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

Outfitting Your Boat for Offshore Fishing

Outfitting a boat for offshore fishing can feel overwhelming, but prioritizing safety, education, and reliable equipment is key to success. From investing in quality safety gear and electronics to choosing versatile tackle and learning from experienced boaters, the right preparation helps reduce risk and maximize your time on the water. Check out some great tips here!

Peacock Bass: South Florida’s Best Kept Secret

Florida’s peacock bass fishery, created by stocking efforts in the 1980s, has quietly become a major success—producing hard-fighting, colorful gamefish that thrive in South Florida canals and offer anglers a unique, world-class experience close to home. Check out some great catches here!

For A Great Fight, Try the Rooster Fish

If you want a fight you won’t forget, target roosterfish. These inshore beasts crush baits and go on screaming runs—pure sport, all adrenaline.

Lake Calcasieu—the Model Estuary

Lake Calcasieu, known as “Big Lake,” stands out as a model estuary thanks to its rich blend of river flow and surrounding marshes that create an incredibly fertile ecosystem. This nutrient-driven system supports thriving populations of speckled trout, redfish, and flounder, making it one of the most productive and sought-after fisheries on the Gulf Coast.