Loading...
Backup Documents 02/12/2013 Item #10D ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST & ROUTING Sit In TO ACCOMPANY ALL ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS SENT TOI, U THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE FOR SIGNATURE Print on pink paper. Attach to original document. The completed routing slip and original documents are to be forwarded to the County Attorney Office at the time the item is placed on the agenda. All completed routing slips and original documents must be received in the County Attorney Office no later than Monday preceding the Board meeting. **NEW** ROUTING SLIP Complete routing lines#1 through#2 as appropriate for additional signatures,dates,and/or information needed. If the document is already complete with the exception of the Chairman's signature,draw a line through routing lines#1 through#2,complete the checklist,and forward to the County Attorney Office. Route to Addressee(s) (List in routing order) Office Initials Date 1. 2. 3. County Attorney Office County Attorney Office JAK 4. BCC Office Board of County vc`^e..‹.� \ Commissionersb��r'c�cr� 5. Minutes and Records Clerk of Court's Office 13111 21(2((3 PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION Normally the primary contact is the person who created/prepared the Executive Summary. Primary contact information is needed in the event one of the addressees above,may need to contact staff for additional or missing information. Name of Primary Staff Jeffrey A.Klatzkow,County Attorney Phone Number 252-8400 Contact/ Department / Agenda Date Item was 2/12/13 ` / Agenda Item Number 10-D Approved by the BCC VVV Type of Document Resolution (removing ban on spearfishing) Number of Original One Attached Documents Attached PO number or account N/A number if document is to be recorded INSTRUCTIONS & CHECKLIST Initial the Yes column or mark"N/A" in the Not Applicable column,whichever is Yes N/A(Not appropriate. (Initial) Applicable) 1. Does the document require the chairman's original signature? JAK 2. Does the,document need to be sent to another agency for additional signatures? If yes, JAK provide the Contact Information(Name;Agency;Address; Phone)on an attached sheet. 3. Original document has been signed/initialed for legal sufficiency. (All documents to be JAK signed by the Chairman,with the exception of most letters,must be reviewed and signed by the Office of the County Attorney. 4. All handwritten strike-through and revisions have been initialed by the County Attorney's JAK Office and all other parties except the BCC Chairman and the Clerk to the Board 5. The Chairman's signature line date has been entered as the date of BCC approval of the JAK document or the final negotiated contract date whichever is applicable. 6. "Sign here"tabs are placed on the appropriate pages indicating where the Chairman's JAK signature and initials are required. 7. In most cases(some contracts are an exception),the original document and this routing slip JAK should be provided to the County Attorney Office at the time the item is input into SIRE. Some documents are time sensitive and require forwarding to Tallahassee within a certain time frame or the BCC's actions are nullified. Be aware of your deadlines! 8. The document was approved by the BCC on 2/12/13 and all changes made during the JAK meeting have been incorporated in the attached document. The County Attorney's Office has reviewed the changes,if applicable. 9. Initials of attorney verifying that the attached document is the version approved by the 41111h BCC, all changes directed by the BCC have been made,and the document is ready for he �7 Chairman's signature. 'a 41 I:Forms/County Forms/BCC Forms/Original Documents Routing Slip WWS Original 9.03.04,Revised 1.26.05,Revised 2.2475;Revised 11/30/12 2/12/2013 10.D. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 10 D Recommendation to adopt a Resolution in support of removing the ban on spearfishing in Collier County coastal waters, and requesting that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 (1951) and 30665(1955). OBJECTIVE: To allow spearfishing in Collier County waters in the Gulf of Mexico. CONSIDERATIONS: In 1951 Chapter 27473 was enacted by the Florida Legislature, which prohibited the use of artificial light when spearing or gigging saltwater fish in Collier County. In 1955 county residents petitioned the Board of County Commissioners to completely ban spearfishing in Collier County waters. After public hearing on the issue the Board passed several resolutions in 1955 and 1956 which first restricted and then banned all saltwater spear fishing. A referendum on the matter was held in November 1956, and Collier County voters approved the ban by a vote of 1,196 in favor of the ban to 590 opposed. Upon this vote Chapter 30665 became law, prohibiting spearfishing in all Collier County waters. In 1983 the Legislature passed Chapter 83-134, which repealed the above Special Acts as law, converting them into regulations of the Marine Fisheries Commission, and still in effect under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC). Additionally the ban is codified in Ch. 379.2425,Fla. Stat. Today, spearfishing is allowed in most of the state and is regulated by the FWC, except in Collier County and in portions of Monroe County where is it prohibited. Fishermen who harvest by spearing are subject to the same rules and limitations that other anglers in the state are required to follow. The FWC defines spearfishing as "the catching or taking of a fish through the instrumentality of a hand or mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water." The following prohibitions are imposed by the FWC: • Spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is prohibited. Possession of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also prohibited. • Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed. • Within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the sea- except for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline. • In Collier County (currently) and in Monroe County from Long Key north to the Dade County line. • For any fish for which spearing is expressly prohibited by law(listed below). • In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks (Florida Parks Service). Possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited in these areas,unless it is unloaded and properly stored. The following is a list of species that are prohibited for harvest by spearing: • Billfish (all species) • Spotted eagle ray • Sturgeon • Manta ray Packet Page-62- 2/12/2013 10.D. • Sharks 10 D • Bonefish • Tarpon • Goliath Grouper • Snook • Blue Crab • Nassau grouper • Spotted seatrout • Red drum • Weakfish • Stone Crab • Pompano • African pompano • Permit • Tripletail • Lobster • Families of ornamental reef fish(surgeonfish,trumpetfish,angelfish, butterflyfish, porcupinefish, cornetfish,squirrelfish,trunkfish,damselfish,parrotfish,pipefish, seahorse,puffers,triggerfish except gray and ocean) As reported in a January 13, 2013 article in the Naples Daily News, lionfish have been found in Collier County waters. Lionfish, an invasive non-native species which have no natural predators in this area, will destroy native fish on our reefs in the Gulf. Harvesting by spearfish has been shown to be the most efficient and effective means of control. Therefore it is in the public's best interest that the antiquated ban on spearfishing be lifted as to Collier County waters, as it already has been throughout almost all of Florida. The method to accomplish this is to request that the FWC repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 (1951) and 30665 (1955). FISCAL IMPACT: None. