The Solution

The RFRA represents thousands of members and private citizens that have made a commitment to fix the problems in both the fishery and the management system that is supposed to ensure its health.

Habitat Creation

Working from the ground up, RFRA's primary efforts to date have been toward the development of new essential fish habitat in areas traditionally lacking in natural habitat, or in areas where habitat has been destroyed by storms. 

The cornerstone of the project has been the creation of Reef Fish Restoration Areas (RFRA's) in near shore areas considered critical to the life cycle of nearly all reef species.  These RFRA's will provide protected "No Take" areas of critical habitat for juveniles leaving the protection of bays and estuaries.  The program the RFRA has supported would cause virtually no user conflict with traditional fishing areas, and would be entirely financed through donations and grants.

Additionally, the RFRA strongly supports the development of Large Areas Artificial Reef Sites (LAARS) that include the maximum of available space for reef development.  This will allow for a maximum number of fishable reef sites available for essential fish habitat and public use,  while providing the opportunity to spread habitat out over a large area, further reducing pressure and user conflict.

Management Issues

In the short history of the RFRA we have experienced a level of rejection, interference, and incompetency in the fisheries management process that has been apalling.  Personal and political agendas have created a labyrinth of red tape and regulation that makes it virtually impossible for anyone interested to help the situation, particularly the public.

In this wake, we have come to the realization that we must be able to effectively function in the political world if we're going to be able to save the fishery. 

We have contacted regulatory agencies concerning the use of more accurate and timely data concerning fish populations, and fishing success, to include the use of underwater video for fish counts, the sale of "species stamps" to better identify fishing effort, and a more effective method of measuring fishing success including public reporting.

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The RFRA relies on membership and donations. 

Please use the link below to help to keep our work going.