Stay In Touch With Collier County's Sea Grant Extension Program

Recording of Florida Blue Crab Webinar

2012-02-08T15:39:00.000-05:00

Did you know the blue crab fishery is one of Florida's top 10 commercial fishieres, and that in 2010 fishermen landed over 8 million pounds of the tasty crustacean worth an estimated $10.3 million? Want to learn more?

Today my colleagues kicked off the first session of our 2012 Florida Seafood Brown Bag Webinar Series. The purpose of the series is to: 1) educate seafood lovers about the sustainability and safety associated with some of Florida’smost commercially valuable seafood products & 2) help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing and eating Florida seafood.

Our first session was on Florida's blue crab fishery. We provided an overview of basic blue crab biology and life history, the importance of the blue crab fishery to the state and how its managed, and basic purchasing and handling practices. If you would like to view the recording of the webinar click HERE.

The program we use is called Blackboard Collaborate. To make sure you have the necessary software to view and listen to the webinar, please visit: http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8336&task=knowledge&questionID=1251

Let us know how we did!

If you watch the recording, we'd love to get your feedback. Below is a link to a short survey that will provide us feedback about the session. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NDQHTH2

Finally, if you would like to view the recordings of past webinars click HERE.

During the webinar, we provided several blue crab-related resources. I've included the URL's below as well.

Florida blue crab recreational fishing regulations:
http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/blue-crab/

Preparing Blue Crab: A seafood delicacy

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg078

Blue crab lifeService history and processing video from the University of Georgia Marine Extension:

http://www.marex.uga.edu/advisory/videos.html

Blue crab educatorresources from the SmithsonianEnvironmental Research Center: http://www.serc.si.edu/education/resources/bluecrab/

Youtube video on peelercrabs and shedding tanks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BnyWoMryp4

Blue crab buyinginformation and recipes from the FloridaDepartment of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

http://www.fl-seafood.com/species/blue_crab.htm

Jimmy, Sook, and Sally

2012-02-03T08:04:00.000-05:00

Image credit: Bryan Fluech

The blue crab, or Callinectes sapidus, is a common inhabitant of Florida's estuaries and can be found in a variety of fresh, brackish, and saltwater habitats. This highly sought after crustacean helps support a multi-million dollar commercial fishery, and is also a popular catch for many recreational fishermen.

Image credit: FWC

In Florida, egg-bearing females are illegal to take as they obviously play an essential role in sustaining blue crab populations. These crabs are easy to identify by the large gray to orange mass cradled underneath the crab in its abdomen or "apron." Each sponge can hold millions of eggs. While it is not illegal to harvest females that do not have eggs with them, many fishermen chose not to harvest any females because of their importance to the fishery. Fortunately, by looking at the color of the claw tips and shape of the apron, fishermen can easily distinguish between male and female crabs.

Jimmy
A male blue crab is known as a "Jimmy." They have blue tipped claws and their apron can be described as being shaped like the Washington monument or an inverted "T". Jimmies can be found throughout the estuary and also travel in to fresh water.

Image credits: FWC

Sally
An immature female blue crab is called a "Sally" or "she crab". Like a mature female she will have orange to red-colored claw tips, but the shape of her apron is different. The apron of a sally is triangle-shaped. It can also be thought of as an inverted "V". Because she has not reached sexual maturity yet, the apron will be tightly sealed.

Image credits: FWC

Sook
Finally, a mature female blue crab is known as a "Sook". She too will have orange to red-colored claw tips, but her apron is more bell shaped. It is often said it likes the dome of the U.S capital building. She will hold her eggs (or sponge) within this apron. Females crabs can be found throughout the estuary as well as offshore in higher salinities.

Image credit: FWC

If you would like to learn more about blue crabs visit: www.bluecrab.info/

Collier County Reef Scenes

2012-01-29T12:06:00.000-05:00

Collier County, like most other Florida coastal counties have a variety of near and offshore artificial reefs in its waters. I've had the privilege of diving many of them, and am always amazed at the diversity of marine life, both big and small found on, in, and around them. While the following pictures are by no means an exhaustive list of things to see, I thought I'd share with you examples of what you can encounter when you dive them. Enjoy. If you would like to learn more about the locations of artificial reefs in Collier County visit: http://www.colliergov.net/Index.aspx?page=323

sponge anemones

profile of a polk-a-dot batfish

4-spot butterfly fish

Gulf arrow crab

blue angelfish

Gulf floor at the Paddlewheel wreck

brittle start and arrow crab on bottom

Reef clean up on the Santa Lucia

Small ledge covered in a boring sponge

Goliath and gag grouper over a reef

A blue striped grunt

spadefish feeding on a jellyfish

A discarded shrimp net on a wreck

A seawhip growing inside a culvert

Gulf flounder

Hermit crab walking on a reef

horse conch laying an egg case

hydroids on a reef

growth in a culvert

juvenile angelfish next to coral, sponges, and tunicates

hard and soft corals long a reef

Seawhip

loggerhead sea turtle

school of mangrove snapper

Sea pork tunicate

Regal Sea goddess nudibranch

eyes of bay scallop

baitfish over a wreck

A small red grouper

Two sheepshead and a lookdown

Schooling spadefish

A well camouflaged toadfish

A small coral head on a reef

Yellowheaded jawfish

Learn n Lunch: Gulf Seafood

2012-01-26T20:25:00.000-05:00

Did you know?
Shrimp, grouper, snapper, mullet, stone crab, and mackerel are commonly caught along Florida’s Gulf coast?
In 2010 the Gulf accounted for 82% of the shrimp and 59% of the oysters harvested in the United States?
Want to learn more?

Join your Collier County Sea Grant Extension Agent
for a

Learn n’ Lunch program on:

Gulf Seafood

February 22, 2012

9:30 AM-1:00 PM

Starts at North Collier Regional Park (NCRP) Exhibit Hall:

15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34119

The program will begin with a presentation on the sustainability and safety associated with Gulf seafood followed by lunch at Randy’s Fish Market* where participants will get to sample a variety of freshly prepared Gulf seafood.
*Participants are responsible for transporting themselves from NCRP to Randy’s

Program Cost: $20

Each participant will also receive a $20 gift certificate to Randy’s Fish Market

(for dine-in only, and one certificate per visit)

To register click HERE:

Credit Cards Only

Chasing Kings

2012-01-22T17:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I had the privilege of accompanying Captain Tom Marvel, a commercial fishermen out of Naples, FL on a trip to fish for king mackerel. King mackerel, or kingfish are a coastal pelagic species, which means they live in the open water near the coast. They are also highly migratory. In the Gulf of Mexico they spend their winter months in the waters off south Florida, and migrate to the northern Gulf during the spring. We only had to travel approximately 20 miles offshore to find them yesterday, but Captain Marvel said sometimes he has to travel as far as 50/60 miles. King mackerel are targeted by both the recreational and commercial sector. Recreational fishermen tend to target the larger older fish, where commercial fishermen often look for the largest concentrations of these schooling fish to maximize their catch. The commercial and recreational king mackerel fishery is highly regulated and the population is neither overfished nor experiencing overfishing in the Gulf.
King mackerel is actually one of Collier County's largest commercial finfish fisheries based on landings. In the 2009/2010 season over 347,000 pounds of kingfish were landed by local commercial fishermen. This only makes up a small percentage, though, of what is landed by commercial fishermen in other parts of Florida. The statewide total during the same year was over 5.4 million pounds! Ironically, as much kingfish that is landed in Collier, most of it is shipped elsewhere. A few local vendors carry it, but it isn't generally available. Captain Marvel told me most of what he lands gets shipped up to New York and other parts of the northeast United States.
If you have never tried king mackerel, I suggest you try it. It is a lean fish that has a moderate texture, dark meat and full flavor. It is also low in fat and is a very good source of protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium. Keep in mind that king mackerel may contain amounts of methylmercury in excess of the FDA's recommended limit for mothers, moms-to-be, and young children.
Enjoy the pictures:

One of several boats fishing with us. Notice the outriggers extending from the boat. They use these to troll for the mackerel. Trolling is one of the main methods to commercially catch king mackerel. Gillnetting in federal waters is also allowed.

Captain Tom Marvel (left) and his first mate Allen (right) hauling in fish at the back of their boat.

Captain Marvel dehooks a fish, which goes straight into the cooler

Most remarkable to me was how close the boats got to one another while fishing. The boat circle around one another in close proximately. Captain Marvel told me the boats are supposes to circle to the right to reduce the chances of collision.

All of the orange and red colors on the depth finder indicate a school of kingfish. Fish on!

As soon as fish are brought in by hand, they are immediately placed in a cooler.

Allen dropping a King into the cooler.

When the boat gets into a school of mackerel, the fishing can be very intense. The fishermen work very quickly to retrieve their lines, release their fish, and throw the line back into the water for more fishing.

Keeping the fish cold is important. The first mate periodically places ice over the fish and creates a slush to maintain quality.

Once all of the fish are caught for the day, the captain and first mate gut each fish one by one.

A final layer of ice is put over the gutted fish. In all, the 2-man team hauled in approximately 1200 pounds of fish. Their daily limit is 1250 pounds.

Things that Glow in the Water at Night

2012-01-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

image credit: University of Maryland

I often get reports from coastal residents that the waters in their canals seem to be "glowing" at night during certain times of the year. Fortunately, my colleague Betty Staugler, the Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent in Charlotte County has produced a fact sheet about just such a phenomenon.

Things that Glow in the Water at Night

Have you ever been out on the water at night and observed the water glowing? The glow may be shades of blues or greens and seem to occur when the water is disturbed by anything from a moving fish to a paddle swept through the water. Many people have observed this phenomena and they often wonder:

Q: What’s causing this glow?
A: The glow is caused by bioluminescent producing plant and animal organisms.Many forms of life produce bioluminescense including small single celled bacteria, dinoflagellates, diatoms, copepods and comb jellies just to name a few. Bioluminescense is the term used to describe light generated by living organisms. The glowing light that residents are seeing is most likely the result of bioluminescent dinoflagellates, although zooplankton could also be the cause. In Florida one of the most common biouminescent species in Pyrodinium bahamense, which is common throughout the Caribbean.

Q: What causes these organisms to glow, and how does it benefit them?
A: Bioluminscence was once thought to be produced by the friction of salts or by the element phosphorus in the water. Today we know that certain animals possess light producing organs called photophores and glands that emit light through a chemical reaction which involves a light producing protein called luciferin. Luciferins store energy. This energy is released in the form of photons, or light by enzymes called luciferases. The reasons for these bioluminscent displays are varied. Some organisms bioluminate to attract a mate as is the case in fireflies. Others bioluminate to attract prey. An example of this would be the anglerfish which dangles its glowing lure to attract potential prey. In the case of dinoflagellates, bioluminescence is used to evade predators and acts as a defense mechanism. It is believed that dinoflagelletes produce light when disturbed and will give a light flash lasting a fraction of a second. The flash is meant to attract a predator to the creature disturbing or trying to consume the dinoflagellate. The light flash also surprises the predator causing it to worry about other predators attacking it, making the predator less likely to prey on the dinoflagellate.

Q: Are there other phenomena that can cause similar effects? For example, what about high levels of phosphorus in the water
A: Phosphorus in the water by itself does not produce a glowing effect; however, high concentrations of nutrients and in particular phosphorus would increase the population of dinoflagellates. Although most glows in the water are the result of bioluminescence, some organisms have the ability to fluoresce. Fluorescence is similar to bioluminescence but the trigger is changed. Instead of luciferin and luciferase, fluorescence is triggered when a pigment absorbs light from an outside source. Fluorescence is able to produce the widest spectrum of colors because the emitted color is determined by the fluorescent pigment which absorbs the incoming light. In the case of fluorescence, the emitted light is only visible while the trigger is present. Phosphorescence is similar to fluorescence except that the excited product is more stable, so the glow will last after the trigger has been removed. Glow in the dark stickers phosphoresce.

Q: Are there any harmful effects to other marine life, or that anglers and boaters should be concerned about? Is it OK to eat fish caught from areas where the water is glowing?
A: Luminescence does not pose a health issue, but some bioluminescent species can produce toxins, including Pyrodinium bahamense. These toxins can be bioaccumulated in the food web. The specific threat to health varies between ecosystems. It’s important to note that dinoflagellates comprise a very large group of approximately 2000 different species and of these only a very small percentage are toxic. Dinoflagellates are important primary producers. They fuel food webs, providing food for zooplankton, which feed small fish and so on. It is said that photoplankton produce most of the earth’s oxygen.

