The Broward Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association was founded 30 years ago following the successful campaign to ban commercial gill nets in Florida waters, which was quickly decimating the fisheries and destroying critical habitat around the state. CCA is an organization that gives recreational anglers a voice in Tallahassee and Washington DC when fishing and boating regulations are being developed. Their mission is to protect and conserve Florida’s marine resources through habitat rehabilitation, restocking programs, fighting for improved water quality and making sure recreational anglers have access to these resources. A more recent and equally substantial accomplishment was the successful ban of commercial long lining techniques, which will allow the population of billfish and other offshore species to recover from years of being overfished.
Since the beginning, the Broward Chapter has maintained a statewide reputation as being one of the best. That tradition has continued on to this day, thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers and corporate sponsors. The Chapter has successfully continued to help make a positive and long lasting impact on the local Broward fisheries.
A new breath of life was given to the Chapter recently and in record time they were able to deploy two artificial reefs off the coast of Fort Lauderdale in 70 and 165 feet of water. The reefs are a tribute to John Michael Baker, a local waterman who passed away after a tragic boating accident in 2015. These deployed materials will provide structure and shelter to support new life in an area that is sorely lacking. The structures have much to offer. Not only are they great for diving but they will also provide a new reef habitat for recreational fishermen to enjoy for decades to come. We are committed to adding more materials to both reef sites over the next five years. As always this comes with a cost and we definitely need help in achieving this goal. As of today, we are planning the third deployment at the site in 70 feet and are getting closer to having the funds necessary to make it happen.
Funds for the artificial reefs came from the generous support of local donors who attend the annual fundraising banquets, as well as from the Baker family and the John Michael Baker Fishing Tournament. In the last two years the banquet has grown substantially, both financially and in attendance, which is a result of hard work being done by a great group of local volunteers. The goal for the organization and everyone involved is to leave it better than we found it so that future generations will be able to feel the thrill of fighting a giant tarpon, sailfish or dolphin. We are always looking towards the future and how we can best utilize our resources. With the help and support of our members and sponsors, we will achieve our goals.
For more information, visit www.ccaflorida.org/chapter/broward.
~ Brock Pecknold