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Key Issues and Environmental Projects MCFF Members Thanked for Contribution to Mote Kids’ Fishing Clinic Every year, dozens of angling organizations in our area pitch in for a Kids' Fishing Clinic coordinated by Mote Marine. This year was no exception, although several MCFF members put up an exceptional effort this year. None more than Fran Bays, who donated significant time and treasure this year to ensure the clinic's success. Jeff Jefferson, Bill Hopper and Evan Jones manned the fly casting station, while David Martin singlehandedly hosted the kayak station and Cindy McClure helped with cast netting. Undoubtedly there were others who slipped through the crowd of over 300. Thank You notes from grateful parents poured in after the event, which included underserved children from the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters program, and were a heartfelt confirmation of the importance of teaching youngsters the art of fishing. One parent even tracked down MCFF personally, saying in part, "I want you all to know that the clinic was one of the best experiences my children and I have ever had! It was beautifully done. My children and I both learned a lot of good information. Each learning station was magnificent. All involved knew exactly what they were doing. There was not one question that was left unanswered. Just BRILLIANT! Thanks so much." Proposed change in Sea Trout regulations Recently we’ve received emails from several members about two ongoing campaigns that directly relate to the continued health and wellbeing of our fisheries. While MCFF eschews “official” stands on issues like these, we do encourage our members to research the following campaigns and to take action as they see fit. Currently, commercial anglers are allowed to fish three months out of the year, with a restricted sale season and a max haul of 75 fish per boat. The proposed changes would double their boat haul to 150, increase their fishing times to eight months, and allow them to sell the fish statewide year-round. There is also a proposal to open the fishery to recreational anglers year round. Click here here for more information (courtesy of The Snook Foundation) on how to make your voices heard. Or contact Trip Aukeman, Deputy Director Advocacy CCA FL at (850)224-3474 or taukeman@ccaflorida.org Professional Tarpon Tournament Series A growing group of anglers (including the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust) is concerned that the no-holds-barred style of the PTTS is causing irreparable damage to the tarpon fishery at Boca Grande. Their solution is to collect as many signatures as possible from like-minded anglers asking for a stop to the PTTS, and to deliver that list to each of the sponsor agencies that support the tournament. If you’d like to add your name to this list, please contact Richard Hirsch at hirschw68@gmail.com for a copy of the petition. As reported in the Federation of Fly Fishers newsletter Volunteer seagrass monitoring program picks up three awards For the last three years, Sarasota County and a small army of volunteers have been surveying seagrass habitats throughout Sarasota. Now, the Sarasota Environmental Assessment (SEA) Team is continuing to make some serious waves, earning recognition from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf of Mexico Program. In June, the team won two notable awards from NACo; an Achievement Award which honors it's unique and effective program. As well as a Best of Category Award which marks it as a model program for its out-standing and creative work. This month, the Environmental Protection Agency‟s Gulf of Mexico Program honored the SEA Team with a Gulf Guardian Award for finding innovative solutions to improve the environmental health of the Gulf, in concert with economic development. “These recognitions continue to add credence to the program which started with a handful of volunteers 3 years ago. Today, the data is being used by many environmental managers, from mapping seagrass to setting water quality criteria”, said Jon Perry Environmental Specialist. According to Environmental Specialist Amanda Dominguez, nearly all of the commercially and recreation-ally important estuarine and marine animals depend on seagrass beds as refuge or habitat for some part of their life, making them directly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars annually to the state of Florida through the recreational and commercial fishing industries. “The beds serve as nurseries for juvenile fish, scallops, crabs and shrimp. Manatees, turtles and rays feed on the plants themselves or on the smaller creatures that live there. Many birds also feed in the grass flats,” said Dominguez. “Seagrass also helps maintain water quality by filtering and anchoring sediments. Without it, most of the regions they inhabit would be a seascape of unstable shifting sand and mud.” If you would like to participate in this award winning program and help environmental managers protect this valuable resource, volunteers are still being sought. Volunteers will learn survey techniques and become comfortable with mapping seagrass. To learn more about how to participate, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Amanda Dominguez. Sarasota County Communications | scgov.net Media contact: Pat Haire, 941-861-5104; cell 941-650-2850; phaire@scgov.net Project contact: Amanda Dominguez, 941-650-1098; adomingu@scgov.net -end- 
Map to Bay Preserve - Location of the January 30th Training:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Killing Tarpon for Fun We can really help the cause by getting as many members as possible (and anyone else) to sign BTU's electronic petition (Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited), available by clicking here: www.tarbone.org/tarpon.cfm Take the Mangrove Initiative If you can help in any way, please contact our Past President, Capt. Pete Greenan, who is coordinating our efforts. Let Pete know if you can participate and whether you have a boat. You can contact Pete by email at captpete@floridaflyfishing.com or by telephone at 941-923-6095.
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Now there’s a great opportunity to make a real difference to our local fishery—and see the results. It’s called the Mangrove Initiative—a project sponsored by the Federation of Fly Fishers to help restore, conserve, and educate the public on mangrove ecosystems. 
There are several opportunities to get involved throughout this year. Please consider joining us for a couple of fun work days and lend a hand to help preserve mangrove habitats important for fish and wildlife. 