Rod and Gun Fishing Members and anyone, for that matter, who enjoy our unique environment, are encouraged to give feedback, concerns, issues and recommendations to help design the new blue print for our waters.
The plan includes four alternatives including status quo and three alternatives that range in levels of protection. Each alternative addresses potential boundary changes, sanctuary wide-regulation changes and potential new zones (and associated regulations). The alternatives also include a Management Plan, which speaks to the considerable activities sanctuary staff undertake on a day-to-day basis that provide resource protection benefits.
The public is invited to comment on these plans to help shape the future of these precious resources. Public comments will be taken until January 31, 2020. Comments can be sent by letter to Sarah Fangman, Superintendent, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (33 East Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040) or using Regulations.gov using docket number NOAA-NOS-2019-0094. Comments received to date can also be viewed on that regulations.gov web site. As a reminder: comments can be taken on any aspect of the proposals, and may support actions that are included in different alternatives. More information about the proposals (including interactive maps that can be used to visually explore the alternatives) and how to get involved is available at www.floridakeys.noaa.gov/blueprint
Now is the time to have your voice heard as we make important decisions about the future of our marine environment.
Looking ahead, please mark your calendars; March 31st for our Annual Event – Rod & Gun Movie Night. We will be having the the Short Sporting Films, back by popular demand, and a delicious dinner. If you haven’t already done so, visit HERE info and directions to the Range and hours of operation: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am-3pm. Membership details are available on the website as well. Share your Member Sporting Pictures by texting Wendy at 203 253-7790. We love sharing our Rod & Gun Members photos and including them in our Annual Event slide show!
And check out JJ Henn on Wingman with a sailfish – Reef Cup 2020. And congratulations to Sweat Release/Buckalot for the victory!
