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Marine Fisheries Research

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s marine fisheries research efforts focus on Florida's recreational and commercial marine fisheries species.

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Photo Credit: FWC

Based on the direct expenditures of recreational anglers and on the wholesale value received by commercial fishers, Florida’s marine fishery resources are valued at nearly $2 billion per year. Through application of economic multipliers such as commercial sales and industry-related jobs, this translates to as much as $5 billion to $8 billion in actual economic benefit to Florida. Marine fishery resources also contribute non-monetary value to Florida, providing ecosystem support for other marine animals, such as sea birds and bottlenose dolphins, as well as aesthetic attraction for visitors and residents alike. The public expects the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to protect and enhance these marine fishery resources for Florida’s residents, tourists, and future generations.

The Marine Fisheries Research Section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) maintains programs that monitor commercial and recreational marine fisheries. The section collects and integrates essential biological and harvest information used to assess and predict harvest trends. Biologists examine the life histories, genetic characteristics, population structure and dynamics, ecology, and stock enhancement potential of important recreational and commercial fish and invertebrate species. The Marine Fisheries Research Section also provides the FWC and interstate commissions and councils with expert assessments and advice concerning management of Florida’s natural resources.

The resources of the Marine Fisheries Research Section are integrated with the Freshwater Fisheries Research, the Wildlife Research, the Ecosystem Assessment and Restoration, and the Information Science and Management sections. The Marine Fisheries Research Section includes six subsections: Fisheries-Independent Monitoring, Fisheries-Dependent Monitoring, Marine Fisheries Biology, Marine Fisheries Stock Assessment, Marine Fisheries Stock Enhancement, and Keys Fisheries Research. Together, these programs provide nearly all of the biological information and analyses used by the FWC and other fisheries managers in regulating Florida’s marine resources.

Additional Information:

• 2007-2008 Marine Fisheries Research Programs (PDF File—501 KB)
  
• Saltwater Research

Learn more about the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

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