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 Melissa demonstrates proper use of a descending device, a tool designed to help release deep water fish showing signs of barotrauma.
Melissa Crouch (MFM) traveled to the Caribbean Fishery Management Council’s December meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico to represent FWC and discuss the agency’s efforts to educate anglers about barotrauma (pressure-related injuries) in reef fish and how to help released fish survive by using descending devices. Her presentation on FWC’s work, including how our agency facilitates an inter-agency team focused on sharing descending device outreach strategies among partners across the southeastern U.S., led the Council to approve a motion requiring descending devices in federal waters off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is a major step toward reducing discard mortality of reef fish and could increase fishing opportunities for anglers in the region. Melissa has played an integral role in developing FWC’s outreach strategies for increasing angler awareness, understanding and confidence in using mitigation methods for reef fish suffering from barotrauma. We thank her for her outstanding work in the southeastern U.S. as well as the Caribbean!
The screen shows a motion moved by CFMC Vice Chair, Carlos Farchette, to require descending devices in Federal waters off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after Melissa’s presentation concluded.
 The week before holiday break, FYCCN’s Suncoast Youth Conservation Center hosted two interactive field trips for elementary students through its Marine Wildlife Discovery program.
Twenty-three students from the Tampa Bay HEAT homeschool co-op and 39 third graders from Polk Avenue Elementary were able to engage in SYCC’s interactive activities teaching them about the marine wildlife present on the surrounding property. During the two field trips, Suncoast’s education specialists taught the students about interesting marine wildlife history factoids and played fun activities geared toward understanding, and even sometimes embodying, the local fauna. Pictured are the students from Polk Avenue Elementary, actively participating in a fiddler crab excursion game.
A special thanks to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida for transportation cost support. Suncoast can provide your students with many unique educational programs that go beyond the typical classroom setting. Learn more about our free educational student field trips for elementary students.
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 The Hall of Fame Champion with the biggest catch of Season 10 was Grant Smelcer who caught and released a 14-pound, 4-ounce bass.
FFM’s TrophyCatch program ended its first decade with a bang as it wrapped up Season 10 activities. Besides rewarding the catch and release of more than 13,500 trophy Florida bass since the program started in 2012, several other highlights capped off a tremendous Season 10. TrophyCatch participant Dale Dew was not only the first angler to catch one of the 10-Tag Celebration bass with a pink tag but also landed the Grand Prize of $10,000. Thanks go to TrophyCatch industry partners Bass Pro Shops and AFTCO who helped make the 10-Tag promotion possible.
Angler Michael Hendren from Winchester, Virginia was the Season 10 Phoenix Boat winner. He was one of five finalists chosen by random drawing. This is the TrophyCatch program’s biggest annual prize; the Phoenix 819 Pro boat package included a Mercury Marine motor, Lowrance electronics and Ghost Trolling motor, and Power-Pole anchor among other accessories. This boat package was fully wrapped concealing the boat’s actual colors that are yet to be revealed! The TrophyCatch team also celebrated 14 anglers with the biggest catches of Season 10 at the Hall of Fame Ceremony in December at Bass Pro Shops Palm Bay. These anglers who caught Hall of Fame bass weighing 13 pounds or greater were rewarded with a replica mount representing their bass from Gray Taxidermy and commemorative photo plaque from American Registry.
The TrophyCatch Big Bag Prize winner was Bobby Rahn, who submitted the heaviest combined weight for his top five bass approved during Season 10, weighing an incredible 63 pounds, 7 ounces, and received a prize package provided by Lake County Tourism. The Hall of Fame Champion with the biggest catch of Season 10 was Grant Smelcer who caught and released a 14-pound, 4-ounce bass from Porter Lake in Washington County.
These events marked a memorable finale for the first 10 years of TrophyCatch, which has continued to grow in recruiting industry partners to reward anglers for documenting and releasing their Florida trophy bass. Season 11 is underway now and is giving the TrophyCatch program a chance to share FWC research projects and findings along with what has been learned from our anglers.
Earlier last month, the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network Project WILD team pitched in to host a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) night event in Crestview for families at one of Okaloosa County’s largest public schools. The spread consisted of a dozen activities connecting students to Project WILD and careers in conservation. The event was a resounding success with hundreds of parents and students in attendance and the school’s principal proclaiming the activities and participation "better than she could have imagined." Students got to do everything from banding birds, identifying animals by scat, engineering wildlife underpasses and overpasses, to catching and identifying native Florida fishes, just to name a few.
Any FWC staff and educators who are interested in learning to make use of Project WILD for education or outreach are encouraged to register for the upcoming training, Feb. 8, at the Ocala Youth Conservation Center. Check out more information on Project WILD.
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 Pelican Lake in the Town of Juno Beach.
The town of Juno Beach recently contacted FFM South Region staff about enhancing the fish and wildlife in a local park and water, Pelican Lake. An FWC electrofishing survey found largemouth bass up to 5 pounds but showed that forage fish numbers were low. In addition, native habitat was limited for spawning and more aquatic vegetation would benefit the wildlife and the lake. Staff provided habitat enhancement recommendations. South Region staff followed up by working with FWC’s Florida Bass Conservation Center/Richloam Hatchery in Webster to stock 6,000 bluegill and 1,000 redear sunfish fingerlings in November to bolster forage fish populations and to maintain a balanced sport fishery in the lake. The town contacted Regional Director Tom Reinert to thank him for FWC’s assistance and is planning to post related informational signage at the lake.
A Pelican Lake bluegill sampled by electrofishing. Six thousand bluegill and 1,000 redear sunfish fingerlings were stocked by FWC’s Richloam Hatchery to bolster forage fish populations in the lake.
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Let’s take a look back at some of the events hosted by the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network’s EYCC this past year!
