Healthy fisheries in Biscayne National Park boon to tourists and economy | Opinion

The Sunshine State, aptly named for its sunny skies and warm days, attracts visitors to enjoy a wide array of activities, from boating and fishing, to diving and wildlife watching.

With the outdoor recreation industry providing such a big contribution to the state’s economy — about $42 billion a year — it is critical that we do everything we can to protect our natural resources so visitors and residents can continue to enjoy them far into the future.

That’s why the recent collaborative effort between the National Park Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) — in conjunction with the boating and conservation communities — to develop a fisheries plan for one of the state’s biggest assets, Biscayne National Park, is so monumental. In a meaningful step for Florida’s fisheries and its vibrant outdoor economy, FWC approved the plan last week. It will go into effect later this year on July 1.

Over the long term, this plan presents common-sense, balanced and scientifically supported fisheries management, unlike the Park Service’s 10,000-acre marine reserve. The plan will create a sustainable fishery that increases the abundance and size of fish species by 20 percent, while avoiding unnecessary access restrictions that would inhibit visitors from responsibly enjoying the park’s natural beauty. This effort is a win for anglers, boaters and Floridians.

Maintaining sustainable fisheries is a significant component of our industry-wide commitment to being environmental stewards. As a lifelong angler and an owner of a boat manufacturing business, I know how important this development is for conserving Biscayne National Park for current and future generations. This plan also signals broader, much-needed momentum for the state and the recreational boating industry as we continue to find ways to bring stakeholders together with a common goal of ensuring our natural resources can be enjoyed into the future.

Healthy fisheries are not only good for precious wildlife and the environment; they are vital to supporting Florida’s economy through jobs and economic contributions. Recent data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis reaffirms outdoor recreation’s role as an economic driver in Florida, where outdoor recreation — led by boating and fishing —accounts for 4.3 percent of the state’s GDP and supports more than 502,000 jobs.

During the 79th Miami International Boat Show earlier this month, the industry’s economic impact was on full display for the rest of Florida. With a statewide economic impact of more than $854 million, the boat show delivers approximately double the economic impact of a Super Bowl.

Allowing these economic contributions to continue is why the Biscayne National Park fisheries plan is a big step for Florida. It creates a dynamic that will allow businesses in the state to prosper while conserving the environment for generations to come.

The plan is only one piece of broader efforts needed to increase the longevity of our fisheries. The thoughtful collaboration that preceded this plan must continue into the future in order to achieve the best outcome for Florida’s environment and the outdoor economy.

Joe Neber is the president and owner of Contender Boats.