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 As right whales make their way to Florida and Georgia’s Atlantic coast, our biologists take to the skies to survey, locate and record important information about the North Atlantic right whale population during calving season.
Once a whale is spotted, researchers circle the animal from above to take photos that will be used to identify individual right whales. This information allows FWC and partners to monitor the number of calves born, the age and sex of the whales sighted, habitat use, and detect dead, entangled and injured animals.
Aerial surveys are funded by NOAA Fisheries Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command, U.S. Navy Stewards of the Sea Please report right whale sightings to 877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16.
Check out the MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Facebook page for more information on Right Whale calving season.
The North Atlantic right whale is a critically endangered species. See our previous post about right whales for more information and resources about this species and its conservation.
Photo and video taken under NOAA permit 20556-0.
 Earlier this year, FWRI’s Seagrass Research group collected over 2,000 turtle grass seedlings as the beginning phase of their newest project, focusing on seagrass restoration. Restoration is set to take place on the Wolf Branch littoral shelf, where seagrass beds experience heavy grazing by local manatee populations. During winters, manatees reside in the warm waters near the TECO power plant in Apollo Beach where their grazing patterns put additional pressure on an already stressed seagrass ecosystem. Restoration of this area will provide more abundant forage for manatees and restore diversity of fish and invertebrate species.
 Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) is a flowering plant (aka: angiosperm) that blooms in spring and produces fruits in late summer. Once mature enough to open, or "dehisce" as seagrass biologists say, each fruit releases two to four seedlings. Peak season for seedling dispersal is from late July through early August, which is when collection took place at various sites across Pinellas County. The seedlings have since been growing in a nursery-style greenhouse at the FWRI headquarters in St. Petersburg, where they are doing quite well. Keep your eyes peeled for an update on how the seedlings are doing!
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 Studying fish movements is an essential step to establishing and evaluating fisheries management boundaries. In 2011, the FWC established a Special Permit Zone in the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay to reduce harvest of permit and improve the shallow water flats fishery, while maintaining regulations friendly to the fishery in the remainder of the state where anglers are more harvest oriented.
To determine the extent the SPZ is working as an effective spatial management tool to protect the south Florida sportfish fishery, FWC scientists and our partners with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust studied the movements of the species by dart tagging 1,488 fish and acoustically tagging another 17 with a telemetered tracking device. The results confirmed those of previous research on permit movements in the SPZ and showed infrequent movement across the border, confirming that the spatial approach to permit management is appropriate.
 Thank you to our friends at the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Costa Del Mar, and the Lower Keys Guides Association for their continued partnership and making this project possible. Additionally, we would like to thank our top tagging captains Jason Stock, Joe Gonzalez, Carl Ball, Wes Bedell, Mike Holliday, Joe Skrumbellos and Andrew Bostick for their hard work on this project.
FWC relies on peer-reviewed science for its management; access this full publication.
Photos by Ian Wilson and Jordan Carter.
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 Scientists with the Fisheries-Independent Monitoring program have been working on a grant-funded research project to track the movement of juvenile sport fish within and around Robinson Preserve, a fish-focused habitat restoration site on the south shore of Tampa Bay in Manatee County. The goal of the study is to investigate how juvenile sport fish navigate through the protected waters of the fish nursery habitats created within the restoration site and estimate how many move out into sub-adult and adult habitats of Tampa Bay and surrounding waters, thereby potentially contributing to the fisheries. To do this, scientists are using acoustic telemetry to monitor fish movements. Staff have placed acoustic listening devices (receivers) in and around the Preserve, which are listening for up to 80 tagged juvenile sport fish. These tags emit a sound that is picked up when the fish pass by the receivers, allowing scientists to track individual fish for 2-3 years. Data from this study can be used to inform future restoration habitat design features.
 “Track” this research at the project website.
This research is supported by a Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund grant through the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Restore America's Estuaries.
 The first newborn North Atlantic right whale calf was sighted on Dec. 7, off Catherine’s Sound in Georgia. The mother, Catalog #1208, "Medusa," is at least 42 years old and this is her seventh calf.
A second mother-calf pair was sighted on Dec. 8, off Little St. Simons Island, Feorgia. Catalog #3370, "Archipelago" is at least 20 years old and this is her third calf.
Several potential mothers were also sighted off Georgia: Catalog #1711; #1812 "War;" #2029, "Viola;" and #3293, "Porcia." These females have all given birth in the past, so we hope to see them with new calves soon.
There haven’t been any confirmed sightings of right whales off Florida yet this winter, but whales are likely in the area. Boaters are reminded to keep a sharp lookout and use caution. Please report all right whale sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the USCG on VHF Ch. 16.
Stay tuned for future updates!
For more information check out this recent article from Wildlife Resources Division - Georgia DNR in their Georgia Wild newsletter.
Watch video of the two mother-calf pairs.
