Conservation
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Latest in Conservation
Restoring the Deep Water Environment of the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is an extraordinary place, but despite the growing number of people who live, work and play on the Gulf Coast, we know very little about the Gulf in its entirety. Its wonders are bountiful, and its resources provide the people who live along its shores a unique way of life. Ocean Conservancy has worked in the Gulf region for over two decades, with a primary focus on managing our fisheries sustainably. However, on April 20, 2010, the focus of our work took on a new direction. With the explosion of Deepwater Horizon, it became evident that this large marine ecosystem was in danger and would need extensive restoration to recover from this devastating disaster. However, the Gulf was no stranger to degradation prior to the oil disaster. Land loss, overfishing and polluted stormwater runoff are just a few of the factors that have hindered the productivity of the Gulf ecosystem for decades.
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.
