Tallahassee

January 4, 2009

The Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative partners have submitted a comprehensive hatchery proposal to be considered as part of the upcoming federal economic stimulus package.  The package is being submitted to Governor Crist's office and to Florida's congressional delegation.

The stimulus package would construct 7 recreational marine hatcheries on the East and West Coasts, creating 3,129 immediate jobs and 169 permanent green jobs for Florida at a cost of $138 million.  An additional $10 million has been requested for critical fish habitat restoration for the Indian River Lagoon and Tampa Bay; an investment that would create an additional 350 immediate green jobs for local communities.

State-wide angler and boater support has been strong and growing for the Initiative.

To review the full proposal click here. (Right click, then click "save as," "save target as," or "save link as" to download.)

For additional information contact:

Brett Boston

Wildlife Foundation of Florida

bboston@wildlifefoundation.net

1.800.988.4889