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: None. LEGAL CONSIDERATION S: The proposed Resolution was drafted by the County Attorney, is legally sufficient, and requires majority support for approval. -JAK RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners adopt a Resolution in support of removing the ban on spearfishing in Collier County coastal waters, and request that the FWC repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 (1951) and 30665 (1955). SUBMITTED BY: Commissioner Toni Henning, District 3 05-COA-01253/732 Packet Page-63. 100 RESOLUTION 13- 3 5 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA SUPPORTING THE REPEAL OF SPECIAL ACTS/ RULES, CHAPTERS 27473, PROHIBITING THE USE OR AID OF ANY ARTIFICIAL LIGHT IN SPEARING OR GIGGING FISH IN THE SALT WATERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND 30665, PROHIBITING FISHING IN ALL WATERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA BY MEANS OF SPEAR, GIG, OR SIMILAR DEVICES, AND REQUESTING THAT THE FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPEAL CHAPTERS 27473 AND 30665. WHEREAS, in 1951, the Florida Legislature enacted a special act, Chapter 27473, prohibiting the spearing or gigging of fish by the use or aid of any artificial light in any of the salt waters of Collier County, Florida; and WHEREAS, in 1955, the Florida Legislature enacted a special act, Chapter 30665, which prohibited fishing in all of the waters of Collier County by means of a spear, gig, or similar device, effective upon a majority vote of qualified electors of the County, and WHEREAS, On November 8, 1956, Chapter 30665 gained voter approval on the General Election Ballot with 1196 for the ban and 590 opposed to the ban; and WHEREAS, in 1983, the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 83-134, which created the Marine Fisheries Commission and which also repealed a number of special acts including Chapters 27473 and 30665, and provided that such special acts continue in effect as rules of the Marine Fisheries Commission; and WHEREAS, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the successor organization of the Marine Fisheries Commission, pursuant to Chapter 99-245, Laws of Florida, and has the authority to repeal Chapters 27473 and 30665; and WHEREAS, Chapters 27473 and 30665 continue to exist today as rules of FWC, but are antiquated rules that appear to serve no public purpose or provide any public benefit to the residents of Collier County, Florida. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida that: 1. The above Recitals are hereby incorporated herein and specifically made a part of this Resolution. 100 4 2. The Board hereby supports the repeal of Chapter 27473, which prohibits the spearing or gigging of fish by the use or aid of any artificial light in any of the salt waters of Collier County, and Chapter 30665, which prohibits fishing in any and all of the waters of Collier County by means of spear, gig or similar device. 3. The Board requests that FWC repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 and 30665. THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED after motion, second and majority vote favoring same, this%Z4 of ..ewairtA , 2013. ATTEST: • ' ; BOARD OF COUNTY OMMISSIONERS DWIGHT E BROOK,Clerk OF CO ER OUN 'Y, FLORIDA gy *yti� a I:, H,.;►i A O . By: ( i 1. .,..}ik fiSM4 ,'',fi �,� �, Deputy Clerk Gee : a • . 'i T er, Esq., Chairwoman ry Yie App oues a• to form and -gal fic , . AO IA r►..► Jeffre `�• . at ow Count,Ari'.rney I'. Item# in Agenda `_is_13 Date a 1 ' °. ` � Deputy of Cunty of Collier 100 4 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Dwight E. Brock COLLIER COUNTY CURTH ' SE Clerk of Courts 3315 TAMIAMI TRAIk,EAST ST E 102 Accountant Clerk of Courts P.O. BOX 413044 Auditor NAPLES, FLORIDA 3401-3044 Custodian of County Funds February 12, 2013 Good Afternoon, On Tuesday, February 12th, 2013 during their scheduled meeting, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, adopted the (attached) Resolution in support of removing the ban on spearfishing in Collier County's coastal waters and to request that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 and 30665. We respectfully ask that this Resolution and/or subject matter will be considered for further discussion during the upcoming February 13-14, 2013 FWC Meeting in Orlando. I have also included a portion of the Board's Executive Summary, which provides historical information on this very critical issue in Collier County. Thank you. Sincerely, Ann Jennejohn, Deputy Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board Collier County Board Minutes & Records Department 239-252-8406 Phone - (239) 252-2646 Fax- (239) 252-2755 Website -www.collierclerk.com Email - collierclerk @collierclerk.com FWC - The Commissioners Page 1 of 1 100 .1 ftsi+a+vs, A,K -.._ At R "dews Celcr:da- 0.1 wr: `r vest Hcrae Search ^' oa ,K ,.; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Licenses& Wildlife Wildlife& Fishing Boating Hunting Permits Viewing Habitats Research Education Conservation Home ; About The Commission :The C1 mm ssioners The Commissioners The Commission The FWC's seven Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate to five-year terms.Their constitutional duty is to exercise the"...regulatory The Commissioners and executive powers of the state with respect to wild animal life and fresh water aquatic Kenneth Wright life and shall also exercise regulatory and executive powers of the state with respect to Kathy Barco marine life, except that all license fees and penalties for violating regulations shall be as provided by law." Ron Bergeron Richard Corbett Terms in Office Aliese P."Liesa"Priddy Charles W.Roberts III Member Current Term Original Term Brian S.Yablonski Began Appointment Expires Commission Meetings Kenneth W. Wright Aug. 8, 2007 Aug. 6, 2007 Aug. 1, 2012 Ronald M. Bergeron Aug. 8, 2007 Aug. 6, 2007 Aug. 1, 2012 Meeting Protocol Kathy Barco Aug. 8, 2007 September 2004 Aug. 1, 2012 Inside FWC Richard A. Corbett Jan. 25, 2008 February 2003 Jan. 6, 2013 Overview- Fast Facts Brian S. Yablonski Jan. 6, 2009 January 2004 Jan. 5, 2014 Charles W. Roberts III Sept. 1, 2011 Sept. 1, 2011 Aug. 1, 2016 Rules&Regulations Aliese P. Mesa" Priddy Jan. 6, 2012 Jan. 6, 2012 Jan. 6, 2017 Commissioners meet five times per year at various locations across the state. Visit the Commission Meetings 2r page for access to schedules, agendas,and minutes. Contact Email the Commissioners. FWC Facts: There were 67 boating deaths in 2011 -42 of them were caused by drowning.Wearing a life jacket might have saved those lives.All boaters should wear one while on the water. Learn More at AskFWC mut LA I " NI+ ■."� {>� ,,,,r Eii k.5rat3 'r4a xA 1 INC4 "=' QiL`�A. ff ll ffi ✓ 44ii7i tn.wont* Get FWC News Feeds Copyright>1959-2013 State of Florida Report wskie, FLORIDAJOS A e Technical Help a EEO/AA/ADA•Privacy Fra,U ,rut Mmccx R(Gi1116V4OW q Statement•Advertising Statement& °...°. Oiscl aimer.Site Ma F(drida Fish and Wildlife Conservation ' �OYV"'°"" s`�'tl0� ' ��4 ac �aa°:�mdwdlaWla ',. i 3 Commission i Farris Bryant Building Employee Resources(Password required) 620 S.Meridian St.