Abstract

In the weeks after Hurricane Irma crossed Florida on September 10 – 11, 2017, NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center organized a rapid assessment of damages to the fishing industry and support businesses in the state. Preliminary fieldwork began in late September and by early October 2017 NOAA Fisheries staff was in the field conducting interviews with affected business owners and commercial and recreational fishermen. Fieldwork covered the highest impact areas extending from Naples on the west coast, south through the Florida Keys, and up to Ft. Lauderdale on the eastern shore. Data for other impacted areas of the state was gathered through an online survey on the Florida Fish and Wildlife website and a statewide phone survey that was contracted out and implemented after the fieldwork phase was completed. A total of 1713 businesses and individuals participated one of the three surveys in Florida. Damage assessment totals for specific business sectors and areas of Florida are presented along with information regarding the federal disaster declaration, allocation of funds by the US Congress and the State of Florida, and post-storm recovery in the high impact areas.

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