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

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Fishing the Second Shift

As we make the transition from spring to out right summer, it's not uncommon to have the temps climb into the middle or upper 90s during the heat of the day. This is the time of year that I really like to get the boat loaded and start the trip late in the afternoon, and fish well into the night. Check out some great tips here!

Okeechobee Report & Forecast

By Capt. Angie Douthit Over the past few months, Okeechobee’s water level has continued to drop, despite the past few …

Boca Granda Pass, Charlotte Harbor, and the Flats Report & Forecast

By Capt. Dave Stephens Without a doubt, May is probably one of my favorite months to fish Charlotte Harbor. Our …