+Tallahassee,FL Shareloint Outlook E-Fail Retiree In4o 32339-1608 s{850}488-4676 EXPLORE,,,- Disaster Information for MC Employees '.. Ac 0PTI0Fl http://myfwc.com/about/commission/commissioners/ 2/12/2013 ion Ann P. Jennejohn From: Ann P.Jennejohn Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:34 PM To: 'nick.wiley @myfwc.com'; 'kenneth.wright @myfwc.com'; 'ronald.bergeron @myfwc.com' Cc: 'kathy.barco @myfwc.com'; 'richard.corbett @myfwc.com'; 'brian.yablonski @myfwc.com'; 'charles.roberts @myfwc.com'; 'aliese.priddy @myfwc.com'; Patricia L. Morgan Subject: Collier County Resolution Attachments: Collier County Resolution 2013-35.pdf Tracking: Recipient Delivery Read 'nick.wiley @myfwc.com' 'kenneth.wright @myfwc.com' 'ronald.bergeron @myfwc.com' 'kathy.barco @myfwc.com' 'richard.corbett @myfwc.com' 'brian.yablonski @myfwc.com' 'charles.roberts @myfwc.com' 'aliese.priddy @myfwc.com' Patricia L.Morgan Delivered:2/12/2013 12:34 PM Read:2/12/2013 12:36 PM Good Afternoon, On Tuesday, February 12th, 2013 during their scheduled meeting, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, adopted the (attached) Resolution in support of removing the ban on spearfishing in Collier County's coastal waters and to request that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 and 30665. We respectfully ask that this Resolution and/or subject matter is considered for further discussion during the FWC February 13-14 Meeting in Orlando. I have also included a portion of the Board's Executive Summary, which provides historical information on this very critical issue in Collier County. Thank you. Ann Jennejohn, Deputy Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board Collier County Minutes & Records Dept. 239-252-8406 239-252-8408 (Fax) 1 10D Ann P. Jennejohn From: postmaster @collierclerk.com To: nick.wiley @myfwc.com; kenneth.wright @myfwc.com; ronald.bergeron @ myfwc.com; kathy.barco @myfwc.com; richard.corbett @ myfwc.com; brian.yablonski @ myfwc.com; charles.roberts @myfwc.com; aliese.priddy @myfwc.com Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:34 PM Subject: Relayed: Collier County Resolution Delivery to these recipients or groups is complete, but no delivery notification was sent by the destination server: nick.wiley@myfwc.com kenneth.wright @myfwc.com ronald.bergeron @myfwc.com kathy.barco @myfwc.com richard.corbett@myfwc.com brian.yablonski @myfwc.com charles.roberts @myfwc.com aliese.priddy @myfwc.com Subject: Collier County Resolution 1 100 Ann P. Jennejohn From: Wiley, Nick <Nick.Wiley @MyFWC.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 5:47 PM To: Ann P.Jennejohn Cc: kenneth.wright @myfwc.com; Bergeron, Ronald; Barco, Kathy; Corbett, Richard; Yablonski, Brian; Roberts, Charles; Priddy, Aliese; Patricia L. Morgan;Vielhauer, Bud; Holder, Greg; McCawley, Jessica Subject: Re: Collier County Resolution Thank you. We will certainly bring this to the attention of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We will keep you apprised of the process. Nick Wiley Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID "Ann P. Jennejohn" <Ann.Jennejohn @collierclerk.com> wrote: Good Afternoon, On Tuesday, February 12th, 2013 during their scheduled meeting, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, adopted the (attached) Resolution in support of removing the ban on spearfishing in Collier County's coastal waters and to request that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 and 30665. We respectfully ask that this Resolution and/or subject matter is considered for further discussion during the FWC February 13-14 Meeting in Orlando. I have also included a portion of the Board's Executive Summary, which provides historical information on this very critical issue in Collier County. Thank you. Ann Jennejohn, Deputy Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Clerk of the Value Adjustment Board Collier County Minutes & Records Dept. 239-252-8406 239-252-8408 (Fax) Please visit us on the web at www.collierclerk.com<http://www.collierclerk.com/> This electronic communication is confidential and may contain privileged information intended solely for the named addressee(s). It may not be used or disclosed except for the purpose for which it has been sent. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any action induced by or in reliance on information contained in this message. Unless expressly stated, opinions in this message are those of the individual sender and not of the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Collier County. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the Clerk's Office by emailing helpdesk @collierclerk.com<mailto:helpdesk @collierclerk.com> quoting the sender and 1 ointy of Collier Z p 0 0 CLERK OF THE CIRCUII COURT COLLIER COUNTY COURTHG JSE Dwight E. Brock Clerk of Courts Clerk of Courts 3315 TAMIAMI TRAIVEAST STc 102 P.O. BOX 41044 Accountant NAPLES, FLORIDA 3401-3044 Auditor Custodian of County Funds February 13, 2013 Nick Wiley, Executive Director FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 Re: Collier County Resolution 2013- 35: In support of lifting the ban on spearfishing in Collier County coastal waters and requesting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to repeal special acts and/or rules designated as Ch. 27473 and 30665 Mr. Wiley, Attached, and as follow-up to an electronic transmission, is a certified copy of the document referenced above, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County Florida on Tuesday, February 12, 2013. Sincerely, DWIGHT E. BROCK, CLERK �•'j� OC . Ann en►ep Deputy C - Attachment Phone - (239) 252-2646 Fax- (239) 252-2755 Website - www.colliercierk.com Email - collierclerk @collierclerk.corn DWIGHT E. BROCK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT COLLIER COUNTY COURTHOUSE COMPLEX 3301 TAMIAMI TRAIL EAST P.O. BOX 413044 NAPLES, FLORIDA 34101-3044 x160-BMK Florida FWC Attn: Mr. Nick Wiley 620 South Meridian Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 FWC - Contact Divisions/Offices Page 1 of 1 ,,.Rho' A,<,Wt: Abed( Cor rtes: News Ce.ordar Get ov Aved Homo Search 1 0 fl a Florida Fish and Wildlife F, ' Conservation Commission y u, -litON G Licenses& Wildlife Wildlife& Fishing Boating Hunting Permits Viewing Habitats Research Education Conservation Home : Contact : Contact FWC Staff : Divisions/Offices Ask FWC Division Director Phone Contact FWC Staff Law Enforcement Col. Jim Brown 850-488-6251 Customer Service Hunting and Game Management Diane Eggeman 850-488-3831 Commissioners Marine Fisheries Management Jessica McCawley 850-487-0554 Senior Staff Freshwater Fisheries Management Tom Champeau 850-488-0331 Divisions&Offices Regional Offices Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Gil McRae 727-896-8626 Praise an Employee Habitat and Species Conservation Eric Sutton 850-488-3831 Report Misconduct Office Director Phone FWC Webmaster Finance and Budget Angie Robertson 850-488-6551 Contact FWC Law Enforcement Information Technology Kevin Patten 850-414-2870 Report Violators-Wildlife Alert Licensing and Permitting Bill Hunter 850-488-3641 Tell Us What You Think Community Relations Doc Kokol 850-488-4676 Report Fish Kills, Wildlife Emergencies,Sightings ... Planning and Policy Coordination Nancy Linehan 850-487-3794 Nuisance Wildlife Public Access and Wildlife Viewing Jerrie Lindsey 850-488-5520 Services Rule Change Comments Legal Harold G. "Bud"Vielhauer 850-487-1764 Public Records Requests Legislative Affairs Jackie Fauls 850-487-3795 Request Publications Inspector General Mike Troelstrup 850-488-6068 Social Media, Newsletters,Auto- Alerts Human Resources Cindy Hoffman 850-488-6411 FWC Participation at Your Event FWC Facts: Florida's natural lands and waters are at the core of our state's prosperity, bringing billions of dollars in economic benefits to our state every year. Learn More at AsicFWC ti D ® i! @ , El o, r,i r Cu Ole i3 mt . A a 1, ctAP'6F . t9.R or+ ni t Get FWC News Feeds __ ... Copyright e-1999-2013 State of Florida ReportwaA& FLO � SA.. •Technical Help EEO/AAtAoA•Privacy Fraud,and Aggett ,l iGHtT ie i Statement•Advertising Statement& Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation at"`964 tirotstwoRs"""4 4.q,-,aa.a.Nm10 getd,g0WA Disclaimer•Site Map Commission•Farris Bryant Building Employee Resources(Password required) 620 5,Meridian St.•Tallahassee,FL r�yrr��1,EE��11t�a SharePoint 1 Outlook E-Mail i Retire=e Info 32399-1600*(850)488-4678 .rax73.