Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

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

Popular This Month

Read The October Issue!

Read the latest issue in your area!

Nine Alternative Deceiver Patterns

Lefty’s Deceiver may be the most effective fly pattern ever. Lefty Kreh developed the fly in the 1950s and since then Deceivers have caught fish all over the world. Lefty describes the Deceiver as a tying method rather than a specific fly pattern. This allows for modifications in color, size and materials. These alterations have made the Deceiver extremely versatile. Here are a few “alternative” Deceivers you should think about tying.

A Wade-Fishing Pilgrimage To South Texas

I've traveled all over the Gulf Coast in search of trophy trout. As a self-proclaimed “purist,” 25 miles east of Raymondville, Texas is as good as it gets.

Kayaking For Epic Striped Bass Action Off Cape Cod

Each year I have the pleasure of making a pilgrimage to Cape Cod, where I join a group of Vermont anglers in kayaking for striped bass. This year was a record breaker.

Submit Your Photo

Owen’s First Wahoo

41”snook

20 inch sheepshead

ELLE with a snook