Steinhatchee, FL (October 23, 2024) – Today Governor DeSantis’s office announced that our Foundation has been generously awarded $1 million from the Florida Disaster Fund to help rebuild the state’s fishing and aquaculture sectors following the devastation caused by this year’s storms. In addition to the money from the Florida Disaster Fund, we will be raising funds to restore critical marine infrastructure, including boat slips, docks, fish houses, and aquaculture businesses across the Big Bend region.
“As FWC’s citizen support organization, we consider it an essential responsibility to help in times of emergency,” said Andrew Walker, president & CEO of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. “Our hearts go out to all who were impacted by the recent storms, including our state’s vital fishing industry. We are honored to help contribute to both commercial and recreational anglers getting back on the water.”
The funding announcement also included a series of discounts on fishing and hunting licenses, including lifetime options, to encourage anglers to return to the water and boost the industry.
“The Big Bend’s fishing industry took a direct hit from hurricanes Debby and Helene, and so did the hardworking Floridians who make their living on the water,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today’s investments will help to rebuild critical waterside infrastructure and help get Floridians in the fishing and aquaculture industries back to full operations.”
This investment represents a crucial step in disaster relief, ensuring the swift recovery of essential marine infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and supporting the economic resilience of Florida’s fishing communities. Fishing and Florida are inseparable: Florida leads the nation in the number of saltwater fishing anglers, generating a $9.2 billion impact on the state’s economy. Additionally, the annual dockside value of commercial fisheries was estimated at $244 million. Today’s announcement will help Florida residents regenerate lost income and rebuild their businesses and infrastructure.