�.a�+ Disaster Information for FWC Employees A D O P T I O 1 014 http://myfwc.com/contact/fwc-staff/divisions-offices/ 2/12/2013 100 Ann P. Jennejohn From: McCawley,Jessica <jessica.mccawley @MyFWC.com> Sent: Friday, February 15, 2013 1:20 PM To: Ann P.Jennejohn Cc: Canion, Carly Subject: RE: Collier County Resolution Ann Thank you so much for sending this. We will be taking this item for our Commission's approval to our April Commission meeting. I have cc'ed Carly Canion in my office in case who will be the lead on this issue. Vail can coordinate as necessary. Do you think someone on your staff would be willing to attend our meeting in support of the resolution? Thanks Jessica Jessica R. McCawley Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2590 Executive Center Circle E, Suite 201 Tallahassee, FL 32301 Ph: 850-487-0554 (general number) NEW PH: 850-617-9635 (direct number) Fax: 850-487-4847 Jessica.mccawlevt�mvfwc.corn From: Ann P. Jennejohn [mailto:Ann.Jennejohn©collierclerk.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 12:52 PM To: McCawley, Jessica Subject: Collier County Resolution Good Afternoon Jessica, Today, during their scheduled meeting, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,adopted the (attached) Resolution in support of removing the ban on spearfishing in Collier County's coastal waters and to request that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission repeal the special acts and/or rules designated as Chapters 27473 and 30665. We respectfully urge this Resolution and/or subject matter is considered for further discussion during the upcoming February 13-14 FWC Meeting in Orlando. I have included a portion of the Board's Executive Summary, which provides a short historical summary on this very critical issue in Collier County. I have also shared this information (via email) with Mr. Nick Wiley and with the seven FWC Commissioners. Thank you. Sincerely, Ann Jennejohn, Deputy Clerk Clerk of the Circuit Court Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board 1 100 (21 ofiAo Collier County Commisioner: End the Ban of Spearfishing in Collier County, FL Petition by Naples Spearfishing League Spearfishing has been outlawed in Naples since the 50's. This law has to be modified to keep up with current trends and culture in the state of Florida. Why is Collier County the only county in Florida with an outright ban of spearfishing? There are many reasons why spearfishing should be allowed closer to shore. The recent invasion of lionfish in local waters has been documented as far as a few hundred yards off the beach. Lionfish spread rapidly and if left uncontrolled will undoubtedly create a stranglehold on game fisheries crucial to many aspects of our local economy. Spearfishermen are the only line of defense against this invasive species that WILL threaten important stocks of gamefish for decades to come if left unchecked. RIGHT NOW LIONFISH ARE ILLEGAL TO SPEAR IN COLLIER COUNTY. Limited water visibility limits spearfishing inside of 9nm in Naples anyways, so spearfishing is already limited in those regards. On the east coast where spearfishing thrives you can expect more than 20 foot of visibility on a horrible day. Twenty foot of visibility within 9nm in the Gulf of Mexico would be an outstanding day. This law must be revised. One possible solution would be to make spearfishing illegal from the shore but allowing it from boats that display proper diving flags. According to FWC spokeswoman Amanda Nalley, All Collier County Commisioners have to do is request a change to this law and they will revise it. We ask you, Commisioners, make the request. As of now, it is illegal to stop your boat within 9nm offshore of Naples with a speargun. We propose a change to this outdated and biased law that will have drastic effects on local fishing for decades to come. Lionfish are here to stay and we need to educate the public on their edibility and exponential reproduction. Sign this petition and help save the Gulf of Mexico and Naples fishing. -Naples Spearfishing League 100 °)4121'? Signa re Email(optional) /4jr ,/ / • at ►.� / !i/riot • calm --,1•■••■■■ r 1v4k ( • /1,ti 7141 Air . rai Airstat AA/Km _MO/�/_�► iii i V � 1 . `_ ► 1 100 e1/1145 Petitioning Collier County Commisioner This petition will be delivered to: Collier County Commisioner Collier County Commisioner: End the Ban of Spearfishing in Collier County, FL Petition by Naples Spearfishing League Spearfishing has been outlawed in Naples since the 50's. This law has to be modified to keep up with current trends and culture in the state of Florida. Why is Collier County the only county in Florida with an outright ban of spearfishing? There are many reasons why spearfishing should be allowed closer to shore. The recent invasion of lionfish in local waters has been documented as far as a few hundred yards off the beach. Lionfish spread rapidly and if left uncontrolled will undoubtedly create a stranglehold on game fisheries crucial to many aspects of our local economy. Spearfishermen are the only line of defense against this invasive species that WILL threaten important stocks of gamefish for decades to come if left unchecked. RIGHT NOW LIONFISH ARE ILLEGAL TO SPEAR IN COLLIER COUNTY. Limited water visibility limits spearfishing inside of 9nm in Naples anyways, so spearfishing is already limited in those regards. On the east coast where spearfishing thrives you can expect more than 20 foot of visibility on a horrible day. Twenty foot of visibility within 9nm in the Gulf of Mexico would be an outstanding day. This law must be revised. One possible solution would be to make spearfishing illegal from the shore but allowing it from boats that display proper diving flags. According to FWC spokeswoman Amanda Nalley, All Collier County Commisioners have to do is request a change to this law and they will revise it. We ask you, Commisioners,make the request. As of now, it is illegal to stop your boat within 9nm offshore of Naples with a speargun. We propose a change to this outdated and biased law that will have drastic effects on local fishing for decades to come. Lionfish are here to stay and we need to educate the public on their edibility and exponential reproduction. Sign this petition and help save the Gulf of Mexico and Naples fishing. SIGN THE PETITION TO LIFT TH1 • f, '=��,,n SPEARFISHING BAN IN COLLIE S 0/,.0`.M i ++g. COUNTY, FL 100 9r /;,,, ,,,t--i,„46_,4 S- ,- , J ,-- 4 t. ip .0 . , MSIM _ �I LAL,.... t if sv't' )C t. e,-) L1v7—/vr<ci/. c G� / e-a _ �.1- S14 K 53c, P yam, c ..-- kL._ i , .• • , h.e. Tv t. alle PN:ic 4 cir;I. to m_ a 0 ' _.., bevbi I1setiece )re_sV .net- . 4 1 L. !KO _ G(4. il,1 pi S rJ .324 6.41 ' 'r41r ea 04' r°1-4,4 I^4.42(-0772e4.577.1"-t' 1. op oii 0 . ' _A..!.4 .-1---ii. bKhcokrD Tnct.1 Li C-0 PI .ie° LLSCti.. . C.( ("P vt .d 4,0.2 .-, r-Y► 1),1-1,44L-e___ ,-tJcte iu rC:cwde.n 4q emaz.