Q: Why does the glow seem to be most prevalent in summer, and why is the glow sometimes very bright and intense, other times very muted?
A: You might see increases in summer months because this could correspond to when these bioluminescent organisms are reproducing (natural life cycles), or because summertime is when we have increased freshwater runoff from rains resulting in more nutrients being flushed into the systems which in turn can lead to more blooms of these organisms. As far as intensity of the glowing, the intensity of the bioluminescence depends on the intensity of the bloom and the health of the algae in the bloom.

Aquatic Educator Collection Permit Workshop: March 1, 2012

2012-01-10T22:22:00.000-05:00

FMSEA/FWC

Educator Aquatic Species Collection Workshop

Thursday, March 1, 2012

6:00PM - 8:00PM

Rookery Bay Reserve

Pre-Register: fluech@ufl.edu with name, homesaddress, email, phone number, &organization

Cost: $25

Send check made outto FMSEA to:

Bryan Fluech, Florida Sea Grant Extension Agent

300 Tower Rd. Naples, FL 34113

Uponcompletion of the workshop, participants will:

Receive the AquaticScience Educators Collection Certificate valid for 3 years to collect organismsfor educational purposes
No annual paperworkor reports to file
No fishing licenserequired and eligible to collect specified aquatic species that would berestricted under fishing license guidelines
Learn responsiblecollection and transport, captive holding practices, how to minimizeenvironmental impact and collection alternatives
Receive acomplimentary FMSEA membership

HOSTED BY

Florida Sea Grant Extension-Collier County

New Article Sheds Light on Goliath Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico

2012-01-07T08:59:00.001-05:00

Goliath grouper continue to be a hot topic in Southwest Florida as the debate of whether or not the fishery should be reopened in some capacity continues. Many anglers feel goliath grouper have completely recovered since the fishery was closed more than 20 years ago, and in fact have become nuisance species. Critical to this argument, though, is the importance of solid research to support any future management decisions that could make this change happen. Because the fishery has been closed for so long traditional fishery-dependent data (i.e. landings) have not been available to help managers study their populations and estimate recovery efforts. Instead, managers have had to rely on directed fishery independent research efforts.

A new article published by researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute helps shed new light on goliath grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. The paper titled, "Behavior, Habitat, and Abundance of the Goliath Grouper, Epinephelus itajara, in the Central Eastern Gulf of Mexico" describes the results of joint research effort between divers and scientists to explore goliath grouper distribution and abundance along the central west coast of Florida between October 2007 and May 2010. The project's aim was to address how goliath grouper presence, abundance and size distribution are related to habitat, depth and season.
Below are some of the highlights from the project:

Goliath grouper were observed during all months of the year and were present during 74% of all surveys (280/378).
Presence and abundance were significantly related to habitat type and depth, with highest presence and abundance recorded over deep, artificial reefs.
The maximum number of goliath grouper observed during a single survey ranged from 0 to 24.
The mean number observed per site over artificial reefs was 4.53 versus 0.45 over natural habitat.
The number of fish observed over artificial habitats tended to increase with site depth and site size.
Individual sites tended to hold approximately the same number of individuals throughout the year.
There was not a significant seasonal effect on abundance or presence; however, the highest numbers of individuals were observed during the summer months.
Goliath grouper were measured via underwater videography, and ranged in size from 40 – 205 cm total length (TL). The majority of individuals observed were between 100 -150 cm TL; however, multiple small (< 100 cm) and large (> 150 cm) individuals were also observed throughout the depth range surveyed.
A total of 172 goliath grouper were fitted with external identification tags, and 27 individuals were resighted or recaptured throughout the study period. Time at large ranged 1 – 713 days. The majority of resighted individuals were observed at the same site as their initial tagging, although fish were documented to move as far as 203 km.

To view the entire article visit:
http://myfwc.com/media/1767222/CRP-goliath.pdf.

If you'd like to learn more about goliath grouper research efforts, visit:

FWC-FWRI

http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/goliath-grouper/reports/

Florida State University

http://www.bio.fsu.edu/coleman_lab/goliath_grouper.php

Staying Legal Between the Lines with Mangrove Snapper

2012-01-04T13:48:00.000-05:00

Grey or Mangrove snapper are one ofthe most sought after recreational fish in southwest Florida. They will take avariety of baits, are good eating, and are relatively easy to catch even fornovice anglers. In addition, they can be found in virtually all coastal andoffshore habitats from mangroves (as their name implies) out to natural ledgesand artificial reefs in deeper waters. Because of their versatility, anglersoften target these popular fish in both state and federal waters of the Gulf ofMexico.

While many Gulf species have thesame fishing regulations for state and federal waters, this is not the case formangrove snapper. For Florida state waters, which extend out to nine nauticalmiles in the Gulf, the minimum size limit is 10 inches total length with adaily bag limit of five fish per angler. In Gulf federal waters, which extendbeyond 9 nautical miles out to 200 nautical miles however, the mangrove snapperminimum size limit is 12 inches and the daily bag limit is 10 fish per angler.

Here lies the potential problem. Ifan angler caught his/her legal bag limit of mangrove snapper in federal watersand then stopped to fish in state waters, they'd be breaking the law by havingfive fish over the state bag limit. Regardless of an angler's intentions itwould be difficult to prove the fish were caught in federal waters, which couldresult in fines for each fish over the bag limit.

Fortunately, there is an easy solution toavoid these potential penalties. DO NOT STOP! According to the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission anglers must directly return to land without stoppingonce they re-enter state waters when returning from federal waters inpossession of fish that have different federal and state regulations. Inaddition, an angler should also be mindful if he/she is in possession of a 10or 11 inch mangrove snapper legally caught in state waters and then heads outto federal waters. In this case, they would be in possession of an undersizedmangrove snapper according to federal rules and could face federal fines ifstopped.Keeping a current copy of state and federal regulations on board your boat is always recommended to help you fish legally and avoid any unnecessary citations. Both state and federal regulations can be downloaded from online at the following sites.

Florida state recreational fishing regulations:
http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/

Gulf of Mexico federal recreational fishing regulations:
http://www.gulfcouncil.org/fishing_regulations/index.php

Note that the Gulf Council now has fishing regulations apps for both the iPhone and Droid smart phones http://www.gulfcouncil.org/index.php

Barotrauma Basics

2011-12-15T21:53:00.001-05:00

The arrow is pointing to an
inflated swim bladder

Many marine reef fish have a unique organ called a swimbladder. The gas-filled sac, which is attached to a fish's backbone beneath the dorsal fin, helps control buoyancy and allows the fish to maintain various depths in the water column. When a fish is brought up from depth during fishing, the decreasing pressure can cause the gases (mostly oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide) inside it's swimbladder to expand and rupture the organ. The escaped gases will continue to expand into the fish's body cavity, and the pressure exerted by them is sufficient to push the stomach out the mouth and the intestines out of the anus. Other symptoms may include a swollen belly or buldging eyes.

A grouper showing the signs of
barotrauma

This process, known as barotrauma, can result in serious injury to the fish and prevent if from returning back down to depth on its own if left in this state. Fish released in this condition may float away and die from exposure to the elements or become an easy target for predators.
Dealing with barotrauma has become as major challenge to fisheries managers. Allowing fish to simply float off after being released defeats the purpose of having regulations for minimum size restrictions and bag limits.
Several tools have been developed by researchers and fishermen to help address the issue of barotrauma.Venting involves inserting a hollow, sharpened needle into the side of a fish to release trapped gases so the fish is able to quickly return to a safe depth. Recompression involves returning a bloated fish to a safe depth with the aid of a cage, basket, or weighted hook or lip device.
Neither method is full proof or applicable in all conditions (or for all fish), but research studies have shown that when used in the right conditions venting and recompression can play an important role in reducing mortality rates associated with fish suffering from barotrauma.
Stay tuned to learn more about these efforts as there are several initiatives at the local, state, regional, and national level to investigate the continued use of the conservation tools. In the meantime if you'd like to learn more about venting and recompression visit: catchandrelease.org

venting a red grouper

Returning a red grouper with a recompression device

FAO/ WHO Report of the Risks and Benefits of Fish Consumption Available

2011-12-11T06:30:00.001-05:00

Interested in learning more about the relativehealth benefits and risks associated with eating seafood?

Recently a report by the Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the WorldHealth Organization (WHO) Expert Consultation on the Risks and Benefits of FishConsumption was published that provides a framework forassessing the net health benefits or risks of fish consumption. While thereport itself it too long to share, below is a summary of what the report'sexpert panel concluded.

1. Consumption of fish provides energy, protein and a range of otherimportant nutrients, including the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(LCn3PUFAs).

2. Eating fish is part of the cultural traditions of many peoples. In somepopulations, fish is a major source of food and essential nutrients.

3. Among the general adult population, consumption of fish, particularlyfatty fish, lowers the risk of mortality from coronary heart disease. There isan absence of probable or convincing evidence of risk of coronary heart diseaseassociated with methylmercury. Potential cancer risks associated with dioxinsare well below established coronary heart disease benefits from fishconsumption.

4. When comparing the benefits of LCn3PUFAs with the risks of methylmercuryamong women of childbearing age, maternal fish consumption lowers the risk ofsuboptimal neurodevelopment in their offspring compared with the offspring ofwomen not eating fish in most circumstances evaluated.

5. At levels of maternal exposure to dioxins (from fish and other dietarysources) that do not exceed the provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) of70 pg/kg body weight established by JECFA (for PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs),neurodevelopmental risk for the fetus is negligible. At levels of maternalexposure to dioxins (from fish and other dietary sources) that exceed the PTMI,neurodevelopmental risk for the fetus may no longer be negligible.

6. Among infants, young children and adolescents, the available data arecurrently insufficient to derive a quantitative framework of the health risksand health benefits of eating fish. However, healthy dietary patterns thatinclude fish consumption and are established early in life influence dietaryhabits and health during adult life.

To view the entire report visit:

http://www.fao.org/docrep/014/ba0136e/ba0136e00.pdf

Exploring the flats at low tide

2011-12-05T19:29:00.001-05:00

Seagrass and mudflat communities at low tide are an excellent opportunity for curious onlookers to explore and see up close the myriad of coastal life these dynamic environments can support. In particular, these environments harbor a high diversity of invertebrates (animals lacking backbones) from egg sack-producing worms to predatory snails hunting in the mud for a snack. For those who aren't afraid to get a little wet and muddy, they won't be disappointed at what they can find. I thought I'd "wet" your appetite by starting you off with a quiz of some of the invertebrates you might discover in these communities. Good luck! (I've provided you with some clues to help name them.) Answers are on the bottom.

1. Hint: this is nether an equine's support apparatus nor a true crustacean as the name implies.

2. Hint: Perhaps not a pretty as the flower that shares its name, but cool nonetheless.

3. Hint: check out its royal head gear.

4. Hint: No spinning webs for this crustacean.

5. Hint: Don't let the electrifying streaks in the sky prevent you from naming this one.

6. Hint: Count the arms to help you with its name.

7. Hint. Think "fragile celestial body"

8. Hint: The mollusk has within its name, another word for swine.

ANSWERS

Horseshoe Crab
True Tulip Snail
Crown Conch
Spider Crab
Lightning whelk
9-armed sea star
Banded Brittle Star
Quahog Clam

If you would like to learn more about these animals and other marine life that inhabit Florida's coastal waters, consider taking the Florida Master Natural Program Coastal Module. Details and Schedules and can found at: http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/

2012 Marine Fisheries Regulations and Management Workshop

2011-12-01T16:43:00.001-05:00

Join Florida Sea Grant Extension and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for a...

Marine Fisheries

Regulations & Management Workshop

January 11, 2012

9:00 AM*—12:30 PM

North Collier Regional Park

1500 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34119

* registration begins at 8:30AM

This program is designed to:

1) Increase the ability of rangers*, resources managers, educators, and industry representatives to interact with and educate anglers about marine fisheries issues, and

2) Increase the local network of agency staff capable of identifying and reporting marine fisheries violations

*.3 CEUs have been applied for, and FRPA CEUs are contingent on the review and approval of the CEU Approval Form.

