florida’s and 10% of the nation’s wild oyster harvest, the Governer is has called for $30 million in funding to be set towards the Apalachicola oysters.
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“Florida leads the way in conservation thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, and that includes our efforts to expedite the restoration of oyster reefs in Apalachicola Bay and seagrass along Crystal River,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Under his stewardship, Floridians will continue to thrive in the Free State of Florida, with increased fishing, hunting, boating, and outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Historical Photo of Oyster shuckers at Apalachicola, Fla.
This funding is to be used to expedite FWC’s efforts to restore and recover oyster habitats, with $25 million set to help restore and recover oyster habitats in the bay system to help replenish the collapsed Apalachicola oyster fishery. The additional $5 million is to be set aside for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) projects that are planned to support the Apalachicola Bay Area of Critical State Concern. The continuation of this work will be crucial in the success of restoring the oyster populations, the long-term recovery of the Apalachicola Bay oyster industry, and the long term health and quality of the inshore fishing in the area.
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FL Gov DeSantis’ Budget Plans $30 Million for Apalachicola Oysters
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized preserving Florida’s natural resources by prioritizing Florida’s oyster reefs. Oysters and the reefs they form are pretty much the backbone of coastal ecosystems and the inshore fisheries. The oyster reefs form three-dimensional structures in the water that provide habitats for other aquatic creatures like crabs and fish. Additionally, their ability to filter large quantities of water through their filter feeding improves water quality by clearing sediment and algae from the water column. This creates clearer water that can allow more aquatic plants, like seagrasses, to grow and create a richer ecosystem. So with Apalachicola Bay historically accounting for 90% of Florida’s and 10% of the nation’s wild oyster harvest, the Governer is has called for $30 million in funding to be set towards the Apalachicola oysters.
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“Florida leads the way in conservation thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, and that includes our efforts to expedite the restoration of oyster reefs in Apalachicola Bay and seagrass along Crystal River,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Under his stewardship, Floridians will continue to thrive in the Free State of Florida, with increased fishing, hunting, boating, and outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Historical Photo of Oyster shuckers at Apalachicola, Fla.
This funding is to be used to expedite FWC’s efforts to restore and recover oyster habitats, with $25 million set to help restore and recover oyster habitats in the bay system to help replenish the collapsed Apalachicola oyster fishery. The additional $5 million is to be set aside for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) projects that are planned to support the Apalachicola Bay Area of Critical State Concern. The continuation of this work will be crucial in the success of restoring the oyster populations, the long-term recovery of the Apalachicola Bay oyster industry, and the long term health and quality of the inshore fishing in the area.
The post FL Gov DeSantis’ Budget Plans $30 Million for Apalachicola Oysters appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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