April Update

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Gulf Reef Fish Survey Methods Receive National Certification

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FWRI is excited to announce that methods used in the agency’s Gulf Reef Fish Survey data collection program have been officially certified by NOAA Fisheries. 

This is a big milestone for the FWC and will help us continue to achieve our agency priority of improving recreational data for several important reef fish species including red snapper and gag grouper.

For the past several years, FWC has worked collaboratively with NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), regional partners and academic experts from across the country to develop the new survey methods. The success of this effort is due in large part to the many anglers who participate in the survey.

NOAA certification means the Gulf Reef Fish Survey estimates are eligible for use in stock assessments. The goal of the Gulf Reef Fish Survey is to improve recreational data for reef fish species. Sign up for this important program and learn more about the science behind the survey.


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Social Media Corner

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YouTube:

Over 3,000 genetically unique staghorn corals reared at the Florida Aquarium were introduced back into the ocean near the Keys in a multi-agency effort. 

 

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Flickr:

The endangered snail kite has been seen for the first time in 98 years nesting in Alachua County, on Payne's Prairie! FWC  biologists assisted with a survey of snail kites and collected vital information on nests and nestlings. 

 

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 Facebook:

FWC biologists from our southwest field lab along with local partners responded to an 8ft adult male manatee stranded in a ditch in Fort Myers this month. The manatee was successfully released after an evaluation.