Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

FWC Update: $25,000 received for new 2018 tagged-lionfish removal incentive program

New program to be rolled out in 2018 to increase statewide removal efforts of lionfish.

Artificial Reef Update: Creating an Inshore Dive Site

The St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program believes a dive site near the Fort Pierce Inlet would be an excellent location for creating an inshore dive site. 

GONE COASTAL: Fishing for the future through Sport Fish Restoration

The next time you go fishing, buy tackle, fuel-up your boat, or purchase your fishing license, remember that you contributed to an important program with far-reaching impacts.

Researchers Embark on $10 Million Gulf Red Snapper Study

Researchers from the University of Florida received a $10 million grant to hopefully settle disputes and determine what the snapper population actually is.

Help Restore Scallops: Become a Scallop-sitter!

The FWC is looking for volunteers to take the role of scallop-sitter. Staff will provide you with juvenile scallops and a predator-exclusion cage.

FWC Discusses Extended Spawning Closure Inside Special Permit Zone

At its December meeting in Gainesville, the FWC discussed a draft change to extend the spawning season closure for permit inside the Special Permit Zone.

Popular This Month

Outfitting Your Boat for Offshore Fishing

Outfitting a boat for offshore fishing can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing safety, education, and reliable equipment is key to success. From investing in quality safety gear and electronics to choosing versatile tackle and learning from experienced boaters, the right preparation helps reduce risk and maximize your time on the water. Check out some great tips here!

Lake Calcasieu—the Model Estuary

Lake Calcasieu, known as “Big Lake,” stands out as a model estuary thanks to its rich blend of river flow and surrounding marshes that create an incredibly fertile ecosystem. This nutrient-driven system supports thriving populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder, making it one of the most productive and sought-after fisheries on the Gulf Coast.

The Evolution of Tackle

This article explores the deep historical roots of fishing gear, revealing that basic tools like hooks and rods date back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like Egypt and China. It traces the transition from primitive materials—such as shell hooks and horsehair lines—to modern innovations like fiberglass rods, monofilament lines, and precision-engineered reels. Ultimately, the piece highlights how today's high-tech tackle is a refined evolution of original concepts driven by advanced engineering and new materials.

Don’t Think About This the Next Time You Go Fishing

Fishing is full of quirky superstitions—from “no bananas on the boat” to the dreaded first-cast curse—but whether rooted in history or just habit, they all shape how we experience a day on the water. In the end, belief or not, every angler knows there’s always one more chance… the last cast.

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Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook