Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

Shark and Stingray Smiles

I find that photography can have a powerful impact on the way people see the world around them and perceive things. It can even help us determine how we should feel about something. I love sharing images of shark and stingray smiles because they are actually quite comical, especially the rays. I hope they make people themselves smile, but also encourage them to think differently about these often demonized creatures.

Artificial Reef Updates: September 2016

Reefs in 55-foot depths have resulted in diverse fish assemblages. Eighteen species in the snapper-grouper complex, including black grouper, black seabass, gray snapper, mutton snapper, cubera snapper and yellowtail snapper have been documented on artificial reefs at these depths...

The Subverting of El Nino

Buying the land will not stop discharges in the next 30 years. Buying the land will not stop algae blooms. Buying the land will not stop the loss of oyster beds or sea grass, but all this hype over an anticipated weather event has brought overwhelming national attention to our state. If we allow water to be discharged to the Everglades as is presently suggested by the Buy the Land folks, HABs will flow through those gates just as they do east and west now. And why should we expect anything different?

St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program Update: August 2016

The St. Lucie County Artificial Reef Program’s Oyster Reef Restoration Program has deployed its first subtidal oyster reef (oyster modules deployed below the low tide mark).

FWC UPDATE: Lobster Season

The 2016 regular spiny lobster begins on Aug. 6 and runs through the end of March 2016. Many people find the rules and geographical boundaries in southern Florida to be complex and confusing. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned lobster veteran, a quick review of the basic information is never a bad idea!

Algae and Anglers: What every angler needs to know about the algae tainting our waterways

How do we slow the flow of freshwater and toxic blue-green algae that’s pouring into our estuaries? Although the problem is complex and multifaceted, the only true option for eliminating coastal discharge of water from Lake Okeechobee is the creation of massive engineered filtration marshes in the Everglades Agricultural Area south of Lake Okeechobee.

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12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament May 29th – May 31st, 2026

The 12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament returned to Key Largo May 29–31, 2026, bringing together anglers from across the region for an exciting weekend of offshore fishing, big payouts, dockside festivities, and Florida Keys camaraderie.

Retention Limit Adjustment: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Fishery

NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits will take effect June 1, 2026, and extend through December 31, 2026, unless modified by later action. NOAA Fisheries may need to take additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the fishery.

Go Deep(er)

Think you need heavy conventional gear and 80-lb test to pull big grouper from the deep? Think again. Fishing the 350 to 500+ foot depth range requires a total shift in mindset. Out here, heavy structure isn't the challenge—finding the bait is. Discover why a 20-pound braid, advanced electronics, and a perfectly weighted squid jig are the ultimate secret weapons for targeting deep-water giants.