2004 FLORIDA ARTIFICIAL REEF SUMMIT

"Planning For The Future"

April 27-28, 2004
SARASOTA, FLORIDA
 
 
Purpose
 
The Artificial Reef Strategic Plan is intended to serve as a blueprint for both the FWC and the coastal local government programs for the next five years. The Plan is intended to guide the FWC state artificial reef program and other artificial reef-related activities statewide. This strategic plan will provide the foundation for a detailed operational artificial reef plan that will serve to update the 1992 Florida State Artificial Reef Plan.
 
The strategic plan embodies seven guiding principles or purposes:
 
1. To optimize the biological and economic benefits of artificial reefs in Florida to ensure that the marine environment, human health and marine organisms are protected, restored, enhanced or sustained;
   
2. To provide policy guidance based upon the best available scientific and experiential information, and best management practices for artificial reef development;
   
3. To support data collection, the use of innovative technology, and evaluation to adjust management approaches for accomplishing the objectives of the artificial reef strategic plan;
   
4. To support the pursuit of adequate funding to accomplish the objectives of Florida's artificial reef program;
   
5. To provide future direction for the development of FWC artificial reef rules and other related rules and policies;
   
6. To provide a framework for public education and outreach about artificial reefs in Florida;
   
7. To provide guidance for operational planning and technical assistance at state, regional and local levels consistent with state strategic artificial reef plan.
 
In addition to the guiding principles or purposes of the strategic plan, the strategic plan is also comprised of six primary goals. Each goal includes specific objectives to achieve the goal. Tactics for meeting each objective have also been included and will be used as guidance when developing the state Artificial Reef Operational Plan.