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TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush today signed legislation that establishes
a statewide oversight group tasked with coordinating public and private ocean
research for more effective coastal management. The law builds upon a foundation
laid last year by Governor Bush to further coastal protection through the
Florida Oceans Initiative and a regional Gulf of Mexico alliance between the
federal government and the five Gulf States.
“Florida’s efforts to advance ocean and coastal management through sound
science will benefit from a single coordinating committee,” said Governor Bush.
“The Council will bring together a diversity of interests to help close the
science gap, enhance environmental stewardship and strengthen natural resource
conservation and restoration.”
House Bill 1855 creates a Florida Oceans and Coastal Resources Council to be
appointed by the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP), Executive Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC) and the Commissioner of Agriculture. The Council will develop
priorities for ocean and coastal research, and establish a statewide ocean
research plan.
“This provides natural resource managers with a forum for establishing marine
science and research priorities, and supports Florida’s efforts to improve
coastal management, safeguard coastal habitat and protect the vitality of our
ocean-based economy,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille.
House Bill 1855 directs the Florida Oceans and Coastal Resources Council to:
- Encourage and support public-private partnerships to leverage funds and
maximize opportunities for preserving coastal resources.
- Create a comprehensive repository for marine and coastal science and
research data.
- Complete a Florida Oceans and Coastal Scientific Research Plan by January
15, 2006.
- Prepare a comprehensive oceans and coastal resource assessment by December
1, 2006.
“With the importance of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico to the
character and economy of Florida, we are excited to be a partner in this
effort,” FWC executive director Kenneth Haddad said. “The Council will enable us
to improve the management of these resources and nurture the quality of life
here.”
Also included in the bill are provisions to:
- Enable federal and state agencies to improve government efficiency and
consistency by jointly assessing and addressing coastal oil spills with
significant natural resource impacts.
- Strengthen water quality protection by improving the Department of
Environmental Protection's Total Maximum Daily Load Program and enhancing the
agency’s ability to effectively address all sources of pollution.
For more information on HB 1855 or other legislative action taken by Governor
Bush, visit www.myflorida.com.
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2012 State of Florida