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!

Peacock Bass: South Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Florida’s peacock bass fishery, created by stocking efforts in the 1980s, has quietly become a major success—producing hard-fighting, colorful gamefish that thrive in South Florida canals and offer anglers a unique, world-class experience close to home. Check out some great catches here!

For A Great Fight, Try the Rooster Fish

If you want a fight you won’t forget, target roosterfish. These inshore beasts crush baits and go on screaming runs—pure sport, all adrenaline.

Spring Flounder Trickle

While the fall flounder run is a well-known spectacle, the spring return is a more subtle "trickle" that begins as early as late February. Unlike the concentrated mass exodus of the fall, spring flounder gradually re-enter estuaries through passes and channels, eventually spreading throughout the bays from deep ledges to shallow marsh guts. This transition period offers excellent opportunities for anglers willing to brave the spring winds, using sinking lures for deep water early in the season and shallow-water shrimp imitations as temperatures rise.