�YG*al I cern t kTu- •ilv)P-4-11 CA,-"), . ;411 i �_..iris—%11r/Nrsi; - ,.,._ r ,ir A.,. , / ,Ey _j►Vv II 411 air 3vw irr j SfQ V4s T 100 S� �caa13EAot, fcow, ��' G n-t )0t® +) (c)M I 7 O J Lr E SIC--,AJA r,(z r.c d i 4 Name City State Zip Code Country 1 0 D 4 Bill D'Antuono United States Judah Solomon Miami Beach Florida 33139 United States Kiangkham Viravong Saint Petersburg Florida 33710 United States Patrick Walsh Naples Florida 34117 United States Capt. Bob Roemer Chiefland Florida 32626 United States elias hernandez boca raton Florida 33433 United States joann dantuono North Naples Florida 34108 United States Tyson Brown New Port Richey Florida 34655 United States Alan Drescher Naples Florida 34108 United States Joe Funigiello Naples Florida 34119 United States Andrew Flickinger Ft. Myers Florida 33901 United States christopher lynch Naples Florida 34109 United States Enrique Midney Immokalee Florida 34142 United States Elizabeth Potter Naples Florida 34108 United States Erik Hardman Tampa Florida 33625 United States Andres Del Villar Midlothian Virginia 23113 United States Luis Trujillo Naples Florida 34117 United States Matthew Brueckner Apollo Beach Florida 33572 United States kevin cooper naples Florida 34120 United States Craig Stenson St Louis Missouri 63122 United States Dawn Meehan Naples Florida 34117 United States K Penna Naples Florida 34110 United States Ellen Summers Naples Florida 34110 United States Scott Butherus Bonita Springs Florida 34135 United States Dylan Glass Naples Florida 34109 United States Jesse Roberts Naples Florida 34112 United States Cameron Hunt Venice Florida 34285 United States Mark Barton North Miami Florida 33161 United States bryan flores naples Florida 34114 United States Justin Chait Naples Florida 34104 United States Dan Wantuch Naples Florida 34102 United States Christopher Thompson Naples Florida 34109 United States sheri makowski cape coral Florida 33914 United States dennis aro Naples Florida 34116 United States Allie ElHage Sarasota Florida 34239 United States Michael Miller Naples Florida 34104 United States Kyle Abraham Naples Florida 34109 United States Robert Wantuch Naples Florida 34102 United States Donna Wantuch Naples Florida 34102 United States michael kalvin Naples Florida 34117 United States Patricia Rich Naples Florida 34110 United States William Ferry Napls Florida 34120 United States Steven reader Naples Florida 34117 United States Jeff Solnes Naples Florida 34108 United States James Clifford Naples Florida 34117 United States Andrew Callis Naples Florida 34109 United States 10 0 v4 Kristen Shuman Naples Florida 34117 United States jonathan peel NAPLES Florida 34102 United States Michelle Ferry Naples Georgia 34120 United States Dan Burgess Naples Florida 34105 United States Amanda Costaregni Fort Lauderdale Florida 33304 United States Karen D'Antuono Richmond Virginia 23219 United States Paul Peterson Naples Florida 34120 United States Scott Youschak St. Petersburg Florida 33702 United States Alex Gonzalez Naples Florida 34112 United States Dan Layton Naples Florida 34119 United States andy piipponen naples Florida 34108 United States Carter Ullman Lake Wales Florida 33898-742 United States Kurtis Hussey Naples Florida 34102 United States Chris Barton Clearwater Florida 33762 United States kevin sharpe naples Florida 34104 United States Timothy Hilliard Gainesville Florida 32608 United States christoph Beckman naples Florida 34104 United States Adam Wilson North Port Florida 34286 United States Karen Federighi Naples Florida 34114 United States Chuck Smith Naples Florida 34102 United States Joyce Douglass Naples Florida 34104 United States Ken Kristian Naples Florida 34109 United States larry ayers naples Florida 34110 United States Trish Dobereiner Fort Myers Florida 33908 United States Dan Keegan Marco island Florida 34145 United States gary gorden naples Florida 34105 United States Andrew Antoni Fort Myers Beach Florida 33931 United States larry burgoyne Dade City Florida 33525 United States TRAVIS CHILDERS leesburg Florida 34748 United States Ron Anderson N.Ft. Myers Florida 33903 United States Jeffrey Piipponen Naples Florida 34108 United States Michael Monge Estero Florida 33928 United States Laura Pettry Lake Worth Florida 33462 United States Dan Maloney Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States Jacqueline Goguen Naples Florida 34110 United States carly binge Naples Florida 34116 United States Sam Troyer Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States Daniel Schalk palm bay Florida 32909 United States d Schalk palm bay Florida 32909 United States joel mcqueen sebring Florida 33875 United States Louis Rossignol Kenner Louisiana 70065 United States Charles Ringland Ft. Myers Florida 33919 United States Brian Binge Naples Florida 34114 United States Ed Roberts St. Petersburg Florida 33710 United States Melissa Blazier Naples Florida 34102 United States Eva Maloney Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States Jason Popovich Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States 1 0 0 AA li • Bruce Osterberg Bonita Springs Florida 34135 United States William A D'Antuono Naples Florida 34108 United States Liz Lombardi Naples Florida 34113 United States Christina Ingles Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States Bill Van Deman Apollo Beach Florida 33572 United States Christian Heinz Naples Florida 34119 United States Charlie Barnes St. Petersburg Florida 33710 United States Will Daniels Fort Myers Florida 33912 United States Michael Haynes Tampa Florida 33603 United States William Anderson lecanto Florida 34461 United States Steve Riedel Bradenton Florida 34205 United States Garrett Becker Fort Myers Florida 33966 United States Asley Lugo Naples Florida 34120 United States Ira Erwin indian rocks beach Florida 33785 United States Tony Gatliff Largo Florida 33770 United States Paul Kerr St. Petersburg Florida 33714 United States Steve Ronco Fort Myers Florida 33905 United States Tom Kozlow Naples Florida 34120 United States Chase Fulton Fort Myers Florida 33908 United States Bryan Anderson Clearwater Florida 33703 United States Scott Hooker St. Petersburg Florida 33702 United States michael womack st. pete beach Florida 33706 United States Ray Chaple Clearwater Florida 33755 United States bruce butcher fort myers Florida 33908 United States Raymond Bourque St. Petersburg Florida 33712 United States Dennis Brown Estero Florida 33928 United States Brian Belzel Largo Florida 33774 United States Russell Stephan Cape Coral Florida 33914 United States John Herrera Boca Raton Florida 33432 United States Chris Cronin Ft Myers Florida 33008 United States Andrew Dudley Fort Myers Beach Florida 33931 United States Angela Anderson Lecanto Florida 34461 United States Frank McCallister Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States CHris Grauer St. Petersburg Florida 33702 United States Jason Lowe Lecanto Florida 34461 United States Jason Schulz Hollywood Florida 33024 United States Hunter Rollings Fort Myers Florida 33901 United States Ryan Saul Palm Harbor Florida 34683 United States Josh Willard Saint Petersburg Florida 33710 United States billy hart fort myers Florida 33905 United States Adam Oakley Punta Gorda Florida 33716 United States Greg Harding North Fort Myers Florida 33917 United States JOHN WENDEL NAPLES Florida 34120 United States Liz Morrow St. Petersburg Florida 33713 United States Jacob Cheney Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States Bruce Waits St. Petersburg Florida 33709 United States Ron Savage Clearwater Florida 33765 United States er 10 3 Richard Taylor St. Petersburg Florida 33711 United States Bing Gwong St. Petersburg Florida 33703 United States Donald Ham Port Charlotte Florida 33948 United States cynthia anderson Bushnell Florida 33513 United States chris morgan cape coral Florida 33914 United States David Carpenter Naples Florida 34104 United States William Collier Orlando Florida 32812 United States Martin Bryner Cape Coral Florida 33904 United States Abdiel Falcon Doral Florida 33178 United States Charles Fulton ft.myers Florida 33908 United States Dean Karikas South Pasadena Florida 33707 United States Jeffrey Briscoe Port Charlotte Florida 33952 United States Byron Boekhoudt Santa Cruz 0 Aruba Marcus Dowling helmond 5706nw Netherlands Frank Shay Naples Florida 34117 United States Nicole Babb naples Florida 34120 United States Pieter Evertsz The Hague 2586SG Netherlands Kathryn Cannizzaro Naples Florida 34109 United States Justin LaFountain N. Fort Myers Florida 33903 United States Gabriel Lopez Panama 6537 Panama Anthony Segrich