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Overview. Florida’s coasts and the numerous ecological and economic resources they provide are invaluable to the tens of millions of people who live in Florida or visit the state each year. No other state offers more opportunities to boat, dive or fish such a diverse marine environment than Florida. In 2005, anglers spent $3.3 billion on saltwater recreational fishing in the state, supporting nearly 60,000 jobs. Florida has truly earned its reputation as “Fishing Capital of the World.” But that reputation is in jeopardy due to global warming. This report provides the latest information about global warming and how associated
sea-level rise and other changes would likely affect Florida’s coastal habitats, with a particular
emphasis on the recreational saltwater fisheries they support. Model results for nine sites along Florida’s coasts project that sea level rise would dramatically alter the extent and composition of important coastal habitats throughout the region if global warming continues unabated. In addition, global warming is expected to lead to an increase in marine diseases,
harmful algal blooms, more-extreme rainfall patterns and stronger hurricanes, all of which would have a significant impact on the state’s prime fisheries.