Topics Addressed

Florida Fishing Regulation Changes
Grouper Management Updates
Shark Biology and Management
Lionfish
Shellfish Harvesting Regulations
Fishing Violations Overview

To register for this FREE workshop, visit:

http://marinefisheriesworkshop.eventbrite.com/

Do You Know the Status of Red Tide in Your Area?

2011-11-28T20:15:00.001-05:00

Recently there have been reports of red tide events occuring near and offshore of Lee and Collier Counties. In Florida, a "red tide" generally refers to a bloom or rapid increase in the concentration of Karenia brevis cells, which is a marine algae species (specifically a dinoflagellate) commonly found in the Gulf of Mexico. K. brevis cells release a toxin that, in high concentrations, can be harmful to many types of marine life, and often result in fish kills.
While red tide events naturally occur in the region, it is important for residents and visitors to stay informed about the status of theses episodes as they can have negative impacts on human health, local fisheries, and the coastal economy in general.
Fortunately, the FWC-Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute publishes a "Red Tide Current Status" page that provides a summary report of current red tide conditions around Florida. The site also includes a map of sampling results and regional status reports. You can sign up for weekly email updates via FWC's listserv by visiting: http://myfwc.com/research/about/information/subscription/ and following the directions. Reports are generally updated on Friday afternoon (except during holiday, in which case the report will be released on the closest day), and additional information, if available, is provided on Wednesday afternoons.

The Marine Scene Plus!

2011-11-22T07:49:00.001-05:00

I'm pleased to announce a new resource for those of you who are interested in keeping up with marine events in Southwest Florida-The Marine Scene Plus. This new blog is a joint effort between Sea Grant Extension Agents, Libby Carnahan, John Stevely, Betty Staugler, Joy Hazell, and myself Bryan Fluech, The Blog is full of current marine-related events, program announcements, and interesting articles to make you a more informed coastal citizen. Besides following the blog, you can also elect to sign up for the Marine Scene eNewsletter that is published six times a year. Enjoy!

All entries are archived and searchable,
which makes it easier for your to find
what you are looking for!

Red Grouper Bag Limit Increased; Gag Closure Lengthened

2011-11-17T08:02:00.001-05:00

First the good news. Since November 2nd 2011, Gulf of Mexico fishermen targeting redgrouper in federal waters are able to bring home more of these highlysought-after reef fish. InNovember NOAA Fisheries Service announced a final rule that increasedthe Gulf of Mexico red grouper bag limit from two to four fish in the four-fishgrouper aggregate bag limit. According to the latest stock assessments redgrouper are neither overfished or experiencing overfishing. Inrecent years, the recreational sector has not caught its allocation of redgrouper, and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, the agencyresponsible for establishing management plans in federal waters, voted back inAugust to relax its recreational red grouper regulations. The increase in baglimit will allow the recreational sector the opportunity to harvest itsallocation of red grouper, which was increased from 1.36 million pounds to 1.65million pounds for 2011.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also adopted similar measures for red grouper at their November meeting to be consistent with the federal rules. For Gulf of Mexico state waters (excluding Monroe County), the increase in bag limit will take effect Dec. 23, 2011.

Keepin mind, however, that if the recreational sector does exceed their new catchlimit in a given year, required accountability measures would go into placethat would decrease the red grouper bag limit from four fish to three fish forthe following fishing season. If the annual catch limit is exceeded again thefollowing year, the bag limit would drop to the current bag limit, which is twofish. Fortunately, managers do not anticipate the recreational sector exceedingthese limits unless its fishing effort drastically increases.

Onthe other hand, gag grouper is still considered overfished and undergoingoverfishing, which by law, means managers must take action to rebuild itsstocks to healthy levels and end overfishing. As part of a 10-year gagrebuilding plan managers are proposing to adjust the recreational andcommercial sector's annual catch limits for gag grouper and set the Gulf ofMexico recreational gag fishing season from July 1through October 31 each yearstarting in 2012.

The 123-day season was chosen to allow for the longest possible season without exceeding annual catch targets and meet the gag grouper rebuilding plan. The rebuilding plan also has accountability measures in place that would shorten the length of this fishing season if catch limits are exceeded. The recreational bag limit of two gag grouper within the grouper aggregate and the minimum size limit of 22 inches total length would remain the same. To learn more about gag grouper management measures visit: http://myfwc.com/media/1603482/FB11-094_Temporary-GagGrouper-Rule.pdf

The 2012 Scientific Angler Seminar Series

2011-11-15T08:03:00.001-05:00

The Collier County Sea Grant Extension Program is pleased to announce The 2012 Scientific Angler Seminar Series starting January 18th. We've got some great speakers lined up to discuss ongoing research and conservation projects related to our regional fisheries. Its your opportunity to meet and interact with professionals working in this field, and learn about the great work they are doing.
The seminars will be held at the Rookery Bay Reserve Environmental Learning Center from 6:30PM-8:00PM. The sessions are FREE, but please register by emailing fluech@ufl.edu or calling Bryan Fluech at 239-417-6310 x204 with your name and number of attendees. Light refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away.

Seminar Topics

January 18th: Big Fish Tales: Tagging and Tracking Goliath Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico Angela Collins-FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

February 22nd: The Challenges of Increasing the Survival Rates of Released Fish Caught in Deep Water John Stevely- Florida Sea Grant Extension Program

March 21st: Tracking Mercury Through the Food Web in Southwest Florida Coastal Waters Dr. Darren Rumbold- Florida Gulf Coast University

April 11th: Tarpon Fishing. What Matters, What Doesn't, and How You Can Help Dr. Kathy Guindon- FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Hope to see you there!

Congrats to our Newest Florida Master Naturalist Graduates

2011-11-10T19:43:00.001-05:00

Today my colleague Joy Hazell and I held our final class of our Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP)-Conservation Science Module, and I'm proud to say we now have 14 new graduates to the program! I want to congratulate the class for their accomplishment. They were a great group and I enjoyed getting to know them.
This course is designed to educate people in the concepts, language, and science related to conservation needs, planning, and action. Concepts addressed during the course included species diversity, measuring biodiversity, the processes that generate and maintain biodiversity, types of ecosystem services, ecological processes, habitat fragmentation, effects of human activities on ecosystems, the history of conservation in North America, and strategies for conservation planning.

We were fortunate to have Dr. Marty Main, the FMNP creator and coordinator to be our guest lecturer today. He gave a great presentation on Conservation Strategies for Sustainable Ecosystems.. He also came along with us on our field trip to Pepper Ranch Preserve, which is an absolutely beautiful property managed by Collier County's Conservation Collier Program. Christal Segura, who is an Environmental Specialist with the program gave us a great tour of the property. It was a beautiful day, and an excellent way to finish the class.
Again, congratulations to our new graduates!!! Enjoy the pictures.

A 2-minute presentation on the biodiversity of lichens found on a single branch

An awesome explanation of how habitat fragmentation can negatively affect genetic diversity

FMNP students participate in a role play activity where they serve as an advisory committee who must come to consensus about the acquisition of conservation lands in a fictitious county.

Guest lecturer Dr. Marty Main, and his characteristic machete.

Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist with Conservation Collier provides the class with an overview of the Pepper Ranch Preserve.

One of many wetlands found at Pepper Ranch Preserve

Pastureland at Pepper Ranch

Christal talking to the group about cattle production at Pepper Ranch

Christal shows the group an area where invasive Brazilian Pepper plants were removed from a hardwood hammock habitat.

An oil rig at Pepper Ranch

One of many deer seen today!

The homestead that once belonged to the Pepper family.

Nothing like ice cream to celebrate completing the Florida Master Naturalist Program!

Enjoying ice cream a Tierra Caliente Paleteria in Immokalee, FL

Recording: Florida's Oyster Industry Webinar

2011-11-09T14:25:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Apalachicola Bay produced 90% of Florida's oysters and 10% of the nation's supply? Want to know more?
Today my colleagues and I held the final session of our Florida Seafood Safety and Sustainability Brown Bag Webinar Series, and the topic of course was Florida's oyster industry. The goals of the presentation were to:
1) Increase participants' knowledge of basic oyster biology/ecology,
2) enhance participants' understanding of how Florida oysters are harvested, managed, and processed,
3) Make participants more informed consumer about the product safety measures for oysters.

To download the recording of the webinar click here.
(You might get a message that blocks you from downloading the webinar; you will need to click on "allow" to let your computer download the presentation)

If you have never used Elluminate, please click here and scroll down to the "Eluminate Live" section to make sure you computer is compatible with the webinar software.

We want to know what you think! To help us improve future webinars, we would greatly appreciate your input by completing a short online evaluation about the presentation. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N9Z6225

Recordings of Past Webinars If you would like to watch a recording of past webinar sessions in our Florida Seafood Sustainability and Safety Brown Bag Webinar Series click HERE.

NOAA Announces Increase in Gulf Red Grouper Allocation

2011-11-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

Beginning November 2nd, 2011 fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico can take home more of one of the region's most popular species-Red Grouper. Taken from a NOAA Southeastern Fishery Bulletin

NOAA Fisheries Service announces a final rule that increasesthe red grouper bag limit from two to four fish in the four-fish grouperaggregate bag limit. The rule also increases the commercial quota of redgrouper. Because red grouper is a part of the shallow-water grouper complex,this also requires an increase in the shallow-water grouper quota. The finalrule will be effective November 2, 2011.

Recreational bag limit The rule increases the red grouper bag limitfrom two to four fish in the four-fish grouper aggregate bag limit. This willallow the recreational sector the opportunity to harvest its allocation whichwas increased from 1.36 mp to 1.65 mp for 2011.

Commercial red grouper quota The rule increases the 2011 red grouper quota from the existing 4.32 millionpounds (mp) to 5.23 mp. The rule also sets the red grouper quotas for2012-2015, which incrementally increase from 5.37 mp in 2012 to 5.72 mp in2015. Finally, the rule adjusts the 2011-2015 shallow-water grouper quotas toreflect the increases in the red grouper quota. For fishermen holding redgrouper individual fishing quota (IFQ) shares, additional allocation for 2011will be posted to their accounts by the close of business on November 2, 2011.Note the increase in the shallow-water grouper quota only reflects the increasein the red grouper quota and will not result in any additional gag or othershallow-water grouper allocation.

Reminder to red grouper IFQ shareholders

Additional red grouperallocation will be issued to your shareholder account, not your vesselaccount. To harvest your additional 2011 red grouper allocation, you musttransfer allocation from your shareholder account to your vessel account priorto your landing notification. Directions for transferring allocation to yourvessel account can be found in the IFQ Trouble Shooting Guide which can befound at https://ifq.sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/ifqgt/main.html#.

La Nina is here again!

2011-11-03T21:58:00.002-04:00

Did you know Florida's coastal environments are greatly influenced by weather events occuring on the other side of the world?
I thought you'd be interested in this bulletin that just came out from the Southeast Climate Consortium.

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is the biggest player in the game of year-to-year climate variability. El Niño and La Niña events tend to develop during April-June and tend to reach maximum strength during December-February. Typically they persist for 9 to 12 months. La Niña conditions take place when surface water temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean along the equator turns colder than normal. La Niña can be thought as the opposite of El Niño conditions, in which the same area of the Pacific is warmer than normal.
La Niña affects weather patterns in many areas of the world. In the case of the Southeast U.S.A. it usually brings a drier and warmer winter and spring (November through March). For Florida, central and lower Alabama, and central and southern Georgia rainfall may be 40 to 60 percent lower than normal and temperatures 3 to 4 degrees warmer than normal.

figure 1

La Niña events may last more than one year, in fact, they do tend to last longer on average than El Niño events. Examples of events that lasted longer than one year include the La Niñas of 1954-56 (extreme drought in the southeastern U.S.), 1973-75, and 1999-2001.This year is the second year of a la Niña pattern that started back in July of 2010 and returned after a brief period of neutral conditions during the summer. Figure 1 shows average rainfall anomalies (Nov-Jan) observed during the 2nd year of La Niñas events in the past. Although La Niña events are never the same, it indicates that drier than normal conditions are generally observed in most of the southern U.S.A.The current drought outlook for October 2011 through January of 2012 published by the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) confirms this trend signaling for drier conditions in most of the same areas (Figure 2).

While drier conditions might prove more beneficial for certain agriculture crops, it can also lead to increased wildfires or elevated stress levels in certain estuarine organisms due to less freshwater reaching the coast than normal.

