In June, a partnership of Gulf state and federal agencies announced they are approving $627 million in early restoration projects for Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Texas, as part of the Natural Resources Damage Assessment of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. This is another milestone in the process to restore the Gulf of Mexico. But the news isn’t all positive.Alabama Gulf Coast Edition
Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup, which is slated for Saturday, July 26, 20143. Both volunteers and sponsors are needed to make this event a success. Volunteer as a group or individual, young and old, this event is for everyone. Treasure Coast
Every July when the official mini-lobster season kicks off, the coastal areas of Florida are flooded with “bug-hunters” trying to find their share of the tasty crustaceans. There are two Florida Lobster Seasons, the two-day mini season and the eight-month regular lobster season. The mini lobster season is always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. This year the mini season falls on July 30th and 31st. The regular lobster season opens August 6, running through March 31. Treasure Coast
Estuaries are some of the most productive and biologically diverse environments around Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. They are the areas where freshwater drained from the land meets and mixes with seawater to form a brackish water body. Estuaries and bays serve as important nurseries for fish.Big Bend Edition
Fishing is an important part of the Florida lifestyle as well as its economy. In spite of the obvious benefits, this leisure-time activity, on occasion, can lead to problems for birds and other wildlife such as sea turtles and manatees. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists, monofilament fishing line and fishing hooks can entangle these animals, leading to injury and even death. Big Bend Edition
Alaska sportfishing offers wilderness realized rather than imagined and quickens the pulse in all types of anglers, from panfishermen to world veterans. Editorial Staff
Wahoos are one of the most coveted fish for bluewater hunters. That is because they are stealthy, good-tasting, and way smarter than you are. Here are some tips for hunting this wary species.Sheri Daye