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

The Evolution of Tackle

This article explores the deep historical roots of fishing gear, revealing that basic tools like hooks and rods date back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like Egypt and China. It traces the transition from primitive materials—such as shell hooks and horsehair lines—to modern innovations like fiberglass rods, monofilament lines, and precision-engineered reels. Ultimately, the piece highlights how today's high-tech tackle is a refined evolution of original concepts driven by advanced engineering and new materials.

Haddrell’s Point and Tackle Offshore Report – April

By Captain Mike Able, Contributing Writer Whew, we made it!! Made it past March that is! For me, I feel …

Topsail – April 2026

With the weather warming with the arrival of Spring, I like to get back to throwing a lot more topwater …

Crystal Coast – April 2026

April is a much anticipated month here on the Crystal Coast of NC. It’s always the time when warm Spring …