Sport Fish Restoration Projects
Twelve saltwater projects are funded with money from the Sport Fish Restoration Program. The project objectives vary from researching Florida's sport fish to teaching women and children how to fish.
Fisheries Statistics
Researchers monitor marine fish, crab, and shrimp populations in selected bay systems throughout the state. Areas of research include Apalachicola Bay, Cedar Key, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Indian River Lagoon, southeast Florida, and the Florida Keys. Data collected in this program are used in other research projects, such as sport fish genetics and sport fish health monitoring. Resource managers use the data collected in all of these projects in making management decisions.
Nearshore and Estuarine Gamefish
Scientists gather information on the behavior, ecology, and life history of Florida's nearshore and estuarine (an estuary is a partially enclosed water-body or bay where fresh water and salt water mix) fish species. Current research focuses on tarpon, bonefish, snook, spotted seatrout, red drum, Florida pompano, and dolphin. More data are needed to assess the population status of each of these recreationally important species. This information is vital for developing management plans at the state and federal levels.
Reef Fish
FWRI staff collect information on the age, growth, and reproduction of reef fish species in southeast Florida and the Florida Keys. Current research concentrates on gray snapper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and lane snapper. Research on important species of groupers is also planned. This project provides fishery managers with necessary information on the life history and population dynamics of reef fish species.
Sport Fish Genetics
Genetic research focuses on two major areas: genetically identifying wild fish populations and genetic monitoring of hatchery fish at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's (FWRI's) Stock Enhancement Research Facility. Genetic information about wild populations lets managers know if a species should be managed as a single population or if parts of the population should be managed separately. Genetic tags allow staff to distinguish released hatchery-raised fish and their offspring from fish in the natural population. This technique is used to evaluate the success of the stocking program.
Habitat Suitability Modeling (Where Fish Live)
Researchers are developing computer models that predict the distribution of recreationally important fish species. The models include fish-catch data and information about temperature, salinity, water depth, and bottom type. These models are designed to help fishery managers forecast fish populations and to provide information about habitat important to fish populations that might need special protection or management.
Sport Fish Health Monitoring
Sport Fish Health staff gather information about fish kills and outbreaks of diseases in marine fish in Florida. Information is obtained through a volunteer network and citizen reports to the Marine Fish Kill Hotline: 1-800-636-0511. Staff also monitor fish health at FWRI's Stock Enhancement Research Facility, thus ensuring that hatchery-raised fish are healthy when they are released into the natural environment.
Marine Resource Geographic Information System
The Marine Resource Geographic Information System (MRGIS) is a computer system that allows FWRI staff to create mapped versions of marine-related data. Staff use the MRGIS to respond to requests for data about Florida's recreational marine fisheries. Boating and Angling Guides, brochures created using MRGIS data, offer information about marine resources and boating-access sites in many coastal areas of Florida. These guides are available free of charge to anglers, boaters, and resource managers at a variety of locations. Contact FWRI's education office to determine availability.
Workshop on Hermaphroditic Species of Marine Fish
Managing hermaphroditic (ability to change sex) species is difficult. The fish of some species are born female and change to male later in life, while those of other species are born male and change to female. Researchers are developing techniques for evaluating the population status of these species.
Artificial Reefs
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff coordinate and track the progress of artificial reef projects conducted by coastal governments and qualified non-profit groups. Staff members monitor reef construction to gather data about how and what types of marine life use the artificial habitats. Staff members examine the materials used to build the reef as well as the reef's stability. A list of artificial reef locations can be found on the FWC Web site: http://www.myfwc.com/marine/.
Order a free video highlighting the artificial reef program.
Florida Saltwater Angler and Boater Outreach Project
In this project, anglers and boaters are informed of the roles they play in supporting the Sport Fish Restoration Program. Educational products describing Sport Fish Restoration-funded projects are produced and distributed free of charge.
Aquatic Resource Education
Educational programs including fishing clinics for kids and field events emphasizing marine resource conservation are conducted. Conservation-related materials are provided to help inform citizens about the environment.
Kids' Fishing Clinics
Marine Fisheries Outreach Calendar of Events
Boating-Access Improvements
The FWC currently oversees Sport Fish Restoration-funded projects to improve boating access to marine areas within the Florida State Parks system. FWC uses the funds to improve public marina sites and create new boat ramps. These projects improve boating-access opportunities for Florida's marine resource users.
