Biscayne Superintendent recently indicated plans by the Park to shift away from previous proposals to establish a 10,000 acre marine reserve at Biscayne National Park. Senators Nelson and Rubio and members of the south Florida delegation have been actively monitoring the General Management Plan and called for less onerous fishing and boating proposals from what was initially proposed. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been negotiating with the Park to develop alternative plans that better balance access and conservation.
"It's not going to restrict fishing altogether," said Brian Carlstrom, who recently announced a compromise after his meetings with FWC. The Park plans to propose a supplemental General Management Plan in the fall which would allow fishing in the park, but place certain restrictions on anglers in an effort to rebuild overfished populations. These restrictions will be less onerous than the marine reserve previously announced.