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 FWC scientists examined the population dynamics of the Gulf pipefish (Syngnathus scovelli) in the estuarine waters of the Indian River Lagoon and found a substantial decline in abundance parallel to the decline of seagrass habitats. These essential seagrass habitats provide safety and sustenance for the pipefish, and seagrass loss may reduce the number of available prey, growth rates and cause potential reproductive impairment while increasing the risk of predation and energy costs from a lack of appropriate cover. By conducting research and monitoring population trends, early implementation of management actions can help reduce pressures on the services estuarine systems provide to the fish and fisheries they support.
The scan below shows a computerized tomography scan (by Zach Randall, FLMNH) of two male gulf pipefish, who carry broods similar to seahorses. The top figure shows a pipefish that was collected in the Indian River Lagoon in March 1991 with a typical brood size of 40 developing embryos. The bottom figure shows one collected 27 years later in March 2018 with a reduced brood size of only three developing embryos, a sign of potential reproductive impairment that could reduce the pipefish’s ability to sustain and grow the IRL population due to ongoing environmental changes.
Pipefish photo by Dan Marotta
FWC relies on peer-reviewed science for its management; access this full publication.
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 The FWC Finfish Research Team in the Florida Keys is conducting a tagging study 10 miles southwest of Key West near Western Dry Rocks to better understand changes in behavior and abundance of reef fish during important spawning months. To do this, they place internal acoustic tags in the belly of fish that send signals to an array of underwater listening devices located on the ocean floor along the Florida Keys reef tract. By tracking fish, biologists can better understand their behavior during different times of year, temperatures and reproduction cycles.
 When fishing near this area, be on the lookout for tagged grey snapper, mutton snapper and black grouper. They can be identified by an orange external tag near their dorsal fin and/or by a black internal acoustic tag inside their belly. If you catch one of these fish, be sure to report your findings to receive a free T-shirt and buff!
To report tagged reef fish and collect your reward call/text 786-647-8908 or email keys.fish@MyFWC.com
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  Fitness, Food and Fire!
A day of fitness testing and fire shelter training was held recently in the North Central Region and was paired with a luncheon to provide an opportunity for fellowship. The agency requires all prescribed burn practitioners to pass a timed Physical Abilities Test every three years and to undergo fire shelter refresher training annually. Division of Habitat and Species Conservation’s Wildlife and Habitat Management Section held an event in early December to assess physical fitness by simulating actions crew members might need to take while on a fire and to prepare crew members to deploy their fire shelters.
The morning was set up to run recently-hired employees through the timed PAT course. Once individuals completed the course and all times were recorded, they joined the remainder of the region’s employees who had gathered at the Big Bend WMA field office for smoked Boston butt, little smokies and a great assortment of side dishes and desserts brought by staff for this potluck luncheon. After lunch, staff tested their fire shelter theoretical knowledge in three teams and competed against each other by having individual team members answer quiz questions designed to assess their knowledge of fire shelter safety tips, proper deployment techniques, safety zone identification, etc. Following the quiz, everyone practiced deploying their shelters and their times were recorded. Each individual’s lowest time was used to influence team scores recorded from the quiz questions. In the end, the “Red Shirts” team won and took home a small prize.
The day proved to be a good opportunity for employees to get to know each other, practice team building, and enjoy fellowship to enhance morale, while also satisfying the agency’s training requirements.
  Proposed hunting rule changes
Share the beach with shorebirds this winter
FWC: Celebrating another successful TrophyCatch season
 Citizens and FWC customers were so impressed by the following employees, they told us about it through email on the "Praise an Employee" page of MyFWC.com/Contact. When your coworkers receive kudos, help share the good news by contacting Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
Officer Dustin Forbes
While mullet fishing on Bald Point, I was contacted by Officer Forbes. He was walking up the beach toward me and, when I saw him, I put my net down and began to walk toward him to make his walk a little shorter (he had probably walked half a mile from the parking lot). He was very friendly, yet professional. We had a great conversation - he inquired about what I had caught and asked about my saltwater fishing license (which was in my truck). Rather than have me walk back to the truck, he obtained my information and verified I did have a valid license and no warrants. As our conversation ended, I thanked him for being there and told him to be careful. He walked away and I continued fishing. Although this was a routine part of Officer Forbes' day, I feel compelled to write this letter to commend him for what he did. First, I have fished this area for years and have never been checked by FWC. Again, I was about a half a mile away from where I had parked so Officer Forbes had to walk a long way on that sandy beach in his full uniform to reach me. As he approached me, he was friendly yet professional. He was wearing his armor and I noticed as he got closer, he turned his body camera on to document his contact with me. He had noticed several fish I had in a bucket down the beach, as well as a few fish I had with me. He knew how many fish I had caught. He inquired about my saltwater fishing license, obtained my information and verified that I had a valid license and had no warrants via his radio with an earpiece to keep the conversation between himself and his dispatcher so as not to alert those he was in contact as to their conversation. Once the legal issues were satisfied, he and I had a very good conversation about several things. This young man was very knowledgeable about the law and I was impressed. I appreciate him being there. He had a passion for what he does and it showed. His profession means something to him. When our contact was over and he walked away, I was glad that Officer Forbes is out there watching out for our natural resources and for the public. He is an ambassador for your agency. As a 36-year Law Enforcement veteran I was very impressed with this young man. We need more like him.
