Resolution 054-2023 � Board of County Commissioners
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RESOLUTION NO. 054 -2023
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE FLORIDA FISH AND
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION'S (FWC)
ARTIFICIAL REEF CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Florida Constitution states at Article X, Section 16(a) that the
"marine resources of the State of Florida belong to all of the people of the State and
should be conserved and managed for the benefit of the sate, its people, and future
generations;" and
WHEREAS, the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is authorized
by Article IV, Section 9 of the Florida Constitution to exercise the State's executive and
regulatory powers with respect to protecting our marine resources; and
WHEREAS, FWC is charged by F.S. 379.249 to create and administer an
artificial reef program; and
WHEREAS, marine artificial reefs are constructed of man-made or natural
materials intentionally placed on on the seafloor with the intent of protecting marine
resources by accomplishing one or more biological or socio-economic objectives; and
WHEREAS, the intent of these artificial reef placements is to achieve one or more
objectives, usually related to providing additional long-term fishing and diving
opportunities, enhanced economic benefits to local coastal communities, reducing user
conflicts, augmenting hard bottom reef habitat, taking pressure off existing natural reefs,
restoration of fish stocks, and providing research study sites to address reef ecology and
fisheries management related questions; and
WHEREAS, the State's Artificial Reef program has been a successful 42-year
cooperative partnership with coastal local governments, eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit
organizations and state universities; and
WHEREAS, several artificial reefs have been created in the waters of the Florida
Keys and Monroe County.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA THAT MONROE COUNTY
HEREBY:
Board of County Commissioners
1. Supports the habitat support structure efforts made by the artificial reef program
administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and
2. Commits to exploring an expanded State-County partnership, subject to state
funding,to establish a County program.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe
County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the February 15, 2023.
Mayor Craig Cates Yes
Mayor Pro Tern Holly Merrill Raschein Yes
Commissioner Michelle Lincoln Yes
Commissioner James K. Scholl Yes
Commissioner David Rice Yes
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� r��'Attest s' win Madok, Clerk OF MONRO , •�.I UNTY,FLORIDA
By L6440 By j �'',f .,,
Aj Deputy Cler May,r Craig Cates
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency:
i.Digitally signed by Robert B.Shillinger `„� '11).
DN:cn=Robert B.Shillinger,o=Monroe County BOCC, (� 4.V.. -:+'
Robert B. S h I I I I n g e r'ou=Monroe County Attorney,email=Shillinger-
bo=norro oecount Toov,c=US l�rrt�
Date:2023.02.201316:08-05'00' C"�� =
Robert B. Shillinger, County Attorney �c
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