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Miami International Boat Show Press Release

For immediate release: Feb 8, 2016
Media contact: Andrew Walker, Foundation President & CEO, 941 809-7805 or [email protected]
Photos available

Fish & Wildlife Foundation and Florida’s Boating Industry to say “I DO” at Miami International Boat Show, February 11-15

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is teaming up with the National Marine Manufacturers Association and Florida’s boating industry at the Miami International Boat Show Feb. 11-15 to support the “I DO” campaign. Look for them in booth D323.

The campaign asks boaters and anglers to say “I DO” too and invest in the future of the state’s fishing industry by purchasing a Florida fishing license. The small $17 investment pays significant dividends to the entire state, beginning with more than 123,000 jobs and a $9 billion annual impact on Florida’s economy from recreational fishing alone.

“We are in the second year of our five-year campaign to sell more licenses in Florida annually,” said Foundation Chairman Rodney Barreto. He noted that the goals are simple:

  1. Sell new fishing licenses in Florida.
  2. Educate the public about the value of purchasing a fishing license every year.
  3. Create more opportunities to engage youth in fishing.

Funds raised by the sale of additional fishing licenses support a variety of recreational fishing projects, such as accessible fishing piers and boat ramps, stocking fish, law enforcement, improving habitats, fish research and fisheries management.

Simply stated, the more licenses sold, the more money is raised for the state’s fishing resources, and so buying a license makes a very important contribution to Florida and Florida’s future.

The Foundation is proud to be working closely with Florida’s boating industry and its influential leaders, including Contender Boats and EdgeWater Power Boats ̶ two Florida-based boat manufacturers that are part of the Foundation’s growing team of Conservation Partners in Florida. What’s more, the Foundation recently added the National Marine Manufacturers Association as a conservation partner and is working with the recreational boating association to educate attendees at the upcoming Miami International Boat Show about the importance of fishing and marine conservation.

“We need to do everything we can to make sure fishing thrives in Florida,” Barreto added. “It is vitally important to the economic future of the state, but even more important to the future well-being of our children. It’s the perfect way to teach them to love nature and the great outdoors.”

“The “I DO” campaign ensures a viable future for fishing. Buying a fishing license is easy. You can purchase a license online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, at county tax collectors’ offices, or at any license agent around the state. In addition, the Foundation will be promoting the sale of fishing licenses onsite at the Miami International Boat Show for the 100,000 expected attendees. The Foundation encourages all anglers to say “I DO” and help keep Florida the “Fishing Capital of the World.”

About the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida

The Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit started in 1994 as the citizen support group for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Its mission is to partner with FWC to ensure the conservation and enhancement of Florida’s fish and wildlife resources, so they survive and thrive for current and future generations of Florida residents and visitors. Florida is like no other place on earth; working together we can keep it that way. For more information on the Foundation, visit FishWildlifeflorida.org.

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