Figure 2

Seafood in the American Diet

2011-10-31T11:02:00.001-04:00

Image credit:
Katie Semon, NOAA

Can you remember the last type of seafood you ate? There is a good chance your neighbors were eating the same kind! Despite estimates that 300-500 different species of fish and shellfish are sold annually in the U.S, an astounding ten species make up approximately 90% of what American consume on a year to year basis. To get more specific approximately 55% of the seafood Americans consumed in 2009 was limited to only three species: shrimp, canned tuna, and salmon!
America's top 10 list has been fairly consistent over the past decade with the notable exception of tilapia, which has increased steadily since 2002 and scallops and flatfish (flounder and sole), which has moved in and out of the top ten during this time frame. Pangasius (aka Basa or Swai), a freshwater catfish primarily imported from the Mekong River delta in Vietnam, has also moved onto the list in the past two years. If you'd like to see how the top ten list has changed over the past several years visit:
http://www.aboutseafood.com/about/about-seafood/top-10-consumed-seafoods

In addition, the U.S. per capita consumption of seafood in 2010 was 15.8 pounds, slightly less than the previous two years. In comparison, the U.S per capita consumption of other popular food items are as follows:

Red meat: about 110 pounds each year
Poultry: approximately 75 pounds each year
Dairy products: over 600 pounds each year
Vegetables: over 400 pounds each year
Fruits: over 250 pounds
Flour and cereal: almost 200 pounds

Statistics show that Americans eat twice as much cheese and almost equal amount of apples, watermelon, and turkey as they do fish and shellfish annually.

How does your seafood consumption compare???

References:
Food Consumption Reference: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 Statistical Abstract, Health & Nutrition: Food Consumption and Nutrition.

Seafood Supply and Commercial Fisheries Reference: National Marine Fisheries Service, 2011. Fisheries of the United States 2010

Gear Profile: Turtle Excluder Devices

2011-10-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

One of the major threats to sea turtles is the incidental capture, injury, and/or death associated with interactions with fishing gear. In the 1970s, scientists noted a reduction in sea turtle populations and, following the enactment of the Endangered Species Act, some species of sea turtles were listed as endangered. Subsequently, over many years, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service attempted to determine causes for these reductions. In the 1980s, they determined that shrimp trawls contributed to sea turtle mortality. Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) in shrimp trawl nets were developed and tested throughout the 1980s and ‘90s in efforts to provide safe methods for turtles to escape almost as soon as they were caught in the net.

Technologically, a TED is a grid in the neck of a shrimp trawl net, which has an opening in the bottom or top mesh to allow a turtle caught in the net to escape. When turtles and other large animals are caught at the mouth of a trawl, they bump into the grid bars and slide through the opening in the mesh. Shrimp and other small animals pass through the bars of the grid into the tailbag or cod end of the trawl net. NOAA Fisheries has been able to show that TEDs are effective at excluding up to 97 percent of sea turtles with minimal loss of shrimp. Over the years, several designs of TEDs have been approved and used. Changes continue to be made, often due to input and support from the shrimping industry.

http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/OCEAN_PLANET/HTML/peril_bycatch.html

Current rules require that shrimp trawlers fishing in state and federal waters of the southeastern U.S. (South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waters) use one of several NOAA approved TEDs. Since 1990, TEDs or some comparable apparatus/activity have also been required in foreign shrimp fleets that export wild caught shrimp to the U.S. Programs are now in place in approximately 15 countries. Also in 2002, NOAA Fisheries, at the request of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, proposed that all Gulf shrimp vessels be required to carry a permit to trawl in federal waters.

To learn more about the regulatory history of TEDs visit: http://www.lsu.edu/seagrantfish/management/TEDs&BRDs/teds_history.htm

Adapted from: http://www.lsu.edu/seagrantfish/management/TEDs&BRDs/teds.htm

A Lesson on Stone Crab Processing

2011-10-26T21:42:00.000-04:00

As part of my "Are You Smarter than a Stone Crab?" program, I took my class down to Everglades City to visit Grimms Stone Crabs Inc, a locally owned fish house to learn about the commercial stone crab fishery and its importance in Collier County. We met with Justin Grimms who helps run the business along with his father Howie Grimms. As usual he did a fantastic job explaining what its like to work in the industry and how they operate on a day to day basis. Justin showed the class how they process stone crab claws once they are brought in by local fishermen.

After weighing the uncooked (also known as "green") claws, they are placed in large baskets that can hold up to 375 pound of claws s and cooked at 212 degrees for eight minutes. Immediately after cooking, the claws are placed in a vat of cold water to bring the temperature down to about 64 degrees. This process prevents the meat from continuing to cook inside their shells. Next, the claws are topped with ice and placed in a cooler overnight where they will be individually weighed and graded by weight the next morning.
To give you an idea of how the claws are graded:
Medium: 6-7 claws per pound
Large: 4-5 claws per pound
Jumbo: 2-3 claws per pound
I think it was a first time experience for many of participants, and the fact that many of them bought claws from the Fish House's retail market, I'd say it was a positive one! Enjoy the pictures!

Justin Grimms welcomes my class

Justin explaining how claws are processed once they brought in by the fishermen

A student asking Justin how claws are graded

Justin shows the group a batch of uncooked or green claws

A very useful crusher to help break up claws for customers

Examining a claw up close

Justin showing the group how claws can continue to move even after being removed

A batch of freshly cooked claws put on ice

Owner Howie Grimms taking the temperature of a recently cooked batch of claws

Two batches of claws sitting in the fish house's cooler

Participants buying claws from the Grimm's retail store

2nd Annual 4-H Mock Marine Ecology Event

2011-10-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Last night, my Sea Grant Extension colleagues Joy Hazell, Betty Staugler, and I hosted our 2nd annual 4-H Mock Marine Ecology Event (MEE) for 4-H students in Collier, Lee, and Charlotte Counties. We put on the event to help them prepare and review for the State 4-H MEE that is held in Orlando in December. The MEE is a competitive event that provides 4-H youth with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of the marine and aquatic worlds. Students test their skills at identifying an assortment of marine and coastal plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates in timed sessions. They also have a scavenger hunt section where they match a series of clues to a set of specimens. I've been involved with this program for several years now in one way or another, and am always amazed with the knowledge that these students have about or marine world. They list of specimens they have to learn in quite impressive, and as a marine educator, its refreshing to see youth take such an interest to the subject. Enjoy the pictures! If you would like to learn more about the 4-H Marine Ecology Event visit:
http://florida4h.org/projects/marine/state_mee.shtml

Sea Grant Agent Betty Staugler shows a 4-Her a batfish

students match the lettered specimen (in this case coquina clams) to the corresponding number on their answer sheet

4-Hers hard at work

Collier County 4-H Agent Tish Roland helps a young 4-Her read her specimen list.

Looks like confidence to me!

A 4-Her checks out a basket sponge

Can you name that invasive fish species?? (If you said lionfish, you are correct!)

Identifying fish

Sea Grant Agent Joy Hazell shows a student a rather large mullet

At the end of the night we go over the answers with the students.

Red Tide and Seafood Safety

2011-10-20T10:34:00.000-04:00

In the past several weeks there has been a developing red tide bloom (caused by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis) off the coastlines of Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee Counties. Fish kills have been reported in association with the bloom offshore and along the shoreline particularly in Charlotte and Lee Counties. While K. brevis has not been detected in water quality samples taken from Collier County waters, these events tend to generate a flurry of concerns about the safety of eating seafood harvested from affected waters.
Fortunately finfish caught in or near affected areas are safe to eat, if they are caught live and filleted. Eating fish that are dead or dying is strongly discouraged as the exact cause of death or illness cannot be known for sure. Crabs and shrimp are also okay to eat because the toxins produced by K. brevis are not absorbed into the edible tissues of these animals (so all you stone crab fans out there can continue enjoying your meals).
However, it is not safe to eat bivalves (clams, mussels or oysters) from areas with red tide. These type of organisms are filter feeders and can filter the toxins given off by K. brevis into the their tissues. These toxins in turn, can pose a health risk to consumers. The State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACs) close shellfish beds in red tide areas quickly and will not reopen them until the shellfish are safe to eat. To check the status of regional shellfish beds visit: http://shellfish.floridaaquaculture.com/seas/seas_statusmap.htm

Another resource concerned citizens can use is the Florida Wildlife Research Institute Red Tide Status Line. Callers can call (866) 300-9399 (toll-free inside Florida only); or (727) 552-2448 (outside Florida) to hear a recording detailing red tide conditions throughout the state. FWRI updates the recording each Friday by 5 p.m. after sampling efforts for the week have been completed and analyzed. To learn more visit: http://myfwc.com/research/redtide/events/status/statewide/

National Wildlife Refuge Week Kids Fishing Clinic

2011-10-16T07:49:00.000-04:00

I'm proud to say that my colleagues and I had another successful kids fishing clinic in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week. This is the fourth year we have offered the clinic,which is held at Port of the Islands Marina. We invited approximately 50 migrant students from Immokalee and E. Naples to participate in this wonderful event. I can't think of a better example of true collaboration among various community organizations to provide a wonderful fishing opportunity for local underserved youth.

First off, a big thanks goes to Fish Florida for donating fishing poles for the kids to take home with them. If you aren't familiar with this great organization, I highly recommend you visit their website at http://www.fishfloridatag.org/ to learn more about how they support youth fishing opportunities in Florida.
The students rotated through five skills stations (casting, knot tying, know your tackle, fishing regulations, and the good angler) managed by members of the Marco Island Sport Fishing Club, staff from 10,000 and Panther National Wildlife Refuges, and FWC law enforcement. As always, they did a first-class job educating the young anglers.
After the stations the students fished along the marina's sea wall. Collier County Parks and Recreation donated live shrimp, which worked well. The kids caught several fish including mangrove snappers and mojarras. In fact, several kids took home fish! We also had an alligator show up, and on more than one occasion it stole the kid's shrimp, but I don't think the students minded.
Following the fishing, the students were split into two large groups. While one group ate lunch (donated by Port of the Islands Marina) the other half went on manatee tours donated by Double R's Fishing and Eco-Tours and Manatee Sightseeing Eco-Tours. Then the groups switched. I can't thank my volunteers and partners enough for their time and commitment. This program would not be possible without their support. I know we had a great time, and I think its a safe bet to say the kids did too!!

dehooking practice

Know your regulations

learning how to cast

Its all about being a "good angler"

knot tying

Learning how to identify fish

Hands on practice

Learning about our local National Wildlife Refuges

Fishing Time!

Nice snapper. It was a keeper!

A striped mojarra for dinner!

Our "little" visitor

Time for a manatee tour

Enjoying some lunch after a hard day of fishing

The gang!

Give a Stone Crab a Proper Break!

2011-10-11T06:16:00.001-04:00

Arrows point to muscle tissue hanging from a
stone crab claw that was improperly removed.
Image credit: FWC

Octobermeans the start of stone crab season, which means many recreational fishermen willtry their luck at catching their own crabs. Besides following the seasonal,size, and bag limits, one of the most important things a fisherman can do tohelp conserve this resource is learning how to correctly remove the claw(s)from his/her catch.

Stonecrabs, like other crabs, naturally lose claws from time to time, and thesurvival rate is close to 100%. In the fishery, however, survival dependsgreatly on fishermen correctly removing the claws. If the joint linking the bodyto the claw is left intact, a stone crab has a good chance of surviving andregenerating its claw. After a claw is removed, a thin layer of tissue calledthe diaphragm instantly acts as a seal to close the wound and stops anybleeding. Claws should never be twistedoff as this can result in muscle being torn from the crab’s body. Instead aclaw should be removed with a quick, downward snap at the body/claw joint to ensurethe diaphragm can work correctly.

Despitewhat many people think, it is legalto remove both claws of a stone crab if they both meet the minimum sizerequirement of 2 and ¾ inches. Removingboth claws, however, will reduce the likelihood of the crab being able todefend itself, and will increase the amount of time it takes to obtain food.The more a crab eats, the more energy it will have to re-grow new claws. Ahealthy adult crab can regenerate a lost claw in about a year, but it takes upto three years for it to approximately reach its original size. Often the largestcrabs won’t even fully regenerate their claws because of their relatively oldage. For a full listing of the recreational stone crab regulations visit: http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/stone-crabs/.Happycrabbing!

