Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

FWC NEWS: Biologists hope for another busy sea turtle nesting season

More sea turtles nest on Florida’s beaches than on any other U.S. coastline. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) …

FWC News Update: Help Monitor Horseshoe Crab Spawning on Beaches

A ritual dating back millions of years takes place again this spring on Florida beaches. Spring marks horseshoe crabs’ mating …

Spotting Whale Sharks With Gulf Researcher Dr. Eric Hoffmayer

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.

Western Australia Enacts Controversial Shark Cull

As stupid and ridiculous as it may sound, this is indeed true, and I wanted to voice my scientific opinion on the matter this month.

Message In A Bottle

Every once in a while, a curious email floating through cyberspace will land unexepectedly in your inbox, like a message in a bottle.

Deadly Lines

By Michelle Byriel Last summer, my husband and I were enjoying a beautiful day on the boat in Islamorada. While …

Popular This Month

Read The June Issue!

Read the latest issue in your area!

12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament May 29th – May 31st, 2026

The 12th Annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament returned to Key Largo May 29–31, 2026, bringing together anglers from across the region for an exciting weekend of offshore fishing, big payouts, dockside festivities, and Florida Keys camaraderie.

Retention Limit Adjustment: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Fishery

NOAA Fisheries is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna daily retention limits for recreational fishermen. The adjusted limits will take effect June 1, 2026, and extend through December 31, 2026, unless modified by later action. NOAA Fisheries may need to take additional action later in the year to further adjust the retention limits or close the fishery.

Go Deep(er)

Think you need heavy conventional gear and 80-lb test to pull big grouper from the deep? Think again. Fishing the 350 to 500+ foot depth range requires a total shift in mindset. Out here, heavy structure isn't the challenge—finding the bait is. Discover why a 20-pound braid, advanced electronics, and a perfectly weighted squid jig are the ultimate secret weapons for targeting deep-water giants.