David Holmberg, HSC
David always answered my phone calls and was very concerned about our problem with limbs that had fallen in the canal. He came out himself and worked for several hours cutting the limbs and getting them out of the way. He was so polite and extremely hard working I think he should be recognized for his work ethic. I wish more people were like David Holmberg
Officer Dusty Humphrey
Officer Humphrey was extremely polite and professional. Did a fantastic job of educating us on minor issues. He even helped us in our ventures of duck hunting.
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FWC employees have some of the most interesting jobs ever! Here are some of our employees doing what they do best. Send your photos of FWC employees in the office and in the field to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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On the masthead: CR's AV team finishes loading the truck and prepares to head to Panama City Beach for the Commission meeting
 HSC (Wildlife and Habitat Management) and LE work together, posting boundaries on an offshore island within the Florida Keys WEA. From left to right: Lt. Paul Hein, Officer Liam Rodriguez (below), Ryan Hess (F&W BIO III) and Officer Daniel Marshall.
 Southwest Region Officer Specialists Rick Klobuchar and Chris Davidson, along with Officer Alex Russell, worked alongside the USCG and NOAA, conducting a joint operation targeting red snapper fishing violations. The 3-day detail concluded with 21 total vessel inspections, four USCG violations, five FWC resource citations, five FWC warnings, 12 fish seized and one voyage termination. This detail serves as a great example of interagency cooperation to enforce state and federal fishing violations, as well as illegal charter operations.
 Southwest Region officers participated in the 19th annual Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office “Shop with a Cop” event. Each year, CCSO teams up with the Charlotte County school system, Walmart and representatives from local partner agencies to take deserving children through the stores and find gifts for friends, family and themselves. Each child is given a gift card and the officers help them find the gifts on their lists, where they are even wrapped and labeled, ready for the tree. This is a rewarding opportunity to meet the youth of our community and further strengthen bonds with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement.
 It is the most wonderful time of the year in the Southwest Region, filled with celebrations and community parades. Members of the Southwest Regional Office crewed the Lakeland Parade. Southwest Officers Lt. Pettifer and Senior Officer Phillippi handled the swamp buggy for the Plant City Parade.
 Southwest Lt. Kevin Balfour spearheads a quarterly meeting of regional agencies to discuss strategy, networking and mutual aid opportunities.
 Southwest Regional Information Director, Hailee Seely, joined the Pinellas County Public Information Office meeting, learning about some of the projects and communication methods Pinellas uses for its community.
 Team Trophy Catch was involved in two big events this past month including the Billy Lang Club Fishing tournament in Lake Wales, Polk County, Southwest Region. This was where the 2022 10-Tag $10,000 winner was awarded along with the Trophy Catch boat give-a-way. There was also the Trophy Catch Hall of Fame 2022 event at Bass Pro in Palm Bay.
 Southwest Officers Rivard, K-9 Officer Wilkins and K-9 Havoc engaged with a local school showcasing the FWC.
 Southwest Region Division of Law Enforcement partnered with FYCCN at Manatee County Parks & Rec - Natural Resources Career Night - an opportunity to network with professionals from local environmental organizations and discover careers that make a difference!
 The Southwest Regional Division of Law Enforcement hosted its 2022 Fall In Service focusing on methods of de-escalation, and updated tools and equipment.
 The Southwest Region hosted the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Boat Operations and Training Program. This course is designed to enhance the country’s port security capabilities by providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to appropriately react to threats in the maritime community. Training offered is the same tactics, techniques and procedures that the U.S. Coast Guard uses to train its boat operators and ensures seamless integration into security operations amongst federal, state, county, local and tribal maritime law enforcement officers and agencies.
 The Southwest Region hosted an Officer Specialist Class focusing on migratory birds.
 Lt. Caitlyn Kirkland (above) and Officer Aaron Koger (below) spoke to dozens of students interested in Public Safety careers at South Fork and Martin County high schools during the Indian River State College Career Showcase. Officer Kris Landers, PIO Tyson Matthews and Recruiter Mike Albert were also in attendance.
 Dr. Tom Reinert gives a presentation at the Lake Worth Lagoon Science Symposium in West Palm Beach.
 PIO Tyson Matthews and Public Information Coordinator Arielle Callender visited the Friendship Circle, an organization for young adults with special needs, to talk about the FWC and its role in the community.
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The deadline for the next issue, Wednesday, Jan. 4,
is Thursday, Dec. 29
The Inside Job is a monthly newsletter featuring
the employees and programs of the FWC.
Send your submissions, comments and questions to Kelly.Broderick@MyFWC.com.
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