The arrow is pointing to a new claw bud forming.
Image credit: FWC

Amberjack Tagging Study

2011-10-05T22:49:00.000-04:00

University ofFlorida Researchers Need Your Help!

Researchers with the UF Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program arecurrently tagging amberjacks to examine the seasonal pattern and rates ofmovement of this fish in the Gulf of Mexico. This project is being done incollaboration with recreational guides, and recreational and commercialfishers.

To date there have been some interesting results. Although someamberjack move great distances, most tend not to move much. An interestingobservation has been that amberjack caught in deeper water (greater than 150ft), appear to have the ability to “self vent”. They have a strong thick swim bladder that is reinforced by a strong ribcage. When rapidly brought to the surface and the swim bladder bursts, only asmall hole is produced that releases gas out the gill openings and mouth (sortof like a blow out valve). Undersimilar conditions, reef fish with thinner, weaker swim bladders tend torupture like an over inflated balloon and flood the body cavity with case. This bloating can prevent the fish from beingable to swim back to the bottom.

Fish are tagged with a yellow external anchor tag. If you catch a tagged amberjack, please takenote of:

1. Tag number (a fourdigit number)

2. Date and location ofcapture (GPS latitude and longitude coordinate would be great)

3. Measure the fish forklength to the nearest mm or 1/8^th inch

For information on submitting this information got to: http://fishweb.ifas.ufl.edu/amberjack/

Commercial Fishing Gear Profile: The Bandit Rig

2011-10-03T22:58:00.000-04:00

Image credit: Capt. Tom Marvel

A commontype of gear used by commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico and SouthAtlantic include electric or hydraulic reels known as bandit rigs. Bandit rigsare commonly used to target reef species such as grouper, snapper, triggerfish and/oramberjack. The gear gets its name from the resemblance to slot machines (akaone-armed bandits) found in casinos. Vessels typically have two to four banditreels on board. A typical bandit reel is attached to the gunwale of the boatand consists of a fiberglass reel that holds about 1,000 feet of cable; anL-bar or spreader, which keeps the leader from tangling with the main line; apulley to feed the cable from the reel through the L-bar; a fiberglass arm; andan electronic or hydraulic reel motor. Fishermen typically use circle hooksbaited with live or cut bait, and one line can have several hooks on it. Dependingon the species being targeted, fishermen can either allow their lines to sitand soak for a short time period before reeling them up or bring up their catchup every time a bite is felt. Bandit gear is fairly selective, and because itis constantly tended to, there is little bycatch associated with this fishingmethod. The gear also has little to no impact on sensitive bottom habitats.

Reference:
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
http://www.safmc.net/Portals/0/FEP/VolIII_SG%20fishery%20description.pdf

Grouper and snapper (on deck) brought up using bandit gear
Image credit: Capt. Tom Marvel

Two red grouper caught on one line of a bandit rig
Image credit: Capt Tom Marvel

The Birth of Sea Grant

2011-09-30T10:18:00.000-04:00

I came across this great history lesson about the "birth" of the National Sea Grant College Program and wanted to share it with you.

A Novel Idea: The idea of a Sea Grant College Program was originally suggested by oceanographer, inventor and writer, Dr. Athelstan Spilhaus at the 93rd meeting of the American Fisheries Society in 1963. Interest in the Sea Grant concept grew, much of it sparked by an editorial written by Spilhaus that appeared in a 1964 issue of Science: " I have suggested the establishment of ‘sea-grant colleges' in existing universities that wish to develop oceanic work . . . These would be modernized parallels of the great developments in agriculture and the mechanic arts which were occasioned by the Land-Grant Act of about a hundred years ago . . . Establishment of the land-grant colleges was one of the best investments this nation ever made. That same kind of imagination and foresight should be applied to exploitation of the sea."
Thus, at a time when America was excited about science in general, especially the possibility of reaping sustained economic benefits from the vast resources of the seas, national enthusiasm for the Sea Grant College concept grew. In 1965, Sen. Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island introduced legislation to establish Sea Grant colleges on campuses nationwide as centers of excellence in marine and coastal studies. With the adoption in 1966 of the National Sea Grant College Act, Congress established an academic/industry/government partnership that would enhance the nation's education, economy, and environment into the 21st century.

A Revolutionary ProgramJust as our nation's Land Grant institutions have revolutionized agriculture, so too are the Sea Grant colleges steering our nation toward the productive and sustainable use of our coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources, through integrated programs of scientific research, education and training, and technical assistance. These programs make available a wealth of information on marine and aquatic topics—from public school curriculum materials to the most advanced scientific research. In short, Sea Grant funds high quality research that is responsive to user needs, bringing university expertise to solve today's marine environmental problems.

Taken from: (http://www.seagrant.noaa.gov/aboutsg/historyofsg.html)

If you'd like to learn more about the National Sea Grant Program visit: http://www.seagrant.noaa.gov/aboutsg/index.html

The Misunderstood Comb Jelly

2011-09-27T09:26:00.000-04:00

Perhaps one of the most misidentified and misunderstood critters commonly found in Florida coastal waters is the comb jelly. While these gelatinous marine animals may look similar to jellyfish, they actually are not related at all to their stinging counterparts. Jellyfish (these days also known as "sea jellies" since they are not really fish) along with corals and anenomoes belong to the phylum Cnidaria (Nih-dar-e-uh). These animals are characterized by the presence of stinging cells called nematocysts. Comb jellies, on the other hand belong to the phylum Ctenophora (Teen-a-for-a).
They have transparent, jelly-like bodies with bright, iridescent bands of color. The bands are made up of tiny hairs called combs, which divide the body into eight symmetrical areas. These "combs" help the animal swim by beating rhythmically and propelling it forward. Unlike true jellyfish who use their stinging cells to stun and capture prey, comb jellies draw in prey (mostly planktonic organisms) by pumping water through their body cavity.

So what does this mean to the common beachgoer? Comb Jellies are HARMLESS!! Now that you know they can't harm you, feel free to examine them up close. Keep in mind though, that they do easily break apart when taken out of the water. One of the best ways to examine them up close is to put them in a clear container so that you can view them whole. This also allows you to see the beautiful irridescent colors associated with their beating combs. Many species of comb jellies are also biolunenescent, which means they can produce their own light. They often emit a soft glowing color which can easily be seen at night time!

comb jellies are commonly found along Florida's coastal and marine waters. Pick one up!

Want to learn more?

Image credit: NOAA

Additional Resources
Rhode Island Sea Grant Fact Sheet on Jellyfish
http://seagrant.gso.uri.edu/factsheets/jellyfish.html

Chesapeake Bay Field Guide
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_combjellies.aspx?menuitem=14417

NOAA Ocean Explorers- "Surprises from Comb Jellies in the Arctic"
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/05arctic/logs/july19/july19.html

University of Californial Museum of Palentology-Introduction to Ctenophora
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/cnidaria/ctenophora.html

Recording: Florida Stone Crab Webinar

2011-09-21T17:17:00.000-04:00

Did you know that it IS legal to remove both claws of a stone crab if they both meet the minimum size limit of 2 3/4 inches?
Want to know more?

Today my colleague Dr. Lisa Krimsky, the Miami-Dade Sea Grant Extension Agent and I hosted our sixth session of our Florida Seafood Sustainability and Safety Brown Bag Webinar Series-Florida's Stone Crab Fishery. The goals of today's webinar are:

1. Increase participant's knowledge of the basic biology and ecology of Florida stone crabs
2. Enhance participant's understanding of the trends, importance, and management of the commercial stone crab fishery.
3.Make participants more informed consumers about the purchasing and handling of stone crabs.

To view the webinar recording click HERE
(You might get a message that blocks you from downloading the webinar; you will need to click on "allow" to let your computer download the presentation)

Please ensure you are able to connect to Elluminate by visiting:
http://support.blackboardcollaborate.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=8336&task=knowledge&questionID=1251 and following the directions for first time users.
If you have connection problems, please contact Ron Thomas with UF/IFAS distance education at http://icsde.ifas.ufl.edu/contact-us.shtml

We want to know what you think!
To help us improve future webinars, we would greatly appreciate your input by completing a short online evaluation about the presentation.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Stonecrabwebinarevaluation

Recordings of Past Webinars
If you would like to watch a recording of past webinar sessions in our Florida Seafood Sustainability and Safety Brown Bag Webinar Series click HERE.

Santa Lucia Reef Clean Up

2011-09-20T20:50:00.002-04:00

Today my colleagues and I conducted an underwater clean up on the Santa Lucia Reef as part of the 2012 International Coastal Clean Up. This is the third year we've coordinated our efforts to help clean up this reef. The Santa Lucia is one of Collier County's most heavily utilized artificial reefs; it is only two miles from Gordan Pass and sits in approximately 30 feet of water. It is a popular stopping spot to cast net bait and is heavily fished as well. It is an old Cuban turtle boat topped with large concrete pilings that create extensive relief and structure for fish. Unfortunately, this configuration also results in a lot of cast nets and line getting caught up on the site, which can serve as a hazard to marine life, fishermen, and divers. Using lift bags and baskets we removed about a dozen and a half cast nets, three boat anchors, a fishing pole, several beer bottles, and a hefty load of fishing line, tackle, and rope. As usual, the visibility wasn't great to begin with, and removing nets and other debris only made it worse. On top of that, there was a heavy presence of stinging nettles jellyfish around us, which made the clean up effort that more exciting!!! Even with these conditions, we still saw lots of cool fish such as snook, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, goliath grouper, gag grouper, spadefish, belted sandfish, porkfish, lizzardfish, Gulf flounder, Spanish mackerel, barjacks, tomtates, and bandtail buffer.
This effort could not have happened without the help and support from the following groups

Collier County Coastal Zone Management
Collier CountyEnvironmental Services
Collier County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit,
City of Naples Natural Resources Department,
Rookery Bay Reserve

Thank you to all my partners for helping to keep our reefs clean!!

One of many jellyfish accompanying us today on our dive.

One of many cast nets found on the Santa Lucia

A couple of Sheepheads checking out the action as a cast net is being removed from the reef nearby.

This gives you an idea of the visibility we were dealing with on the reef.

A very heavy basket of nets and other debris being brought to the surface

Waiting for a basket to be emptied before going back down for another load.

Some of the nets brought up from the bottom

Besides cast nets, we recovered lots of fishing line and hooks.

Lift bags played an important role in bringing the collected gear topside.

Sgt. Dave Bruening, myself, Pam Keyes, and Chris D'arco following the clean up

Are You Smarter Than A Stone Crab Tour

2011-09-16T10:12:00.000-04:00

Joinyour local Sea Grant Extension Agent to learn about one of Florida’s mostvaluable fisheries…

Wednesday, October 26th 2011

2PM-6PM EST

Tour starts at Rookery Bay Reserve

300 TowerRd, Naples, FL

During this program you will:

•Learnabout stone crab biology & how the fishery is managed

•VisitGrimm's Stone Crab Inc* in Everglades City to learn how stone crabs are processed

•SAMPLE locally caught stone crabs

* Participantsare responsible for transporting themselves from Rookery Bay to Grimms. Mapswill be provided, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Program Cost

$15

You must pre-registerby visiting

http://stonecrabtour.eventbrite.com

CreditCards Only!

For questions, contact Bryan Fluech at fluech@ufl.edu

Gulf Gag Grouper Season opens Friday!

2011-09-15T08:18:00.002-04:00

Starting tomorrow (September 16th, 2011) Gulf recreational fishermen will get their chance to bring home gag grouper for the next two months after being closed since June. Based on updated stock assessment data, the interim gag grouper management rule established a 2011 recreational season from September 16 through November 15. The current bag limit of two gag within the four fish aggregate grouper bag limit and the minimum size of 22-inches total length will still be in effect during the two-month open season.
This interim rule was implemented earlier in the year while long-term management options were being developed. These measures are being implemented because the latest stock assessment indicates that gag grouper in the Gulf of Mexico are overfished and undergoing overfishing. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, regional management councils must take immediate action to halt overfishing and rebuild affected stocks when these stocks are identified.
To learn more about the interim gag grouper rules visit:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/bulletins/pdfs/2011/FB11-047_Gulf_Comm_Gag_Quota_and_Rec_Fishing_Season.pdf

U.S. Top 10 Favorite Seafood Products

2011-09-12T12:36:00.002-04:00

http://www.pangasius.org/

Think back to your last seafood meal. Can you remember what you ate? Shrimp? Tuna? Salmon? If you are like a growing number of Americans, perhaps the answer is Tilapia or Panagasius.

