Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program Update: June 2016

The St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program, assisted by volunteers, continues to prepare the Tug Kathleen for deployment this summer. Cleanup will be thorough in order to prevent potential pollutants from entering Treasure Coast waters.

Take advantage of FREE Florida Fishing Days

Florida Free Fishing Days are just around the corner: Freshwater: June 11 & 12, 2016 | Saltwater: June 4 & 5, 2016.

Turtle season is heating up locally

While sea turtle nesting season in Florida officially runs from March 1 to October 31, the number of nesting turtles visiting our beaches will really start to pick up in May.

St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program Update: May 2016

We have teamed with McCulley Marine Services and the Snook and Gamefish Foundation to acquire an 80-foot tugboat to sink offshore in depths of 120 feet to 150 feet, as both a fishing and diving attraction.

A Bridge Too Far

There are 89 bridges along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) where our divers have investigated and removed debris. Of those bridges, the only problems have been the two in my town of Fort Pierce. Our local marine patrol was concerned about seine and gill nets and skin diving, prohibited since 1919. But, on April 5, 2016, that all came to an end.

FWC UPDATE: Lionfish Removal and Atlantic Grouper Season Reopens

Get those rods and reels ready—grouper season in the Atlantic region reopens May 1.

Popular This Month

Mouse It’s What’s For Dinner

For those looking to take fly fishing for trout to a whole new level, consider mousing. Mousing refers to fishing for trout with large topwater patterns meant to mimic small rodents. It is a tactic best utilized at night, when nocturnal rodents forage.

Classic Surf Pompano Rigs

I prefer pompano rigs with two hooks and a 1- to 3-ounce pyramid sinker as the anchor. Pyramid sinkers dig deeper into the sand than bell or barrel types and should be just heavy enough to prevent your rig from walking back to shore. Keep a few different weights at your disposal and adjust accordingly.

It’s An Addiction: The Summer Surf

The Texas summer surf can spoil a newcomer in a heartbeat and it's what the seasoned surf angler typically awaits each year.

How Alligators Catch Fish

The alligator has been around for over 37 million years, in which time it has perfected its hunting skills.