Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

Estuaries and Water Quality Management

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.

Monofilament fishing line perilous for pelicans

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.

Giant Prehistoric Turtle Discovered at Apalachicola!

That headline may be a bit of hyperbole, but we’re excited nonetheless! (We do love our reptiles around here at Apalachicola Riverkeeper). The ‘new’ turtle is the Alligator Snapping Turtle.
sea turtle conservation

Help Protect Our Sea Turtles

Marine turtles are some of the most remarkable creatures you may encounter out on the water. Their numbers have declined, and all marine turtles are classified as either threatened or endangered.

There is a “Silver Bullet”; Use it NOW

By Mark D. Perry, Executive Director, Florida Oceanographic Society We all remember the Lone Ranger; He used silver bullets as a symbol …

Goliath Grouper

Recently while out scuba diving to collect marine specimens for universities, the staff at GSML saw a goliath grouper.

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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:

Read The November Issue!

Read the latest issue in your area!

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.