Grouper is one of Florida’s most valuable commercial fisheries. In 2011 over 6.9 million pounds were landed in the state with an estimated dockside value of over $19 million. However,because of its economic value, popularity among consumers, and limited supply, grouper has been the target of species substitution and mislabeling by some wholesalers, restaurants, and…
Update April 11, 2013: The tide has killed 241 of Florida’s roughly 5,000 manatees, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, and the toll appears certain to rise. A red tide bloom along the southwest Florida coast has claimed the lives of 174 manatees so far this year, and one Fort Myers man…
In his position, Geoff Wallat will implement programs for the Florida Sea Grant College Program that promote the sustainable use of natural resources in Florida’s coastal living areas. He will also be responsible for IFAS extension programs in areas such as water use and conservation, 4-H, forestry and wildlife management. Wallat has more than 22 years…
Download the final report How will changes in future climate, including rising sea level, increased temperature and evaporation, and perhaps less rainfall and longer droughts, affect the success of the ongoing multi-billion dollar Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program? The effects could be dire, and climate change needs to be factored into restoration planning, according to Everglades…
New E-10 fuel has created problems for boaters. Learn what you can do to keep your boat in tip-top shape. Since the introduction of 10% ethanol to gasoline (E-10 fuel) many boaters, including yours truly, have had problems with fouled fuel filters and marine engines not running at their top performance. The ethanol added to…
Three research projects are underway at Florida Sea Grant that will test methods to control the invasion of the exotic lionfish in the Atlantic and Caribbean. Complete eradication of lionfish is unlikely, according to Maia McGuire, an invasive species specialist with Florida Sea Grant, but there is hope that developing methods for local removal may…
Bay Scallop recovery efforts in the waters off Charlotte County will be getting a much needed boost on Sunday, Dec. 16 when 8 million young scallop larvae are released into local waters. The release is being spearheaded by Florida Sea Grant agent Betty Staugler, Charlotte County, with assistance from area volunteers, the Florida Fish and…
(GAINESVILLE, Fla.) – Martin B. “Marty” Main, creator of the statewide Florida Master Naturalist Program, has been named assistant director of education and extension for the Florida Sea Grant College Program, and associate dean of natural resource programs for the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. In his new position, Main will help guide Florida Sea Grant…
Responding to the oyster fishery collapse in Apalachicola Bay, experts with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Florida Sea Grant are joining forces with local seafood producers to find ways of restoring sustainable populations of the area’s world-famous oysters. Apalachicola, a heritage fishing community in the Big Bend region off…
A recent article in the New York Times, available here, emphasizes how those impacted by Hurricane Sandy and trying to rebuild may be looking at new requirements to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or, if they already had coverage under the NFIP, their rates may go up dramatically during the…