Conservation

Environmental and waterway news.

Latest in Conservation

New “Lion King” Invading Gulf Waters

An unwelcome super-predator with venomous spines has found its way into the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Red Lionfish (Pterois voltans), a popular but hazardous saltwater aquarium pet was long presumed to be too warm-blooded to survive outside its distant tropical native range, over ten thousand miles away. However, divers and fishermen are increasingly catching live, healthy specimens off the southern coast of the United States, proving that cooler Gulf temperatures are not a barrier to this voracious and destructive feeder.

FWC REMINDER: Snook harvest seasonal closure in Atlantic starts Dec. 15

The recreational harvest season for snook closes Dec. 15 in Atlantic state and federal waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the …

Florida Won’t Repeat Public Python Hunt Next Year

A public hunt for Burmese pythons in Florida’s Everglades won’t be repeated next year, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman said Monday (Nov 18). Instead, the state is beefing up established programs that train licensed hunters and people who regularly work in areas known to contain pythons to kill or report exotic snakes.

‘Tis the Season…’

The holidays – be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc, are all about being grateful. So I wanted to reflect, as I think its something all of us don’t do enough. I am grateful for being able to live in a state with excellent marine resources. It is awesome that there are lots of sharks in Florida state waters and beyond that help make my research successful.

Winter Bay Day

It began as a simple THANK YOU to those joining the newly formed Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves. It has grown and grown in memberships and Shrimp Boil plates. In February 2012, a record 458 plates were sold to the Winter Bay Day participants. 

Boating Tips for the Environment

In general, I find folks who own boats are responsible. Owning and running a boat requires some serious responsibility. Otherwise, being careless will quickly lead to major problems that can end your life or your boating hobby.

Popular This Month

2026 BASTILLE DAY KINGFISH TOURNAMENT SET FOR JULY 12

Stretching 500 miles across the northern side of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Trench is the deepest in the Atlantic Ocean.

Hot Action on Eight-Day Trip Aboard the American Angler

The anglers who headed out in mid-October aboard the 90-foot American Angler, out of Point Loma Sportfishing in San Diego, with Captain Ray Lopez at the helm, experienced multi-species Nirvana on an eight-day Penn Fishing University excursion. This October eight-day trip is known as the Fall Variety Special, and it more than lived up to its billing, with 27 different species of game fish caught.

Adventures South Of the Border: In Search of Monster Roosterfish

My son Charles and I are always looking for giant roosterfish— one of my favorite fish of all. It has a dorsal fin that kind of looks like the tail feathers of a rooster, thus giving it the name roosterfish. It is a member of the jack family and fights as hard as any jack does.

The Short Stroke: Fighting Fish in Deep Water

Ever notice how the best anglers land their fish with barely any drama? Smooth, steady pressure, moving with the fish around the boat, focused on one goal—bringing it in fast and clean. Want to sharpen your skills? Check out these great tips!