A new program to assist in the restocking of redfish.
We’ve all seen the red tide events that hammer fish on Florida’s southwest coast. In February, stockings of redfish began to ease the pain of fish kills on resident populations.
Duke Energy, FWC and CCA Florida began the release of more than 16,000 juvenile and adult redfish in southwest Florida counties. The program was announced in fall of 2018, and includes donation of the hatchery-reared redfish from the Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River, Fla.
Each of five releases include about 2,000 juvenile fish and 25 to 30 adult redfish. Stockings were scheduled for Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Sarasota and Charlotte counties, Lee and Collier counties and Manatee County.
“We’re extremely excited to begin releasing these fish now that the waters are determined to be safe,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida Executive Director. “Between these releases, encouraging anglers to catch-and-release and promoting conservation, we’re going to see this fishery improve, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
Anglers can become engaged by joining CCA Florida at JoinCCA.org.