Biscayne National Park Superintendent Brian Carlstrom submitted the following letter in response to Traveler's story on Florida Congressional Offices Want To Block Biscayne National Park's Fisheries Plan.
Showing great leadership and visionary stewardship for Biscayne Bay, the late-U.S. Representative Dante Fascell championed the establishment of what eventually became Biscayne National Park. Today, the park continues to work closely with the Florida Congressional delegation in a spirit of mutual respect to manage Biscayne National Park for resource preservation and visitor enjoyment.
We have differences from time to time on the best way to accomplish these goals and recent comments I made reflected poorly on that relationship with Congress in a way unbecoming of a senior civil servant. I apologize for my remarks that discredited the hard work of our elected representatives. I look forward to continuing our good relationship with Congress to ensure the park’s responsible stewardship of its coral reefs, fish, and wildlife so these resources can continue to inspire, educate, and provide enjoyment for present and future generations.
Comments
Nobody, NOBODY, should EVER apologize for doing the right thing. Being honest is never something to apologize for. The Marine Reserve Zone for Biscayne National Park is a late, but nevertheless critically important, effort to protect a place I have seen change drastically over the course of my lifetime in South Florida. Once the Congressional Circus is over, I just hope it is not too late. to save what's left of what I remember.
I agree, Anon. I would rather be sued by the fishing interests than by the Ocean Conservancy were I the superintendent of Biscayne.