Press Release from: Seafoodsource.com
The National Fisheries Institute recently released its Top 10 list of America’s favorite seafood products in 2010.
Eight of the top 10 spots on the list remained unchanged from 2009. But two farmed finfish species — tilapia and pangasius — continue to climb the list.

For the first time, tilapia overtook Alaska pollock to become America’s fourth most popular seafood item, at 1.45 pounds per capita in 2010, up from 1.208 pounds in 2009.

And pangasius, the catfish-like species raised primarily in Vietnam, which made its debut on the top 10 list at 0.356 pounds per capita in 2009, surpassed clams to become America’s ninth most popular seafood item, at 0.405 pounds.

The rest of the list remained unchanged, with shrimp again leading the way at 4 pounds per capita in 2010, more than one-quarter of the 15.8 pounds of seafood that the average American consumer enjoyed. That’s down slightly from 4.1 pounds in 2009.

Canned tuna held on to the No. 2 position at 2.7 pounds per capita, up from 2.5 pounds in 2009. Consumption of salmon, the No. 3-ranked species, dropped from 2.04 pounds per capita in 2009 to 1.999 pounds in 2010.

Alaska pollock came in at No. 5 at 1.192 pounds, down from 1.208 pounds in 2009, as the 2010 Bering Sea pollock quota had been cut significantly from 2009.

The next three spots belonged to catfish (0.8 pounds), crab (0.573 pounds) and cod (0.463 pounds). Rounding out the Top 10 list was clams at 0.341 pounds.

NFI’s Top 10 list came three days after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fisheries Service released its annual Fisheries of the United States report. Americans ate 15.8 pounds per capita in 2010, down from 16 pounds in 2008 and 2009 and the lowest amount since 2002’s 15.6 pounds. The agency adjusted the 2009 total, which originally came to 15.8 pounds, recalculating it to 16 pounds.

“If you look at the numbers from 2008, 2009 and now 2010, keeping in mind population growth, we’re hopeful that we’re beginning to see seafood consumption steadying, a trend that makes it poised for gains,” said NFI President John Connelly.

NOAA Releases 2010 Fisheries of the U.S. Report

2011-09-08T00:51:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder how much seafood is landed in the United States? Today NOAA released its 2010 Fisheries of the United States Report which provides an annual snapshot of domestic landings and values. Among other things, the report indicated U.S. commercial fishermen landed 8.2 billion pounds of seafood in 2010, valued at $4.5 billion, an increase of 200 million pounds and more than $600 million in value over 2009.The report also highlights the top U.S. ports including the leader for the 22nd consecutive year, the Alaska port of Dutch Harbor-Unalaska. For the 11th consecutive year, New Bedford, Mass., had the highest valued catch, due in large part to the sea scallop fishery.

According to Eric Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA's fisheries Service, "These increases in fish landings and value are good news for our nation’s fishermen and for fishing communities, where jobs depend on healthy fish stocks. We know fishermen are making sacrifices now to rebuild fish populations, and these efforts, combined with good science and management, support sustainable jobs for Americans."

Another aspect of the report highlights seafood consumption patterns in the country. In 2010, the average American ate 15.8 pounds of fish and shellfish, a slight decline from the 2009 figure of 16 pounds. Nationwide, Americans consumed 4.878 billion pounds of seafood, slightly less than the 4.907 billion pounds in 2009.On a global scale, the U.S. continues to be third-ranked for consuming fish and shellfish, behind China and Japan. Imported seafood continues to increase to help fill consumer demand - about 86 percent of the seafood consumed in the U.S. was imported from overseas. The U.S., however, also exports 63 percent of its domestically produced seafood, which represents an increase of four percent over 2009.

To read the entire report visit: http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/fus/fus10/index.html

FishFAQ.. How much do you know about fish?

2011-09-06T08:50:00.000-04:00

If there is anything I have learned as a marine extension educator it is the more I know about our coastal and marine world, the more I realize there is so much more that I need to learn! I wanted to share with you a great resource from NOAA Fisheries called FishFAQ..."A bouillabaisse of fascinating facts about fish (and other marine life)"

This site provides the answers to a wide variety of frequently asked questions relating to fish and other life from our oceans. As mentioned in the website, "The National Marine Fisheries Service (Now NOAA Fisheries Service) annually answers thousands of questions about the oceans and the life that thrives within them. On the basis of a canvass of experienced marine scientists in the Fisheries Service done in 1973 more than a hundred questions have been chosen as most representative. These are the Most Frequently Asked Questions containing some fascinating facts about fish"

FOR EXAMPLE...

What is the world's largest fish? The smallest?
The largest is the whale shark, which grows to more than 50 feet in length and may weigh several tons; second largest is the basking shark, which may measure 35 to 40 feet long. The smallest fish is the tiny goby, an inhabitant of fresh-to-brackish-water lakes in Luzon, Philippines. It seldom is longer than a half inch at adulthood, yet is so abundant it supports a fishery.

Can fish distinguish color?
Most fish are colorblind, despite the opinion of many sportfishermen. Fish can see color shadings, reflected light, shape, and movement, which probably accounts for the acceptance or rejection of artificial lures used by fishermen.

What are the commercially important shrimp on the east coast of the United States, and what are their ranges?
Three shrimp species are of primary commercial importance: Pink shrimp from Chesapeake Bay through the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies to Brazil; white shrimp from Fire Island, New York, to Cape Kennedy, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico from Pensacola, Florida, to Campeche, Mexico, in Cuba and Jamaica; brown shrimp from Massachusetts down the east coast through the Gulf of Mexico, and the West Indies to Uruguay.

I encourage you to check out the website to test your "smarts" about fish and other ocean life! You might just learn a thing or two!

http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/faq/

Why Involve Youth in Fishing??

2011-08-31T07:06:00.000-04:00

In recent decades there has been an alarming trend of children becoming more disconnected from nature than in past generations. The ramifications of this situation can have long lasting effects on youth's physical, mental and even spiritual health. According to Dr. Berry Brazelton, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, "the tragedy we are facing in this generation is that there is no time for children to explore, to play, to go outside…. outdoor play lets children find themselves, find out what they're like as people, find what works, and what doesn't work."

Reconnecting Youth with Nature

Getting youth hooked on fishing provides an excellent learning experience and an easy way of getting them outside and interested in the natural world. Children are naturally curious and the more they are exposed to their surrounding environment the more they will want to probe, poke, investigate, and inquire about it. In addition to the fish they catch, they get the opportunity to see, first-hand, the abundant diversity of wildlife associated with our fresh and saltwater environments. Fishing can also serve as a direct spring board to getting kids excited about science, reading, social studies, art, and P.E.

Development of Life Skills and Knowledge

Fishing experiences provide opportunities for children to develop important life skills and knowledge. For instance, teaching a child how to tie a fishing knot or hit a target while casting can improve hand-eye coordination as well as build self-confidence and esteem. As any experienced angler will tell you, fishing also teaches the value of patience. Often, children get frustrated if they do not catch a fish immediately after throwing a line in the water, but given enough opportunity, their patience will improve. It is hard to miss the excitement on a child's face when he/she lands their first catch; an experience they are not likely to forget.

Critical Thinking Skills

Over time youth will also improve their ability to think critically as they learn to study the waters they're fishing, or decide upon the best lure or bait to use for the fish they target. These skills will not only enhance their future fishing experiences but will serve them well in school and throughout their lives.

Quality Time Together

In our modern, fast-paced society, it is sometime easy to forget the value of slowing down to relax and enjoy life. Quality time with family and friends is often overlooked as we rush to accomplish our next task. Consider the value of taking a child fishing and enjoying time spent together, or the benefit of children interacting with one another as they learn more about the sport. These experiences can long-lasting impacts.

Development of Stewardship-Minded Anglers

Fishing is and will continue to be an integral part of Florida's economy and heritage. However, it would be naive to think that fishing doesn't have its impacts. A vital component to any child's exposure to fishing must include the importance of conservation and stewardship such as:

· Proper catch and release techniques

· Waste disposal

· Water quality

· Habitat protection

Do not wait until they are adults for them to learn how fish are managed, why there are regulations, what factors contribute to water pollution, or how even individual actions can impact our natural resources. Not only are they more likely to stay involved in fishing, but they're also more likely to take an active role in protecting our fisheries and surrounding environment.

"Who will be around in 50 years that will be seriously concerned about environmental conservation? Having resilient ecosystems is a necessity for human health and we as a society need to protect our ecosystems in ways that are sustainable and durable"

-Dr. Howard Frumkin, Director, Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Environmental Health

Keep these tips in mind when exposing children to fishing:

Have patience:

The younger the child, the more likely they are to get distracted easily. Don't get frustrated if they do not want to stay in one spot or lose interest quickly if the fish aren't biting.

Don't break the piggy bank:

Fishing gear can get incredibly expensive, but there's no need to purchase top-of-the-line equipment with all the accessories and gadgets. Make sure the gear is appropriate for the size and age of the child. Live or frozen bait will probably be your best bet starting out. If you are not sure what to purchase, check with a local tackle shop.

Location

You don't need to take a child to far off exotic locations for a good fishing experience. A neighborhood lake or shoreline is more than sufficient to get them started.

Come prepared:

Consider the tolerances and needs of your child when fishing. Make sure you and they have sunscreen, hats, glasses, water/food and any other essential supplies that will keep you both safe and comfortable.

Learn together:

Fishing is a continuous learning experience. Take the time to learn about fishing and the environment with your child. It's a great way to spend time together and get more involved.

Ask for help:

Don't be afraid to ask locals about learning how to fish. We are fortunate to have several avid anglers, guides, fishing clubs, and tackle shops in our area. They will be more than happy to help you and your child. In addition there are numerous on-line resources available to learn about knots, fish identification, tackle, techniques and conservation.

Explore:

Wherever you fish, take time for you and your child to explore the surrounding environment. Bring along a dip net to investigate other types of life living in the water.

Demonstrate responsible fishing practices in front of your child. For example, if you see trash or discarded fishing line, pick it up and use this as an opportunity to teach about stewardship.

Wild vs. Farmed Shrimp: The choice is yours

2011-08-28T21:04:00.000-04:00

I often get questions about the sustainability of shrimp and other seafood so I thought you'd like to see the content from a fact sheet that my colleague Dr. Lisa Krimsky, the Miami-Dade Sea Grant Extension Agent, and I recently created.....

"Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it. There’s shrimp-kabobs, shrimp Creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. "

With this quote, Bubba— the now ubiquitous Forrest Gump character and namesake of a seafood restaurant chain, illustrates America’s obsession with shrimp. Since 2001, shrimp has topped the Top 10 most popular seafood list. For more than a decade, Americans have consumed more shrimp than any other type of seafood and the amount of shrimp that Americans are consuming continues to rise. In fact, in 2009 Americans ate an average of 4.1 pounds of shrimp per person, nearly twice the per-capita consumption in 1990.

Shrimp are also Florida’s most valuable and popular seafood. Approximately 80% of the shrimp landed in the United States are warm-water shrimp from the Gulf and South Atlantic region. Three commercially important species of penaeid shrimp occur on both coasts of Florida: white, pink and brown shrimp. In 2010, white shrimp, Litopenaeus setiferus ,dominated the catch in the Atlantic whereas pink shrimp, Panaeus duorarum, were the primary catch in the Gulf. Rock, royal reds, and North Florida hoppers are also harvested in Florida waters.

The size of Florida’s annual crop is primarily determined by weather and annual fluctuations in shrimp production are normal. However, competition from foreign imports and increased fuel and operating costs have contributed to declines in domestic landings over the past decade. The average annual harvest from Florida for 2000-2010 is more than 20 million pounds and worth an average of $40 million. Despite healthy and sustainable stocks, America’s love affair with this tasty crustacean is exceeding U.S. domestic supply. Prior to 1979, domestic shrimp landings accounted for more than half of the U.S. supply of shrimp. Consumer demands for shrimp now exceed domestic supply and imported shrimp are continually becoming a growing contributor to U.S. shrimp supply.

