The ABM is a non-regulatory advisory committee to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council. Its directive is to make comments and recommendations regarding the management of Estero Bay and its watershed. The ABM collects and maintains data and it reviews and comments to regulatory agencies on issues affecting the watershed. Its members include Lee County legislative delegates and representatives of the Council, local chambers of commerce, citizen and civic associations, the Responsible Growth Management Coalition, Lee County, Collier County, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, the SFWMD, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Gulf Coast University, Federal agencies involved in natural resource management, commercial and recreational fishing interests, environmental and conservation organizations, scientists, affected property owners, and the land development community.