Delray Beach Florida 33444 United States Jon West Winter Springs Florida 32708 United States James Gilner Saint Johns Florida 32259 United States eric rodriguez longkey Florida 33001 United States Dawn Bargione Wake Forest North Caro 27587 United States DAVID HALLEY Naples Florida 34113 United States thomas shearer miami Florida 33176 United States Thomas Pavlik Palm Beach Gardens Florida 33418 United States andrew kappler north miami Florida 33181 United States Ryan Parry Naples Florida 34110 United States Julia Rich North Palm Beach Florida 33408 United States John Leeming Sarasota Florida 34242 United States John Merten North Palm Beach Florida 33408 United States Michael Reitmeier Cape Coral Florida 33990 United States Michael Damanski Naples Florida 34110 United States Joseph Stegner Cocoa Florida 32926 United States Angela Smith Sarasota Florida 34239 United States Brett Berry San Diego California 92117 United States mark Smith Stuart Florida 34997 United States Arnaud Chevillard Paris 75017 France ali hammoud suffisant 11358 Curacao Scott Harrell Gulf Breeze Florida 32563 United States Daniel Schnorrenberg Brooksville Florida 34614 United States James Wood West Palm Bch Florida 33411 United States Danyar Khaiboullin Bradenton Florida 34212 United States Alton Ston Gainesville Florida 32608 United States Michael Valdez Naples Florida 34105 United States 10 0 Aoti o Travis Bontrager Gainesville Florida 32608 United States Ryan Comparato Melbourne Florida 32940 United States Anthony Lee Naples Florida 34116 United States Ronald Pederson Cape Coral Florida 33914 United States Bill Wilson Naples Florida 34109 United States michael laumeyer bradenton Florida 34208 United States Emmanuel Lopez Miami Florida 33138 United States Kathy Robinson Apalachicola Florida 32320 United States Garrett Carney Naples Florida 34109 United States Kelly Ash Utila 12345 Honduras alex hozee willemstad 0 Curacao Willem Evertsz Flushing 4381 LP Netherlands Rico Allee Willemstad 0 Curacao Amanda Ulrich Fort Myers Florida 33905 United States Benjamin Fessler Coral Gables Florida 33134 United States Jordan Wederfoort Leidschendam 2266 BL Netherlands David Kirkham New Smyrna beach Florida 32169 United States JULIO Martinez Hialeah Florida 33014 United States kellie nolan Naples Florida 34102 United States Nate Lyman Naples Florida 34103 United States Thomas Perez Cape Coral Florida 33993 United States Mark Garcy Naples Florida 34110 United States Toby Silverman North Palm Beach Florida 33408 United States Gerald Ekegren Fort Myers Florida 33908 United States Henry Lowe Naples Florida 34113 United States David Jenkins Citra Florida 32113 United States craig foist Naples Florida 34109 United States Peter Paniccia Coral Springs Florida 33065 United States J Solo Miami Beach Florida 33139 United States chris Thomas Fort Lauderdale Florida 33304 United States James Cushing FPO 34058 Bahamas Meshal Sulaiman Abu Dhabi 11413 United Arab Emirates John Dillon Alva Florida 33920 United States garrett abernathy vero beach fl Florida 32963 United States Barry Payne Merritt Island Florida 32953 United States Stephen Thomas Anna maria Florida 34216 United States Andrew Kelley Mayo Florida 32066 United States robert forrest Naples Florida 34116 United States jell morton st. petersburg Florida 33710 United States Andy Roush Knoxville Tennessee 37912 United States Blake Harrison Naples Florida 34103 United States Brad Harmer Cape Coral Florida 33909 United States matt carter orlando Florida 32826 United States Eduardo Montalvo Crestview Florida 32539 United States chip clifton North Palm Beach Florida 33408 United States Travis Jones Orlando Florida 32817 United States Ben Churchwell Bonita Springs Florida 34134 United States 10 0 21,011O Lauren BITTNER Naples Florida 34110 United States Alex Fogg Gautier Mississippi 39553 United States Jordan Ward Anchorage Alaska 99503 United States John Mecke Baltimore Maryland 21224 United States Scott Wallenberg West Chicago Illinois 60185 United States Dave Spence Marco Island Florida 34145 United States Fred Heald Naples Florida 34108 United States Christian O'Donnell Cape Coral Florida 33991 United States Jimmy Jones Naples Florida 34104 United States Jim Bonfitto Naples Florida 34112 United States Scott Hurley Vero Beach Florida 32962 United States Jim JOSEPH Port Charlotte Florida 33952 United States James Dick Naples Florida 34105 United States Lisa Blacklidge Naples Florida 34108 United States Justin Vacca Naples Florida 34109 United States Sharney Perrow Naples Florida 34105 United States Kyle Prescott Naples Florida 34117 United States Joe Young Palm Harbor Florida 34683 United States Stacy Roberts Naples Florida 34109 United States Susan Cascio Naples Florida 34117 United States Edward Brantley Lehigh Acres Florida 33971 United States Lana Abraham Naples Florida 34109 United States Tanner Smith Lakeland Florida 33812 United States Katie Hallman Lakeland Florida 33809 United States Natalie Crane Naples Florida 34110 United States Sean Ryan Naples Florida 34117 United States Laura Saxon morriston Florida 32668 United States Paul Westberry Naples Florida 34113 United States David Gardiner Naples Florida ######## United States Ryan Poole North Palm Beach Florida 33408 United States James Lott naples Florida 34120 United States Kevin Walsh Naples Florida 34113 United States G Dubrick Naples Florida 341113 United States D Dubrick Naples Florida 34113 United States Ken Morrison Lakeland Florida 33810 United States Andrew Dubrick St.Agatha n0b210 Canada Sharon Struhar Naples Florida 34113 United States Jeffrey Dawson Marco Island Florida 3 United States Robert Davis Punta Gorda Florida 33950 United States Beau middlebrook Naples Florida 34113-860 United States Bill Hollowsky Naples Florida 34119 United States Keith Sullivan Naples Florida 34102 United States Erik Johnson Naples Florida 34113 United States Marilyn Hegmann Marco island Florida 34145 United States William Miller Naples Florida 34112 United States Christiana Kim-Alterson Thornton Illinois 60476 United States Bobby Spano Bonita springs Florida 34135 United States �- � O3 10D � kevin kenney marathon Florida 33050 United States Eddie Asencio Jr. Naples Florida 34120 United States Matt Finn Goodland Florida 34140 United States Lindsay Thomas Northbrook Illinois 60062 United States Liesa Priddy Immokalee Florida 34143 United States Michael Coggins Brandon Florida 33511 United States Margaret Silver Atlantic Beach Florida 32233 United States ron silver Atlantic Beach Florida 32233 United States Mike Muck Marco Island Florida 34145 United States Christian Steinwarz Naples Florida 34109 United States WT Pearson Naples Florida 34108 United States Leslie Pearson Naples Florida 34108 United States Miles Griffin Naples Florida 34105 United States William Pearson Naples Florida 34108 United States Eric Poelrl Naples Florida 34102 United States mitch villani naples Florida 34116 United States Troy Montague East bethel Minnesota 55011 United States Jean Jessup St. Petersburg Florida 33711 United States D Keith Wickenden Naples Florida 34109 United States Spencer Wickenden Naples Florida 34109 United States derek schultz chicago Illinois 60613 United States Nick Pearson Naples Florida 34108 United States vicki starks Naples Florida 34110 United States Rick Blalock Jupiter Florida 33458 United States Saundra Lynn-Swanson Naples Florida 34112 United States Patrick Webb Naples Florida 34116 United States patrick hanlon Naples Florida 34108 United States Marcus Summ Fort Myers Florida 33919 United States Ashley Grimes Naples Florida 34119 United States Nick Cosgrove Naples Florida 34110 United States JO SUMM FORT MYERS Florida 33919 United States Ellen Blacklidge Naples Florida 34108 United States Dan Cheek Naples Florida 34110 United