What’s the point of devoting money and manpower to extensive oyster reef restoration if we can’t eat them? Simply put, oysters are hardly a one-trick pony. Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of our local oysters, even though we can’t slurp them down with Tabasco and a cold beer.Florida Oceanographic Society
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating its inaugural Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day by hosting and promoting a weekend of exciting events across the state, starting Saturday, May 16, including a festival in Pensacola. Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (established to be the first Saturday after Mother’s Day each year) was created by FWC Commissioners to help draw attention to the lionfish issue. Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that have a potential negative impact on native species and habitat.Treasure Coast
Florida Oceanographic Society will host the 4th annual Game Fish and Fish Games on Sunday, April 19 from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. for children ages 8–14. This free fishing clinic will take place at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, 890 N.E. Ocean Blvd. on Hutchinson Island in Stuart.Editorial Staff
Martin County’s Lionfish Program in conjunction with the Martin County Artificial (MCAC) Reef Fund will host a Lionfish Clinic and Hunt, on April 24th & 25th at the Loxahatchee River Center in Jupiter.Treasure Coast
You could play an important part in an ongoing seahorse genetics study being run by marine biologist Nancy Pham Ho from Florida Institute of Technology’s Vero Beach Marine Laboratory. Nancy is enlisting the help of “Citizen Scientists” just like you to help collect DNA samples from local seahorses.Florida Oceanographic Society
Regardless of your personal definition of “gamefish”, it’s time to start treating every fish you catch with some respect. No more rough handling or intentionally spiteful releases (you know exactly what I’m talking about!) just because a fish isn’t on your favorites list or is the wrong size to take home. Use proper catch and release practices on bonefish and burrfish alikeFlorida Oceanographic Society
Hayden W. Mundy, 24, of Midway, Ga., was slow pitch jigging with Capt. Jacob Lee aboard the LeeGull Limit when the big jack ate. They were in about 190 feet of water, 90 miles offshore over a ledge drop where they had marked a group of fish.Editorial Staff
Do you love boating? Then you know how fun and relaxing it can be on the open water. But you also know that things can go wrong sometimes, like storms, accidents, theft, or injuries. That’s why boat insurance is so important. Here are some reasons why.Editorial Staff