1	"Sue Colson" Sue Colson Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, Inc. City of Cedar Key Leslie N. Sturmer UF / IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension
2	Background Initiated in 1990s as a result of job retraining programs for under-employed oyster harvesters and net fishermen Created and driven by local efforts, “bottom up” approach Has brought economic revitalization to area Over 200 clam farms with sales value of $10M (2003) Impact of $22M (1999) Proactive clam growers association, formed in 2000, addressing many issues
3	Background Originally regulatory oversight complex, many agencies involved DEP (DNR), DER Monumental state laws, supported by local efforts, passed in 1996-8 fostering aquaculture Aquaculture IS agriculture Shellfish aquaculture in public interest All regulatory responsibility transferred to Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Certificate of registration BMPs in lieu of traditional permitting process Division of Aquaculture created within DACS in 1999
4	Problems in Clamalot, 2004-5 Industry grows as does size of support facilities Specifically, aquaculture docks exceed 1000 ft² DEP receives complaints about aquaculture docks from citizens DACS puts a hold on approving docks DEP begins inspecting other upland facilities (land-based nurseries, wholesalers’ plants) DACS receives complaints from citizens about use of net dips on clam bags DACS waffles on approving net dip products DACS makes multiple changes to lease policies and increases fees administratively without industry input
5	Situation Assessment Lack of Communication DACS and DEP do not communicate amongst themselves on perceived problems, resulting in gridlock and concerns of industry management Industry does not communicate amongst themselves and with citizens in community, resulting in “finger pointing” DACS does not communicate with industry about issues pertaining to their livelihood, resulting in lack of trust and uncertainty in businesses
6	Situation Assessment
7	NRLI Practicum DACS and DEP interface Use of net dips on clam bags Lease changes Establishing communication with DACS
8	DACS and DEP interface Overview of Process Round table discussion with local field reps CKAA* Board of Directors Clam farmers City officials IFAS Shellfish Extension DEP identifies issues by providing pictures of problem areas Each issue is discussed Regulatory authority clarified in some issues Water discharges Mangrove cutting
9	DACS and DEP interface Results: Clam Shell Recovery CKAA and IFAS provide answers Educate DEP and city officials on shell recovery efforts Volunteer program Newly funded project in which shell is collected at wholesale plants Educate wholesalers on programs and issue of dumping shell below MHW mark Educate public
10	DACS and DEP interface Results: Aquaculture Dock Authority DACS lacks statutory authority on issuing docks for aquaculture CKAA and IFAS seek solution Initiate “law” making with local legislative delegation Assist in lobbying efforts and partner with Florida Aquaculture Association Florida Farm Bureau “Glitch” bill attached to HB 955 in 2005 session passes Effective January 1, 2006 DACS begins accepting requests for aquaculture docks
11	DACS and DEP interface NRLI Lessons Applied
12	DACS and DEP interface NRLI Lessons Applied
13	Use of net dips on clam bags Overview of Process
14	Use of net dips on clam bags Results: Industry Workshop
15	Use of net dips on clam bags Results: Industry Workshop
16	Use of net dips on clam bags Results: Industry Workshop
17	Use of net dips on clam bags Results: Industry Workshop
18	Use of net dips on clam bags Results: Industry Publications
19	Use of net dips on clam bags NRLI Lessons Applied
20	Use of net dips on clam bags NRLI Lessons Applied
21	Lease changes Overview of Process
22	Lease changes Results of “face to face” meeting
23	Lease changes NRLI Lessons Applied
24	Lease changes NRLI Lessons Applied
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