States Robert Flandreau TAMPA Florida 33604 United States Lewis Fish Lehigh Acres Florida 33936 United States COL, gliA Name City Stat Zip Comment This is a foolish and discriminatory law that needs to go. Collier should follow the rest of the state and embrace the most selective and most Judah Solo'Miami Beal FL 33139 environmentally sound method of take, spearfishing Kiangkham Saint Peter FL 33710 I am a spearfisherman It's more than hi time that all out dated laws and mandates be revisited and brought up to date.the laws MAY have needed at the time of inception but are they valid and needed now?? It's the duty of the elected officials,that are installed into office by the people that they are supposed to serve to occasionally clean the slate. Lets hope that this drive will result in that badly needed cleaning. Reelection Capt. Bob F Chiefland FL 32626 will be so soon. There is no longer any need for a Collier County spearfishing ban. Bring the laws of Collier County in line with the rest of the state. This will prevent confusion on the part of honest tourists who aren't Tyson Brov New Port P FL 34655 aware of the inexplicably abberant and archaic ban. I am a sport fishermen and I don't want to see this Enrique Mi Immokalee FL 34142 affect"our" marine ecosystem. I spearfish in the keys and have seen the population of lionfish grow. It's amazing how many of the invasive fishes are close to the coast line. I think having the spearfishing boundary line pass 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier,or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed, would be Luis Trujillc Naples FL 34117 beneficial to our coast. Dylan Glas Naples FL 34109 Supporting a long time friend and a helpful cause. bryan flore naples FL 34114 invasive lionfish Lionfish is an invasive species. Lionfish have no known natural predators in our waters. Lionfish consume up to 3x their own weight daily.A female may lay up to 30,000 eggs every 4 to 5 days. They consume ecologically and commercially important species.The most effective way to remove Lionfish in large Allie EIHag(Sarasota FL 34239 numbers is through the use of a pole spear. Andrew Ca Naples FL 34110 this is the only solution to the lionfish problem. 100 g\t41' Ofr Invasive species are a big problem and can cause the Amanda Cc Ft Lauderd;FL 33312 collapse of other important local species. Many people believe that Spearfishing is as simple as diving down and shooting fish.This belief is extremely ignorant,yet is the only explanation to why this law Scott Yous(St. Petersb FL 33702 was originally conceived. Why is the sky blue?Why is water wet? Its an invasive species much like the python is to the Everglades. Its not a naturally occurring issue--its essentially a man made mess.Therefore, we need to Dan Layton Naples FL 34119 quickly implement a man made solution. I believe that lifting this ban is crucial to local economy and also eliminates the danger of smaller Kurtis Huss Naples FL 34102 boats having to travel out 9nm+. christoph E naples FL 34104 cuz da lion fish gotsta go This is an outdated law. Charlotte county already did Adam Wilsi North Port FL 34286 away with their inshore spearing ban last year Karen Fede Naples FL 34114 I believe it is the best method of killing the lion fish. I treasure our world here in Collier Co. and this would help alleviate a threat. Also,we do not benefit from Joyce Dou€Naples FL 34104 the ban in any way. larry ayers naples FL 34110 as a certified diver I want to protect our waters,fish and reefs... Ron Ander N.Ft. Myer FL 33903 Sport of Spearfishing & Lionfisf removal in all waters. Lion Fish are Killing and eating all available fry. If not stopped it will ruin South Florida's Fishing and aquatic Bruce Oste Bonita Spri FL 34135 sport industry. William A [Naples FL 34108 Because the health of the Gulf of Mexico is at stake If thereã€TMs one,there are many! We cannot allow the Lionfish to take over our reefs in Collier County. Not only will the Lionfish destroy our established marine habitats,they will destroy our fishing, boating and diving industries in Southwest Florida. If a Lionfish population flourishes in Collier County they will certainly migrate into neighboring Lee and Monroe Counties.Should our neighbors bare the brunt of our outdated spearfishing ban?With such low visibility in Colliers waters,there will not be many spearfishing even if the law is changed. Having Lionfish tournaments to remove this evasive species Liz Lombar Naples FL 34113 can bring in tourist dollars too! 100 ot) With a 50 year old ban of spearfishing in Collier County,there is no way to stop the invasion of Lionfish that are now reported to be inshore. With the Lionfish allowed to flourish,the marine habitat will drastically change in Collier County.The fishing, diving and boating industries will evaporate. Neighboring Lee and Monroe Counties will be forced to combat the encroaching evasive Lionfish.This can become an epic disaster.Sign the petition that will be submitted to Collier's Congressman. We need this law changed NOW! And once the law is changed we need to host a Lionfish Tournament to remove then ASAP! <a href="http://www.floridagofishing.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.floridagofishing.com</a> is behind this petition 100%and we are spreading the Liz Lombari Naples FL 34113 word to our supporters. Spearfishing is by far the most environmentally sound method of harvest from the ocean. We have very little by-catch and typically clean up after other folks using other gear types. We are more able to aid in the removal of invasive species, such as the lionfish, as we are proactively hunting in their environment. We are bound by the same catch limits as hook& line fishermen and in my opinion should be given the same opportunity&access as those using other gear types with the exception of certain safety limitations Michael Ha Tampa FL 33603 already defined by the state of Florida. Because I would like to help my Spearfishing brethren, abolish a law that was put into effect for no apparent reason, except for a special interest group that would like to whittle away at a persons Steve Riedc Bradenton FL 34205 chosen harvest methods. Im an avid fisherman and its important to protect the rights of fisherman throughout the state. Keep up the Garrett Bec Fort Myers FL 33966 good work. Spearfishing is my passion and la€TMm collier county resident. I have small boat and I cana€TMt go 13 miles Asley Lugo Naples FL 34120 out to able fish. 100 Agt,7) As a spear fisherman I find it unreasonable to not allow spear fishing anywhere hook and line is Paul Kerr St. Petersb FL 33714 permitted. It is a much better way to take fish. Tom Koziol Naples FL 34120 I enjoy spear fishing! need to keep the lion fish from spreading any further michael we tampa FL 33607 and hopefully eliminate them. spearfishing should be granted the same rights as hook and line fishing- it is actually the most Ray Chaple Clearwater FL 33755 ecologically sound way of harvesting fish! Spearfishing is a wonderful sport that surgically takes fish from our gulf with no waist or harm to environment. In addition the lion fish issue can be assisted through the efforts of diver more effectively bruce butcl fort myers FL 33908 than any other mean of eradication. Raymond E St. Petersb FL 33712 I would like to excercise my form of fishing when visiting Naples. Frank McC Cape Coral FL 33904 Lionfish cleanup and regular spearfishing I'm a avid fisherman, and belive this is an incredible sport that deserves to stay around for future Jason LOWE Lecanto FL 34461 generations. Spearfishing cause the least amount of by catch and Josh Willar Saint Peter FL 33710 should be encouraged, not banned. To help eradicate lionfish and to have freedom to participate