Marine Resources

Mission Statement: Providing Access to Safe, Healthy and Productive Waterways

Escambia County’s marine and freshwater resources play a large role in attracting people to our community to live, work, and play. For hundreds and thousands of years, Native Americans have lived along our coastline, long before European “discovery”, gathering food from local waters. They left numerous artifacts, including shell “middens”- mounds of empty shells discarded after removing the edible parts. Don Tristan de Luna attempted the first European settlement here in 1559. Although they were thwarted by powerful hurricanes, Pensacola was eventually settled, and occupied by the Spanish, English, and French. One of the greatest attractions to our area was the natural and protected deepwater port. Shipping and the harvest of naval stores from local forests comprised much of our early development. The strategic nature of our port was also recognized militarily, and numerous forts were constructed to protect it.

Fishing was, and still is, an important activity in Escambia County. After the Civil War, the commercial fishery for red snapper was centered in Pensacola. Indeed, the fish was widely known as the “Pensacola Red Snapper”. In recent decades, recreational fishing has become important for personal consumption and recreation, as well as the foundation for tremendous economic activity. A quick scan through the business section of the local telephone directory reveals hundreds of businesses that deal with fishing, boating, diving, and numerous other water-based activities.

Throughout the years, artificial reef programs have been utilized in order to help replenish and redefine underwater activities, as well as to provide new habitats for migratory and indigenous species of required life. Public and private artificial reefs have been deployed in numerous locations just off our coastal waters.

Clean water, healthy populations of marine life, and the world’s most beautiful beaches are the foundation of our tourist economy as well. Each year, millions of visitors stream into our area from all parts of the world. Our attraction is also answered by growth in the local population as people move to our area to pursue careers, raise families, or retire. As we have seen in other parts of Florida, local populations are likely to provide us with tremendous economic potential. This growth also presents challenges. The quality of our marine and freshwater resources are inextricably tied to the lands within our watershed. Most critical are the coastal lands and lands adjacent to rivers and streams. As we grow and develop, we must ensure that we do not harm those marine and coastal resources that are an important part of who we are.

To help ensure the long-term health and accessibility of Escambia County’s marine, freshwater, and coastal resources, Escambia Board of County Commissioners established Escambia County Marine Resources Division in April, 2000. Although federal and state agencies have jurisdiction over many marine and environmental issues, the County Commission recognized the importance of having focus at the Escambia County level. Escambia County Marine Resources Division provides local knowledge and expertise to issues that affect Escambia County’s waterways, water quality, and living marine and freshwater resources. Our perspective allows us to focus on what is best for Escambia County. Our goal is the safe, efficient, and sustainable use and enjoyment of our marine, coastal, and freshwater resources by our residents and visitors.

Florida Department of Health Notice Regarding Fish Consumption

Fishing is an important source of recreation and seafood for Escambia County residents and visitors. Fishing is a vital component of our culture and our economy. Likewise, seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. When making choices about what kinds of seafood to eat, and in what quantities, there is a new source of information available from the Florida Department of Health. In particular, children and women of childbearing age should limit exposure to mercury. Please see "Your Guide to Eating Fish Caught in Florida" (in PDF) or visit the Fish Consumption Guide for the most recent information.