Didn't realize this was going on.
Unique opportunity for South Florida anglers

BY SUSAN COCKING




MiamiHerald

• South Florida recreational anglers will have an opportunity like no other this week to learn about the very latest developments affecting their sport here and around the world.
The International Game Fish Association will host the fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference Monday through Thursday at its headquarters in Dania Beach. This is the first time the conference has been held in the U.S. IGFA conservation director Jason Schratwieser said it ``promises to be the premier event discussing international fisheries issues.''

Fisheries scientists from around the world plan to present more than 150 research papers. Other participants include resource managers, representatives of conservation groups and tackle manufacturers.

Discussion topics include implications of climate change on the sportfishing industry, inland and marine protected areas, failures and successes of various recreational fisheries and recreational fishing's role in society.

Registration fee is $600 per person. For more information, visit worldrecfish.org.

Following the conclusion of that meeting, the non-profit Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited and University of Miami will host a symposium specifically covering those two game species Friday and Saturday at IGFA headquarters and Sunday, Nov. 16, at a guides' meeting in Key Largo. Scientists will present the latest research on bonefish and tarpon, with recreational anglers and fisheries managers encouraged to join discussion sessions.
Registration fee is $100. For more information, go to tarbone.org.

• Florida fisheries managers, researchers and conservation organizations have announced a plan to grow more saltwater gamefish for recreational anglers in the Sunshine State. The Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative aims to create eight new fish hatcheries around the state, costing between $8 million and $10 million each. Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory already has a hatchery for snook and sturgeon. The Wildlife Foundation of Florida has announced it will spearhead a fundraising effort with help from other concerned groups. The goal is to produce significant numbers of redfish for Florida's east coast by 2010-11. For more information, visit supportfloridasportfish.com.

• Big Cypress National Preserve will conduct a lottery for off-road vehicle permits valid from January 2009 to January 2010. Applicants must have their paperwork postmarked by Nov. 30. There will be a random drawing for up to 2,000 permits for the year. Send applications to Big Cypress National Preserve, ATTN: ORV Permit Office, 33100 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Fla., 34141. Lottery applications will be sent to current permit holders and landowners/lessees.