Conservation
Environmental and waterway news.
Latest in Conservation
Fall Snapper Season, Really?
As many of you know, the Gulf Council has recently voted to have a fall red snapper season. Good news, eh? Yeah, I think so, but it could have been better. There are lots of moving parts involved in this, and I think it would be worthwhile to check them out, because in the next few months and years, these parts will still be moving, and more (and perhaps better) decisions will depend on them. First a quick summary of what went into creating the extended season.
Lionfish invasion…Let’s Fight Back!
The sport of spearfishing is governed by federal and state regulations, and we have the same size and creel limits as anglers. Spearfishing has been found to be the most environmentally friendly form of fishing due to being highly selective, having no by-catch, causing no habitat damage, nor creating stress or harm to protected endangered species. These facts prove a spearfisherman can harvest their catch without doing any harm to the reef, but can he actually help the health of the reef? Absolutely! The newest target species for us gulf coast hunters is the invasive lionfish. The last few years has seen an explosion in the local population of these beautiful, but extremely harmful fish.
Commercial Harvest of Snowy Grouper in South Atlantic Waters Closes on August 10
Commercial harvest of snowy grouper in South Atlantic waters will close at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on August 10, 2013. …
Raising the Bottom: Coastal Farmers on the Front-line
We arrived in Empire, LA an important port of the Mississippi Delta. This area of the Mississippi Delta took Katrina right on the chin and the wetlands continue to lose land at the most rapid pace of anywhere in the world…..thanks to erosion, subsidence, sea level rise, industrial traffic and the hurricanes of course.
The Gulf Coast Economy is driven by its Natural Resources
I admit it--I’m a big outdoor enthusiast. The happiest memories I have were spent enjoying nature and just feeling at peace surrounded by its beauty. Here in Alabama, we are blessed with an abundance of outdoor activities year round. Many of us in this area hunt, fish, bird watch or simply enjoy lounging at the beach. I think we all share a love for our outdoor hobbies, whatever they may be. But, we may not realize the tremendous economic impact these nature-based activities have on our local economy.
