Conservation

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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
Piping-plover

BNT and Audubon Band Together to Band Piping Plovers

Andros, Bahamas – The Joulter Cays, located in Andros just north of the settlement of Lowe Sound, is well renowned as a fly fishing paradise with some of the highest quality bonefish habit in the world.

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Outfitting Your Boat for Offshore Fishing

Outfitting a boat for offshore fishing can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing safety, education, and reliable equipment is key to success. From investing in quality safety gear and electronics to choosing versatile tackle and learning from experienced boaters, the right preparation helps reduce risk and maximize your time on the water. Check out some great tips here!

Peacock Bass: South Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Florida’s peacock bass fishery, created by stocking efforts in the 1980s, has quietly become a major success—producing hard-fighting, colorful gamefish that thrive in South Florida canals and offer anglers a unique, world-class experience close to home. Check out some great catches here!

For A Great Fight, Try the Rooster Fish

If you want a fight you won’t forget, target roosterfish. These inshore beasts crush baits and go on screaming runs—pure sport, all adrenaline.

Spring Flounder Trickle

While the fall flounder run is a well-known spectacle, the spring return is a more subtle "trickle" that begins as early as late February. Unlike the concentrated mass exodus of the fall, spring flounder gradually re-enter estuaries through passes and channels, eventually spreading throughout the bays from deep ledges to shallow marsh guts. This transition period offers excellent opportunities for anglers willing to brave the spring winds, using sinking lures for deep water early in the season and shallow-water shrimp imitations as temperatures rise.