Larkin named to Red Tide Task Force
Florida Sea Grant interim director, Dr. Sherry Larkin, was recently appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to Florida’s newly reorganized Red Tide Task Force.
Great Goliath Grouper Count Provides Fisheries Managers with Stock Assessment Data
Volunteer divers and anglers spent 10 days counting the large and charismatic goliath grouper.
Detecting Red Tide: Sea Grant Researcher Finds Efficient Method To Detect Toxins And Evaluate Shellfish Closures
Blooms of Florida red tides can lead to significant economic losses because shellfish harvesting areas must be closed to prevent consumers from contracting neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, or NSP.
Sea Grant training inspires man to rescue manatees
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…
Scallop larvae released in Charlotte County
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…
Florida Sea Grant receives $147,000 grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
December 1, 2011 — Florida Sea Grant Director Karl Havens received a two-year grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to hire an education/outreach coordinator who will focus on the effects of sea-level rise on Florida’s unique and diverse coastal natural resources. In addition to serving as the primary resource and clearinghouse…
Scallop Research and Restoration
Scallops live about one year before either dying off naturally or being eaten by humans, crabs, octopuses, or a variety of shell-crushing fish. They spawn primarily in the fall. After about a two-week period as plankton, larvae develop a small shell and settle onto seagrass blades. They continue to grow while attached to the grass…
Derelict Crab Trap Cleanups
Lost and abandoned blue crab traps pose a problem in Florida’s commercial and recreational fishing industries by continuing to trap fish and crustaceans. Traps can also pose a marine hazard. Efforts to clean them up are receiving a major boost in 2009, due to a new rule approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation…