Biscayne National Park Wants to Dispel Rumors. By Geniusofdespair

Mark Lewis, Superintendent of Biscayne National Park (a marine park), wrote a letter to the Miami Herald about the new Management Plan. Some fisherman are in an uproar because they say that the plan bans them from fishing in most of the park. In response Lewis says:

"The park is proposing that only 7 percent of the waters be included in the marine reserve. This leaves the vast majority of the park — 151,000 acres — open to fishing."

I am including the whole letter because I don't like rumors (unless I make them up):

As the superintendent of Biscayne National Park, I thank The Miami Herald for its balanced analysis of the park’s draft General Management Plan and the proposed marine reserve zone ( Preserving our fisheries, March 28, Opinion).

There are several misperceptions concerning the park, the plan and the marine reserve zone among members of the public.

In our draft, we proposed setting aside a very small portion of park waters as a marine reserve to offer the public an unparalleled recreation opportunity — a healthy coral reef.

The marine reserve sets aside a small area of the park where visitors will have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or dive an intact, vibrant coral reef ecosystem, which the park is supposed to contain and preserve.

The park is proposing that only 7 percent of the waters be included in the marine reserve. This leaves the vast majority of the park — 151,000 acres — open to fishing.

The park values its relationship with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and has entered into a written agreement to collaborate on a Fisheries Management Plan. That plan is distinct from the General Management Plan and will develop appropriate fishery management limits to restore fish resources throughout the entire park.

Some say the proposed marine reserve violates our agreement with the Commission. However, this goal is consistent with the agreement.

The 7 percent of the park set aside for the marine reserve protects the coral reef ecosystem and helps balance the competing interests of fishing and non-fishing visitors.

Although economic data suggest the park supports more than 400 local jobs, we don’t receive anywhere close to the 10 million angler trips a year cited within the editorial. Our best estimate is that we receive about 500,000 visits annually. Many of those visits are by picnickers, campers, snorkelers, divers, history buffs and visitors who ride the concession tour boats.

Most of the anglers in the Miami area appear to pass through the park and fish in deeper waters, possibly because the park contains so few fish meeting legal size limits.

Managing America’s national parks requires a delicate balance between use and preservation. At Biscayne National Park, our management goal is to protect precious resources while offering rewarding experiences for all visitors.

Mark Lewis, Superintendent
Biscayne National Park