Conservation

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Coastal Conservation Association Inter-Chapter Challenge Sets Records

The Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA) held its annual Inter-chapter Challenge (ICC) June 20-21 at Jensen Beach. A record 197 anglers representing 19 local chapters statewide made the trip to fish the tournament at Jensen Beach, near Port St. Lucie.

Commercial Turtle Poachers Busted

Four men have been charged in the alleged illegal capture and exchange of 2,100 pounds of live, wild-caught turtles. A Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation was launched in March after the arrest of My Van Vo, 31, of Lakeland, who was caught on Lake Apopka near Orlando with 87 softshell turtles weighing in excess of 500 pounds. The subsequent investigation throughout Polk and Seminole counties netted two other men and an Okeechobee freshwater turtle farmer.

New Projects Miss Opportunity to Jump Start Restoration in the Gulf

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.

South Carolina Conservation Groups Continue to Benefit From Guy Harvey Donations

CCA SC Applies Funds to Support Oyster Recycling and Enhancement Program The green footprint left in the Palmetto State courtesy …

SAVE THE DATE: 7th Annual Treasure Coast Waterway Cleanup, July 26

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.

Two-Day Mini Lobster Season: July 30-31

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.

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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