Florida is easily known for our sunny beaches, vibrant marine life, and tasty seafood! Florida offers a diverse array of seafood, drawing locals and tourists to our waters and coastal restaurants.
Florida's extensive coastline spans over 1,300 miles with many different types of marine habitats to support a diversity of life. The Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, for example, provides the environment for an abundance of fish species including snapper, grouper, redfish, amberjack, porgy and mullet. Fort Myers Beach is known for their “pink gold” or “Key West Pinks” gulf shrimp, while coastal Collier is known for delicacies like stone crab. Florida’s aquaculture industry is also growing, producing foods like oysters and clams.
These fisheries support a significant commercial fishing sector and the SWFL seafood industry is compromised by a network of fishermen and fisherwomen, wholesalers, and retailers. In Collier County, over 311,000 pounds of stone crab claws were sustainability harvested for our waterways for an estimated value of over 6.4 million dollars.
Beyond its direct contributions, amateur and hobby fisherfolk and seafood-related tourism further bolsters local economies, attracting visitors and locals eager to savor the freshest catches at waterfront restaurants and seafood festivals.
Florida has implemented various measures to ensure the sustainability of its seafood resources. This includes regulations on fishing quotas, seasonal closures, and habitat conservation initiatives aimed at maintaining the long-term health of fish stocks.
Like any industry, Florida's seafood sector faces challenges such as environmental degradation, competition from imports, and fluctuating market demands. However, there is a growing awareness and demand for local seafood and aquaculture. As Florida's population continues to grow, Florida's seafood sector is in a good place to thrive for years to come, ensuring that the Sunshine State remains a seafood lover's paradise.
To find local seafood producers, visit www.swflfresh.com