in the sport of spearfishing w/o Greg Hardie North Fort FL 33917 restrictions. To protect native marine life and coastal marine habitats! Also to be rid of an outdated law that Jacob Chen Cape Coral FL 33904 benefits few. Lionfish are everybodies problem. It has to be handled or ALL the waters are going to suffer. I don't care if you keep the ban on everything except lionfish, but as they destroy the habitat they must be Ron SavagE Clearwater FL 33765 stopped; not given a safe haven. Richard Ta)Saint Peter FL 33711 Bacause it is unfair! I spearfish. While hunting grouper,snapper, hog fish, etc I also target ALL lionfish I see,they are an invasive species, and very distructive,AND DELICIOUS to eat. If spearfishing were allowed in this area there would be a way of helping control the lion fish (you understand they are seldom caught on hook and line, Donald Har Port Charlc FL 33948 it's up to divers to keep them in check). Collier County is discriminating against what is a legal Martin Bryi Cape Coral FL 33904 technique of fisherman throughout Florida. V� 100 1k'3 Jeffrey Bris Port Charlc FL 33952 Necessary to stop the spread of this invasive species in Southwest Flori Byron Boel.Santa Cruz 0 Lionfish is a problem. Must be allowed to spear them Justin LaFo N. Fort MyI FL 33903 I enjoy spearfishing and I have seen first hand what lionfish can do to al eric rodrigi longkey FL 33001 the sport and the love of the ocean,and love of spearfishing Lionfish are a huge problem in florida and must be eradicated.Spearfishing is a legal and ethical method of harvesting fish and eradicating invasive species andrew kai north mian FL 33181 such as lionfish. Spearfishing is the most ecological way of harvesting John Merte North Pain-FL 33408 fish it should be allowed throughout the state I love. As a scuba diver and one who cares about the health of our reefs, it is mandatory that we begin efforts to control the lionfish population ASAP! Once the native fish stock are gone it will be almost impossible to get L.Scott Hal Pensacola FL 32504 them back. Daniel Schr Brooksville FL 34614 Because I believe in EQUAL rights to PUBLIC RESOURCES!!!! James Woc West Palm FL 33411 Time to update your legislation in response to change. Alton Ston Gainesville FL 32608 It can lead to dangerous situations. Husband was stung by a lionfish while lobstering and nearly died. $200,000+ later in medical procedures to his heart and medications he is still not 100%. We Kathy Robii Apalachico FL 32320 must eridacate this aggressive dangerous fish. Lionfish can eliminate up to 90%of the reef essential fish within their range.Our choce is between the lionfish and our reefs until ntatural predators can naturally control their numbers.Again it's save the lionfish or save the entire reef ecosystem.Which will Kelly Ash Plano TX 75025 you choose? Lionfish can eliminate up to 90%of the reef essential fish within their range. Our choce is between the lionfish and our reefs until ntatural predators can naturally control their numbers.Again it's save the lionfish or save the entire reef ecosystem. Which will Rico Allee Willemstad 0 you choose? Lifting the band on spearfishing in Collier is important to me because I take out at least 5 dive trips a week here in Collier County, and have started to notice the lionfish on the reefs, last year I spoted 1, and now 1 became 10, so just think by next year how many the count will be..We need to take action now before it Mark Gard Naples FL 34110 gets out of hand! Vr I'm a fisherman and I also spearfish. The Lionfish IOU needs to be stopped or we will loose our fisheries. You should get the local dive clubs and shops to Gerald Eke;Fort Myers FL 33908 organize and rid us of this menace. Henry Lowi Naples FL 34113 Need to eliminate the Lionfion and expand the diving sport. Meshal Sul Abu Dhabi 11413 Spearfishing is the most ecologically sustainable way of harvesting fish. Spearfishing does not have the impact on the environment that pole and net fishing does. It's far more ethical, as it is more sport and the animals are John Dillon Alva FL 33920 only killed when they are to be harvested and eaten. Barry Payn Merritt Isla FL 32953 Selective sustainable fishing and recreation. I travel and spearfish and it would be nice to vacation in collier county. Not to mention lion fish should be harvested any way possible since they are an invasive Andrew Ke Mayo FL 32066 species. jell mortor st. petersbi FL 33710 to keep lionfish numbers under control. There are some great dive areas in collier-the lion fish population needs to be eliminated on our coast, Brad Harm,Cape Coral FL 33909 they will take over our reefs matt cartel orlando FL 32826 because I spearfish I make numerous trips to Sarasota throughout the year to visit family and enjoy diving. After seeing the John Mecki Baltimore MD 21224 influx of lionfish, it is clear this ban needs to be lifted Scott WallE West Chica IL 60185 preserve fishing for sport fish The ban should continue along the beach. No spearfishing from the beach or for snorkelers.We do not need people parading spearguns along the beach or shooting spawning snook. Other than this restriction, it should be allowed to help check the non- native invasive lionfish and for the positive economic Fred Heald Naples FL 34108 impact it should have. Laws should be uniform through out the state. It is discriminatory to allow one user group to harvest fish and ban another.The state (FWC) has laws governing spearing and ALL counties in Florida accept them but Collier. Jim Joseph, Owner of Fantasea Scuba in Port Jim JOSEPI-Port Charlc FL 33952 Charlotte. Justin Vacc Naples FL 34109 LIONFISH! Because spear fishing is the shit, and if the government keeps eating away at our rights by outlawing something as trivial as spear fishing,then Katelyn Ha lakeland FL 33809 we may just give away ALL OF OUR RIGHTS. All Paul Westk Naples FL 34113 Spear fishing is a simple tool for control. 10 0 we shoulod keep up with other counties that allow spear fishing and i would love to spear fish in my own home town and not have to spend my dollars in James Lott naples FL 34120 another county. It's a great sport and provides food. It also can help with a focus on getting rid of invasive species that Bill Hollow:Naples FL 34119 damage our fragile ecco-system. Many recreational fishermen use spearfishing as the Matt Finn Goodland FL 34140 primary means to take legal fish for food. First this regulation is antiquated and needs corrected.The recent infusion of lion fish also needs addressed.As a spearfisherman I would take the time and effort to kill them before they get out of control as they are in other parts of the state. Collier county needs to level the playing field for spearfisherman and companies that cater to them, it's tough enough to dive and spearfish in Collier county without these Mike Muck Marco Islar FL 34145 antiquated regulations. I am a spearfisherman, and I would love to go off Naples, but instead I have to drive to the opposite WT Pearso Naples FL 34108 coast, or monroe county Jean Jessur St. Petersb FL 33711 Because it is important to a good friend and in memory of my husband. Gigging and spearfishing are completely different methods of fishing.The law is outdated and needs to be changed in order to save our native ecosystem Marcus Sur Fort Myers FL 33919 from invasive threats. Gigging and spearfishing are completely different methods of fishing.The law is outdated and needs to be changed in order to save our native ecosystem Marcus Sur Fort Myers FL 33919 from invasive threats. Ellen Blackl Naples FL 34108 We need to rid the waters of these invasive lionfish. Robert Flar TAMPA FL 33604 it is needed I would like spearfish these waters. Lewis Fish Lehigh Acr(FL 33936 It would bring revenue to Collier co.