April 20, 2014, marks four years since BP’s Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico blew out, destroying the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, killing eleven workers and setting off an uncontrolled oil gusher lasting eighty-seven days.Alabama Gulf Coast Edition
The Redfish as a sport fish and to a lesser extent a “food fish” has gained far more popularity than the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) predicted years back when it declared it a “restrictive” species.Big Bend Edition
Of all the ways that the increasing human population has fundamentally changed Earth, the one that is equally apparent from … Florida Oceanographic Society
Those of us living on the Gulf Coast know our lives are distinctly intertwined with the great body of water to the south. Most of our recreation, food and the way we make a living are connected to the Gulf. However, we don’t always have time stop and consider the vastness of this incredible place we call home. This large marine ecosystem provides a home to creatures many of us have never seen in person, for example, whale sharks. Whale sharks— those spotted gentle giants that feed on fish eggs and plankton—are one of the Gulf’s most unique creatures. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, and although the Gulf is home to a number of them, little is known about their behavior in the Gulf. Ocean Conservancy interviewed Dr. Eric Hoffmayer, a preeminent whale shark expert and research fishery biologist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, to find out more about this fascinating fish and what research is needed to ensure their protection.Alabama Gulf Coast Edition
On a long-range fishing trip from San Diego, Earl Gill IV landed an extraordinary yellowfin tuna weighing 443 pounds—a staggering 16 pounds more than the existing world record for a yellowfin caught on rod and reel.Editorial Staff
Alexandra Spring turned heads in the angling community with her impressive 33-lb, 14-oz Atlantic halibut, caught off Orleans, Massachusetts. This catch earned Alex the IGFA Women’s 15-kg (30-lb) Line Class World Record for the species.Editorial Staff