Home Introduction Physical Setting Urbanization Natural Hazards Mineral Resources Water System Environmental Quality Outdoor Recreation Everglades N.P. Coastal Zone Fish & Wildlife - Estuaries - Endangered Species > Recreation - Exotic Species Miccosukee Indians Conclusion References

The importance of fish and wildlife oriented recreation in Dade County is borne out by the fact that this county has the largest fleet of private, party, and charter fishing boats in the State. In 1970 more than 14,197,000 salt water fishing trips were made in the county. Included are all types of salt water fishing: from bridge and pier, surf and wading, and boat fishing. In addition, 5,646,400 fresh water fishing trips were made during the same year. As would be expected, fewer hunting trips were made; however, this activity is nonetheless important. Almost one million (961,476) hunting trips were made in Dade County during 1970.

Mangrove and Estuarine Zone [larger image]

Hammocks In Everglades

Hammocks in Everglades separated by airboat trails. [larger image]

The most important impact of these activities on the resource is the result of peak-day participation. For salt water fishing the peak-day participation in 1970 was 197,804 trips; for fresh water fishing, 74,179; and for hunting, 27,998. Systematic comparison of these activities with the available habitat services and human populations indicates that optimum peak-day trips for the same period would have numbered only 38,606 for fresh water fishing; 92,717 for salt water fishing; and 14,280 for hunting. In each case the peak-day participation almost doubled the optimum. Such high-use days place undue strain on the habitat and emphasize the importance of maintaining no less than the present quantity and quality habitat necessary to support these activities.

Wildlife observation, bird watching, nature study, beach walking, or hiking and walking in an undeveloped area, where natural scenery and wild plants and animals add to the outdoor experience, are at least equal in importance to fishing and hunting. In the Dade County area in 1970, both residents and tourists accounted for more than 29 million user occasions when all these activities were lumped together. Fish and wildlife oriented activities can continue to provide a meaningful and economically important base for the Dade County area if the current misuse of land and water is corrected and the present undisturbed acreage is retained.

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Recreational usage of the Coastal Zone is extremely varied.

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