America's appetite for shrimp is now so large that only about 10% of the shrimp eaten in the U.S. comes from U.S. waters. The remaining 90% are imported from other countries and the majority of these shrimp are grown in aquaculture. The U.S. imports shrimp from 125 countries globally. Six countries dominate the market (Thailand, Indonesia, Ecuador, Vietnam, China and Mexico) however more than 30% of imported shrimp comes from Thailand. In 2009, the U.S. imported 1.2 billion pounds of fresh and frozen shrimp valued at $3.75 billion dollars. This drastic influx of low-priced imported shrimp product has become significant competition for the wild domestic fisheries.

Where does the U.S. import its shrimp from? Source: NMFS

A Troubled Past

Shrimp fisheries
Wild shrimp are often caught with shrimp trawls. Trawling gear includes a funnel-shaped net held open by heavy doors when deployed. A tickle chain in front of the net scrapes the seabed and scares shrimp up and into the net. Depending on the type of trawl and the weight of the chain, bottom trawls may damage essential bottom habitat by scraping and ploughing the seafloor, resulting in varying degrees of habitat loss and degradation.
By design, trawling gear is highly non-selective and is responsible for excessive levels of bycatch of non-targeted species. Bycatch may include juveniles and undersized fish, sea turtles and other biologically important species. Research from the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic shrimp trawl fisheries indicate that up to 84% of commercial catch may consist of bycatch.

Shrimp aquaculture

Image: www.fishfarming.com

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, and like land-based agriculture, it is bound to have some effects on the environment. Aquaculture is responsible for augmenting the global demand for shrimp and may have positive potential by reducing the pressure on wild populations and limiting environmental damage as a result of trawling. However, adverse effects associated with aquaculture may include habitat destruction, effluent discharge, and chemical contamination. Aquaculture first became profitable for shrimp in the 1970s and commercial production has since grown into a global enterprise. Unfortunately, growing market demand from the 1980s - 1990s led to an explosion of small-scale farms; many of which were started with little to no foresight or planning. Improper siting of ponds resulted in considerable environmental damage and the clear-cutting of ecologically important mangroves. In Thailand and Asia, large shrimp operators avoided mangroves since degradation of the coastal zone makes aquaculture more difficult and abandoning ponds becomes extremely costly. Instead, 40% of the small-scale operations are responsible for the loss of mangroves and a disproportionate amount of the environmental degradation .
Globally, shrimp farming is responsible for less than 10% of the loss of mangroves, yet the industry has borne the brunt of the criticism. This is because in certain regions the impact to mangroves has been much greater; Thailand for example cleared 64% of it’s mangroves for shrimp farms.
Intensive shrimp farms, those with high stocking densities, are responsible for discharging effluents (pollutants) from fertilizers, feces, and excess artificial feed. These effluents can contribute to a high organic load which may pollute and eutrophy surrounding coastal waters. Chemicals used in shrimp culture are minimal, though the use of antibiotics is of concern because of the emergence of resistant bacteria.
Lastly, in some countries (Ecuador for example) post-larvae used to stock grow-out ponds are harvest from the wild as opposed to being grown in hatchery facilities. While the impacts of these practices is not documented, removal of wild larvae may have adverse effects on the recruitment of wild shrimp populations in those areas.

A Turtle Excluder Devise:
Image-Lousiana Sea Grant

You’ve come a long way, babyShrimp Fisheries: Florida The regional councils that manage both of Florida’s commercial fishing industries, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, have established fishery management plans for shrimp designed to reduce bycatch, minimize gear conflicts, and manage over-harvesting. In Florida, Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) are required for penaeid (white, brown, and pink) shrimp trawls in the federal waters of the Gulf and South Atlantic regions.
Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) have been required on trawl nets since 1988. A TED is a grid of bars fitted into the net of a shrimp trawl that allows small animals to pass through the bars and larger animals to eject through an opening at either end of the bars. The use of TEDs eliminates the incidental catch of marine turtles and larger marine animals while retaining smaller catch species.
In conjunction with TEDS, shrimp trawls are outfitted with Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs). BRDs allow for the release of finfish and other non-targeted species , while the targeted shrimp species is maintained and directed toward the cod end of the net. Certified BRDs reduce the bycatch of finfish by at least 30% by weight (in the Gulf of Mexico) or demonstrate a 40% reduction in the number of fish (in the South Atlantic).
Management Councils are also limiting the impact of shrimp trawls on bottom habitat by identifying essential areas and prohibiting trawling in these areas. For example, the rock shrimp fishery has been prohibited by the South Atlantic Council to trawl in areas off the coast of Florida to protect the deep water coral Oculina.
Shrimp Aquaculture In the late 1990s, growing awareness of increased ecological problems resulted in pressure and criticism from consumer countries and NGOs. Governments started to implement stronger regulations and global organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognized the need for developing and implementing best management practices for aquaculture industries. FAO developed the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and Article 9 of the Code is devoted to aquaculture development. A further example is the development of the Global Aquaculture Alliance, "an international non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing environmentally and socially responsible aquaculture." As a result, recent advances have made significant reductions in the environmental impacts of shrimp farms. In the industry, there is a shift in using semi-closed or closed-culture systems during the grow-out phase. These systems have minimal water exchange with the natural environment and will reduce the amount of pollutants entering the system. Large-scale farmers are continuing to site ponds away from mangrove habitats whereas small farms are joining cooperatives and pooling resources, thereby sharing knowledge and resources whilst reducing impacts.
Shrimp farmers are moving away from intensive systems and overstocking. They are learning ways to fight diseases and are using improved feeds that make their productions more efficient and less damaging.

Consumer Choices
Stronger regulations and recent advances in technology and have made wild and farm-raised shrimp good choices for informed consumers. Not only is shrimp a beloved seafood choice for Americans, but shrimp is low in calories and saturated fat, and a good source of protein, calcium, iron, selenium and vitamin B12.
Consumers who purchase local Florida shrimp can be assured that they are supporting local industries and that the stocks are healthy, sustainable and well-managed. Delicious Florida shrimp can be found fresh or frozen year round. Imported farmed shrimp offers a cheaper alternative for families and many farms are now being certified as sustainable by third-party regulators.
Whatever you decide, the important thing is that the choice is yours. Since 2005, the USDA has enforced the mandatory labeling of seafood. By law, all retailers must ensure that seafood commodities are properly labeled with the country of origin and the method of production (wild-caught or farm-raised). If you’re uncertain, ask your fish monger. Informed consumers now have the tools necessary to choose whether they purchase wild or farmed-raised and whether they want local or imported seafood.

References:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/fishstats/commercial-fisheries/

National Marine Fisheries Service Fish Watch
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/trade_and_aquaculture.htm

South Atlantic Fishery Marine Council
www.safmc.net

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
www.gulfcouncil.org

Boyd, C. and Clay, J. 1998. Shrimp Aquaculture and the Environment. Scientific American, 59-65.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/v9878e/v9878e00.HTM

About recreational shellfish harvesting in Southwest Florida

2011-08-24T09:40:00.008-04:00

In many northern coastal states it is common for individuals to harvest shellfish such as clams and oysters for their own personal consumption. Although not as prevalent, recreational shellfish harvesting is legal in Southwest Florida, but there are specific guidelines about where and when harvesting is allowed and how many can be taken. Shellfish regulations are established and enforced to protect human health and also to preserve the living marine resources and ecosystem within which they exist.

Shellfish harvesting areas (SHAs) are established, monitored, and managed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Aquaculture. Because shellfish such as oysters and clams are filter feeders and can harbor potential contaminants that pose health risks to humans, several water quality standards must be met before FDACS can designate an area for harvesting. Within a SHA, there are several water classifications. The public is only allowed to harvest shellfish from approved or conditionally approved waters.

Before visiting a SHA, it is always recommended to check with FDACS before harvesting to ensure the area is indeed open. Heavy rains, red tides, and other events that can potentially introduce elevated levels of contaminants can result in temporary closures. To find the status of a SHA visit www.floridaaquaculture.com, click on "Shellfish Harvesting," and then "Daily Status." The open/closed status of SHAs in Southwest Florida is also available from the FDACS shellfish field office in Punta Gorda by calling (941) 833-2552.

Recreational Shellfish Regulations

In order to legally harvest shellfish, a valid saltwater fishing license is required. In addition to knowing where legal harvesting of shellfish is allowed, recreational harvesters must also be aware of size and bag limits and seasonal closures associated with shellfish.

Oysters

Minimum size limit: 3 inches
Bag limit: 2 bags per person or vessel, whichever is less, per day (1 bag = 60 lbs., or two 5- gallon buckets, whole in shell).
All oyster harvesting is prohibited during July, August and September with the exception of Dixie, Levy, and Wakulla Counties where harvest is prohibited during June, July and August. All harvest is also prohibited when allowable harvesting areas are closed.

Clams

Minimum size limit:1-inch thick across the hinge.
Bag limit: one 5-gallon bucket per person or two per vessel, whichever is less, per day. There is no set closed season, but all harvest is prohibited when allowable harvesting areas are closed.

NOTE: The harvesting of bay scallops south of the Pasco/Hernando County line is Illegal!

For more information on recreational shellfish regulations visit: http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/

Conditionally Approved Shellfish Harvesting Areas in Southwest Florida

(Collier-Charlotte Counties)

Ten Thousands Islands SHA in Collier County. Click on the map for a larger view.

Pine Island Sound SHA in Lee County. Click on the map for a larger view.

Gasparilla Sound SHA in Lee/Charlotte County. Click on the map for a larger view.

Commercial Clam Leases

Within the Ten Thousand and Pine Island Sound SHAs, aquaculture lease areas are established for the production of hard clams. Leased from the State of Florida, the corners and perimeters of these areas are marked with PVC pipes and signage. Cultured shellfish are protected by law; harvesting is prohibited except by the leaseholder. Anchoring within these areas is also restricted.

A Word About Vibrio vulnificus...
Although clams and oysters are delicious and provide many nutritional benefits, there can also be potential risks associated with consuming them. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that can cause severe illness or death to at-risk people who eat raw shellfish. The bacteria is found naturally in warm coastal waters, such as the Gulf of Mexico, and bacteria levels can increase during summer months. Vibrio vulnificus is NOT a result of pollution, and can be found in waters approved for shellfish harvesting. The bacteria does NOT change the appearance, taste, or odor of shellfish. To learn more about Vibrio vulnificus, and how to minimize risks associated with it visit: http://www.issc.org/client_resources/Education/English_Vv_Risk.pdf

Forget sharks.....I'd be worried about your toilet!!

2011-08-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

Perhaps no other creature on Earth invokes as much fascination, bewilderment and fear at the same time as the shark. Unfortunately the notion that all sharks are "man-eating machines" is unfounded, and in many cases has resulted in the unwarranted deaths of countless species. While it is thought there are over 400 different species of sharks worldwide, only about 30 have been reported to attack humans. In the Gulf of Mexico only four or five out of 30 or so species are even considered a potential risk to humans. With this being said all shark species, whether large or small, are formidable predators and should be treated with respect when encountered.
So what exactly are the chances of being attacked by a shark? Fortunately there is just the resource to help answer this question and many more relating to shark attacks-The International Shark Attack File (ISFA). The ISFA is a compilation of all known shark attacks worldwide that is administered by the the American Elasmobranch Society and the Florida Museum of Natural History. The site provides you with a variety of interesting resources that I think you will enjoy!

As mentioned by the ISFA...
"The chances of being attacked by a shark are very small compared to other animal attacks, natural disasters, and ocean-side dangers. Many more people drown in the ocean every year than are bitten by sharks. The few attacks that occur every year are an excellent indication that sharks do not feed on humans and that most attacks are simply due to mistaken identity...Worldwide there is an average of 50-70 shark attacks every year. The number of attacks has been increasing over the decades as a result of increased human populations and the use of the oceans for recreational activity. As long as humans continue to enter the sharks' environment, there will be shark attacks."

To give you a better idea of the relative risk of being attacked by a shark compared to other risk, the ISFA staff has compiled some fascinating statistics on the topic, which might surprise you. I've provided the screen shots of some of the statistics they have. To see the complete list visit:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Sharks/attacks/relarisk.htm

click on the screen shot to link you to the web page

I want to point out that in 1996 there were 13 shark attacks and deaths in the United States. In the same year, there were 43,687 reported injuries associated with TOILETS!!!!!!!!! It makes you wonder why all the fuss about sharks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fresh Grouper at the Docks!

