Conservation

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Oyster Restoration: From restaurant to reef, all in the name of improving habitats

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.

Celebrate Florida’s first annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day May 16 with FWC and partners

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.

Florida Oceanographic to Host Free Youth Fishing Clinic April 19

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.

Martin County Lionfish Program to present “Lionfish Clinic and Hunt”

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.

SEAHORSE ROUNDUP: Citizen scientists working to unravel mysteries

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.

A gamefish by any other name

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 alike

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Attention North Carolina Anglers: Key Changes to Fishing Laws and Mandatory Harvest Reporting

North Carolina fishing regulations have important updates concerning mandatory reporting for several key species and the seasonal limits for flounder. Here is what recreational and commercial fishermen need to know:

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Murrells Inlet: South Carolina’s Best Fishing and Golfing

The inlet itself is an inshore angler’s dream. It’s an enclosed system, one of very few inlets on the east coast free from the influence of the Intracoastal Waterway or coastal rivers. There’s no dirty water flowing in from upstream, and this system of marshes and backwaters is a completely saltwater environment, with no freshwater pumping in to reduce salinity. The result is excellent fishing and exploration of backwater creeks for speckled trout, redfish and the doormat flounder that Murrells Inlet has gained a reputation for.

Species Spotlight: Jaguar Guapote

Jaguar Guapote, also known as the jaguar cichlid, is an established non-native species in Florida, particularly in coastal canal systems in the southeastern part of the state, including the Everglades and areas from West Palm Beach south. It is an aggressive, predatory fish that can negatively impact native fish populations and is also a popular sport fish with good culinary value.

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Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook