Recreational saltwater fishing is a billion-dollar industry in Florida, but even it needs an economic jumpstart. As part of a proposal sent to Congress, the state legislature hopes to receive $150 million from President Obama’s stimulus package to pay for a network of fish hatcheries around the state.

The hatcheries are part of the Florida Marine Fisheries Enhancement Initiative (FMFEI). Seven hatchery sites across the state and habitat restoration in the Indian River Lagoon and Tampa Bay make up most of the Initiative.

The folks at Wildlife Foundation of Florida feel pretty confident about the proposal. Brett Boston writes on the Wildlife Foundation of Florida Web site that “construction of the hatcheries and their associated facilities will be an immediate economic benefit to the local communities.” He expects 3,479 immediate construction jobs, 129 permanent green jobs and various indirect green jobs created in the local communities surrounding the hatcheries.

The seven hatchery sites include locations in New Smyrna Beach (old New Smyrna Beach High School site), Hubbs Seaworld Research Institute near Sebastian, Vero Beach Marine Enhancement Center, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute near Fort Pierce, Haulover Park Conservation Center, Mote Marine Laboratory, and a Tampa Bay hatchery site.