2011-08-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

Today I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time when I made a field visit to a local fish house in Naples. Two local commercial grouper fishermen had just arrived at the dock to unload their catches. Because of rough weather offshore, they were forced to cut their trips short and return to port. While their catches were smaller than normal, they still had around 1000 pounds each of mostly red grouper (there was also some red snapper mixed in the batch). Both of these fishermen participate in the Gulf of Mexico's red snapper & grouper/tilefish Individual Fishing Quota System (aka catch shares). Catch shares is a general term used in several fisheries management strategies that dedicate a secure share of fish to individual fishermen, cooperatives or fishing communities for their exclusive use. After speaking with the fishermen they said they enough shares left for another one or two full trips (roughly 5,000-6,000 pounds for each trip). While most of the grouper brought to this fish house usually stays in the local area or perhaps various operations on Florida's east coast, a large portion of today's catch was destined for Canada. (I was told by the fish house manager that since there aren't as many people in Naples in summertime the local demand for grouper isn't as much). I made this short video to show you the process of how the grouper is unloaded and handled before being shipped off to its next destination.

Common Coral Species Associated with Southwest Florida's Hardbottom Communities

2011-08-09T10:21:00.002-04:00

A red grouper over natural hardbottom

Much of the shallow continental shelf off Southwest Florida consists of unconsolidated sand and shell rubble substrates overlying a limestone baserock. Isolated tracks of natural hardbottom ledges and rock outcroppings as well as artificial reefs are interspersed throughout the region providing suitable substrate for coral colonization. Unlike many of the corals found in the Florida Keys, corals that are associated with Southwest Florida's hardbottom communities, do not construct living reefs. They typically form isolated colonies.

These corals and other associated biota including macroalgae, tunicates, sponges, hydroids, and bryozoans contribute to the productivity of Southwest Florida's unique hardbottom communities. They help provide structure, protection, and food sources for a variety of fish assemblages and invertebrates including recreational and commercially important species such as red grouper (Epinephelus morio ), gag grouper (Mycteroperca microlepis ), and Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria ).

Examples of hard coral species typically found on natural and artificial hardbottom communities in Southwest Florida include Knobby Star Coral (Solenastrea hyades), Starlet corals (Siderastrea spp), Robust Ivory Tree Coral (Oculina robusta), Tube Coral (Cladocora arbuscula) and Hidden Cup Coral (Phylangia americana).

Knobby Star Coral is one of the most common hard corals found on nearshore natural hardbottoms in Southwest Florida. Their colonies have lobated heads with irregular bulges on the surface, and range from a few inches up to two feet in length. Colors range from yellow-brown to cream to tan. The polyps can often be seen feeding during the day.

Starlet Coral colonies form irregular rounded domes and mounds and vary in color from golden-brown and brown to gray. Colonies can range from a few inches to several feet.

Robust Ivory Tree Coral colonies are less common than the star and starlet corals. Coral colonies form large busy, tree-like structures with a thick base. Colonies can reach close to three feet in length and tend to be yellowish brown.

Tube Coral colonies form small densely branching clumps with fine ridges running their length. Colonies are usually only several inches and range from tan to golden brown to dark brown in color.

Hidden Cup Coral colonies form small encrusting groups of polyps less than an inch wide.They are found on the undersides of ledges or encrusted onto the surface of outcroppings and typically yellowish to reddish brown in color.

Examples of soft corals found in Southwest Florida include the Colorful Sea Whip (Leptogorgia virgulata) and the Regal Sea Fan (Leptogorgia hebes). Unlike the hard corals, they exhibit a variety of vibrant colors.

Colorful Sea Whips form long straight, stiff, moderately-branched stalks. They can range from yellow to orange to lavender or purple. Their highly visible polyps are translucent white.

Colonies of Regal Sea Fans are characterized by being flat and thickly branched, and are generally aligned a single plain. Like the Colorful Sea Whip, they display a variety of colors ranging from red and orange to reddish purple and purple.

References:

Dupont, J.M. 2009. Ledges and Artificial Reefs on the Inner Central West Florida Shelf

Dissertation , University of South Florida

Humann, P. 1993. Reef Coral Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas, Including Marine Plants.

Jaap WC.1984. The ecology of the South Florida coral reefs: a community profile.

Minerals Management Service MMS 84–0038. 138 ppEcological Dynamics of Livebottom

Although present, the diversity of stony and soft corals found off Southwest Florida' coast is severely limited compared to what is found on Florida's east coast. Seasonal temperature fluctuations and high turbidity rates characteristic of Gulf waters provide a less than hospitable environment for most corals. Yet, several hardy species do inhabit the region.

Study finds artificial reefs are economic boon, enjoy widespread public support

2011-08-04T13:00:00.001-04:00

Florida has the largest complement of permitted artificial reefs in the U.S. In addition to enhancing habitat qualities, artificial reefs can improve commercial and recreational fishing and diving opportunities, provide socio-economic benefits to local communities, minimize user conflicts, and facilitate reef research.
A recent study by the University of Florida and Florida Sea Grant describes the economic benefits of artifical reefs in six coastal counties in SW Florida.

Study finds artificial reefs are economic boon, enjoy widespread public support by Mickie Anderson , UF/IFAS News

A new Florida Sea Grant study of artificial reef use in six Southwest Florida counties shows the structures lure a lot more than fish.
The reefs, which provide habitat for popular sport fish and other marine life, pulled more than $253 million into the region during one year, the study found. Though it costs nothing more than a saltwater fishing license to use the submerged structures as a fishing spot, anglers spend money on food, lodging, fuel, tackle and other necessities.
The UF and Florida Sea Grant study, TP-178 Economic Impacts of Artificial Reefs for Six Southwest Florida Counties, looked at money generated by artificial reefs in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties in 2009. Researchers found that $136 million came from residents, while $117 million was spent by visitors.
Bob Swett, the UF associate professor and Florida Sea Grant extension specialist who led the study, said he was struck most by the contrast between the income generated and the small amount counties invest in the reefs — ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 a year for each county, with some years requiring little to no spending. The reefs also enjoy private support, such as local marine contractors who donate materials and in-kind labor.
“That shows me that there’s a lot of bang for the buck in terms of what they get out of the artificial reef programs,” said Swett, also a member of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Chris Neal, who works for the Scuba Quest dive shop chain’s Sarasota location, said his company frequently takes groups of divers out to artificial reefs because the man-made structures allow divers to see such a wide variety of fish and wildlife.
“You can see all kinds of fish – flounder, hogfish, snapper and grouper,” he said.
Besides asking residents about their reef-related spending, the UF researchers also asked boaters who use reefs and those who do not their opinions about spending public money to build and maintain the structures, which are typically underwater piles of large, hollow concrete blocks where fish can hide.

While users were more likely to support such spending (county responses ranged from 83 percent to 95 percent, in favor), Swett said he was also impressed by non-reef users’ enthusiasm. Their support for spending public money on reefs ranged from 61 percent to 71 percent.
Artificial reefs are used for a number of activities, among them: enhancing recreational and charter fishing and diving, boosting reef fish populations and aiding scientific research.
For more than three decades, Florida Sea Grant has contributed to the evolution of the state’s reef-building community through research, scientific conferences and outreach activities. Many of its coastal county-based extension faculty are involved in some activity related to artificial reefs.
Florida’s artificial reef program, created in 1982, includes more than 2,500 documented artificial reefs in the state’s coastal waters. About one-third of them were the subject of the recent economic study.
Other survey highlights: on average, more than 5,600 southwest Florida residents use artificial reefs every day; for-hire fishing enterprises, including fishing guides, charter boats and party boats, accounted for nearly $90 million in spending, and artificial reefs support more than 2,500 full- and part-time jobs.
The researchers used a combination of mail, telephone and e-mail to collect survey responses.
The study was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the West Coast Inland Navigation District and the participating counties. Besides Swett, the research team included Chuck Adams, a marine economics professor; Sherry Larkin, associate professor in resource economics, extension scientist Alan Hodges and postdoctoral associate Thomas J. Stevens.

Greetings from the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference: Berlin Germany

2011-08-01T18:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings from Germany! I'm here attending the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference (WRFC), which is being held at Humboldt University in Berlin. The theme of this year's conference is "Toward Resiliant Recreational Fisheries; it is meant to emphasize the need for a more interdisciplanary and adaptive approach to recreational fisheries science, management, and development. Approximately 290 delegates from 33 countries are attending, participants include fisheries scientists and managers, biologists, human dimension specialists, economists, outdoor recreation researchers, policy makers, NGO representatives and avid anglers. The aim of the conference is to increase dialogue and knowledge about the diversity, dynamics and future prospects of recreational fisheries, and provides a platform for exchange of and discussion on cutting-edge management-orientated recreational fisheries science. I will be giving a presentation later in the week on my work in developing educational workshop.

It is truly fascinating to meet and chat with other fisheries professionals from around the world. I attended several excellent presenations today. Many of the sessions revolved around the biology, management, economics, and ethics associated with catch and release fishing. Did you know that in some European countries catching and releasing fish for sport is considered animal cruelty and in some cases is against the law? This is considerably different than countries like the U.S. and Australia where catch and release fishing is an important management strategy.

Day 5 Collier County Fishing Camp: Final Day!

2011-07-29T18:03:00.000-04:00

Today I wrapped up my final fishing camp of the summer. It has been a busy week, but the students ended on a high note catching lots a fish in the lakes around Freedom Park. Students started the day with an impromptu lesson on sharks from Barry. He brought in some shark jaws and a sting ray barb for the students to look at and touch. As with most of my camps we ended the week with the students having to rig their rod and reel from scratch. For doing this, we tell them they can keep the fishing poles, which is always a great moment. It never gets old seeing the look on their faces when they realize they get to keep it. The fishing gear is donated by Fish Florida, an non-profit in Florida dedicated to promoting youth sport fishing. They have always been a big supporter of my programs, and I can't thank them enough! (just to let you know the purchase of the Fish Florida license plate they sponsor helps to support youth fishing programs such as this camp.)
Besides rigging their own fishing poles, Barry and I also told the group they were essentially on their own while fishing meaning we expected them to tie their own knots, untangle their tangles, and release their own fish. I'm happy to report the students did an excellent job! Most were very self sufficient while fishing, which is a major goal of the camp. Although I could tell they were frustrated at times while trying to re-tie a knot or undo a tangle, they were able to work through these minor setbacks. The fishing was hot today. The students caught lots of fish including largemouth bass, blue tilapia, bluegill, redeared sunfish, and Mayan cichlid. After fishing for two and half solid hours, we came inside to relax. We discussed the importance of securing loose fishing line and the impacts discarded line can have on wildlife. We watched a short video on the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program and then had them create their own mini fishing line recycling bins from used tennis ball cans. We ended the camp with multiple rounds of fish identification bingo where they had the opportunity to win dehooking tools, fish posters and ID books, and lots of tackle. Enjoy the pictures!

Barry explains about the importance of sharks to the marine ecosystem

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working on rigging their fishing poles

A nice 4.5 pound bass

A happy camper with his tilapia

Making mini-fishing line recycle bins

Fish ID Bingo

Freedom Park

Day 4 Collier County Fishing Camp: Charter Trip

2011-07-28T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today my fishing camp and I took a charter trip with Cruise Naples out of Tin City to try our luck fishing from a boat. We fished a little at the Santa Lucia Reef out of Gordan Pass for awhile, but it became a little too choppy, and we headed inshore. We fished the rest of the morning around Naples Bay. Granted most of the the kids caught fish, but I don't think any records were broken. I am happy to say that after this trip all of the students have caught at least one fish now, which is always a big relief when doing these camps. Our catch included pinfish, scaled sardine, pigfish, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and jack crevalle. One student hooked up with a goliath grouper and he did such an awesome job fighting it for a good fifteen minutes, but ultimately the grouper won the battle and escaped. Another student did go home with a legal mangrove snapper, so its good to know at least one student will be having fresh fish for dinner. Enjoy the pictures.

checking out a bald eagle on the way out of Gordan Pass

First catch of the camp (and dinner for this young angler)

fighting a goliath grouper (originally he had a pinfish on, but as he was reeling it up, we saw the goliath go after it.)

Fishing inside of Gordan Pass

We were pursued by dolphins most of the time while inside the Pass

The first Jack caught at camp

A nice little sheepshead

One of several mangrove snappers caught today

Just under the size limit, but still a good catch

This mangrove snapper like many of the others were caught in the last 45 minutes of fishing

Finally!

The first "oyster" fish of the day!