In October, EYCC hosted the American Association of Caregiving Youth for their annual camp retreat. Alongside FYCCN’s mission of “creating the next generation that cares” is the mission of the AACY to “champion, support and celebrate youth who care for chronically ill, injured, elderly or disabled family members.” There was a total of 30 kids that were able to participate in several recreational activities including swimming, archery, canoeing and fishing.
 When November came, EYCC guided the Cypress Trails Elementary School through their Wetland Wonders field trip program. The students were able to engage in wildlife viewing through the famous EYCC dip netting experience. Students found countless fish species, getting up close and personal with the microscopic organisms in the EYCC classroom lab. The students explored the history of Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee, and the Everglades (KOE) Water Shed all while being able to get their toes wet.
 A couple days later, EYCC welcomed participants for an O.W.L.S (Outdoor Weekend Learning Seminar) event. Held over the weekend, O.W.L.S. is designed to teach outdoor skills safely and responsibly to youth, women and families with little to no experience; this seminar covered all aspects of camping! Participating families learned skills including fire building, tent pitching, fishing and canoeing but, most importantly, the participants learned the fundamentals of Leave No Trace; a series of principles that aim to limit our environmental impacts when in outdoor spaces. Everyone celebrated the end of an amazing weekend by roasting marshmallows and camping alongside the Everglades’ fishing pond.
 For many participants who attended these EYCC events, this was their first introduction into outdoor activities that involve wildlife viewing and skill building. We can’t wait to see how many more people will be able to experience fun and memorable outdoor adventures. Thank you to our wonderful EYCC staffers for helping plant the seeds for a positive relationship with the outdoors! Find more information on this year’s adventures at the Everglades Youth Conservation Center.
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 Right whale aerial surveys have been working around foul weather conditions in recent weeks but the effort led to THREE new mother-calf pair sightings off NE Florida on Dec. 29.
Right whale Catalog #1701 ‘Aphrodite,’ #2029 ‘Viola,’ #1812 ‘War,’ and their newborn calves were sighted between 4-11NM off Amelia Island. Catalog #1701 is 36 years old and this is her seventh calf. Catalog #2029 is 33 years old and this is her fourth calf. Catalog #1812 is at least 35 years old and this is her seventh calf. These females last gave birth between 7-12 years ago.
 Healthy and robust right whales can give birth every three years: Females nurse for a year, recover for a year and are pregnant for a year. Each calf requires a large energetic investment from the mother. When a female’s fat stores are severely depleted or her stress levels and body condition are affected by human-caused injury, then the recovery period is extended and future calving is delayed. Currently, right whales are giving birth every 7-10 years, on average, instead of every three years. This impacts the ability of the species to recover and, with about 70 calving females in the population, every mother and calf are critically important.
Mother-calf pairs spend a lot of time resting at or near the surface where they are vulnerable to vessel strike. Boaters are urged to post a lookout, go slow, and avoid boating in the dark and when visibility is poor. If spotted, never pursue whales. #GiveThemSpace.
 Please report all right whale sightings to 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343) or to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Ch. 16.
Right whale aerial surveys are a large collaborative effort funded by USACE, USCG, U.S. Navy, GADNR and NOAA Fisheries. In addition to calf counts (reproductive success), one of the main goals of these surveys is to monitor the seasonal presence of right whales in the calving grounds. Check for recent sightings on WhaleMap.org or using the Whale Alert App.
View additional guidelines for boaters.
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  HSC WHM and PASO staff members recently attended Wilderness First Aid Training at The FOLC Farm in Gainesville. Students were presented with multiple scenarios involving patients with unknown injuries to practice the assessment skills they learned in the classroom.
 The final scenario was a mass casualty incident involving a wagon accident and multiple victims with a variety of injuries. The students were required to triage the patients to determine which patients were in critical condition and required immediate care. Those patients were given medical priority while others with less serious injuries were treated later.
 This victim in the mass casualty scenario was critically injured with a possible hip fracture. The victim did not speak English, which added to the complication of the event. Students had to stabilize his legs and neck, create a way to transport him and carry him to the ambulance location.
  Multi-year FWC investigation “Operation Viper” leads to numerous charges for venomous and prohibited snake traffickers
FWC conducting boating access technical assistance sessions for interested boating access grant program applicants
FWC’s Catch a Florida Memory to give away $2,000 fully outfitted fishing kayak in the 2023 Triple Threat Throwdown!
FWC: Governor DeSantis Made Conservation A Priority
FWC announces two new state saltwater fishing records broken in one day by Florida angler
FWC collaborates with Duke Energy Florida and Coastal Conservation Association Florida to bring Aquaculture in the Classroom
Veterans, active military and youth waterfowl hunting opportunities - January 2023
  FWC Lt. Dustin Lightsey received the Heroic Act Award from the United States Lifesaving Association for saving people at the Sebastian Inlet. Read more about his award.
 Southwest Officer Jody Criswell was recognized for her outstanding efforts protecting nesting rooftop Least Terns. Audubon Florida awarded Officer Criswell as Law Enforcement Officer of the year. View the award video.
 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.
Donna Beck, HGM (two commendations)
Just wanted to take a second and thank her for sending an email about boat ramps reopening after being closed for months. This is my first gator season and I’ve been really impressed by the great communication this department has with permit holders. I was able to get on the water yesterday and finally fill my last tag.
I reached out to Donna regarding my alligator tags and the county I received my tags in. She went above and beyond and sent me information and a map with all the links needed for me to submit my tags correctly. She was informative about Fish Eating Creek and when my tags expired. I couldn't have asked for more. She went above and beyond. I didn't even ask for the info. I was a little nervous because this was my first hunt and wanted to do everything right. She was there to guide me and didn't make me feel silly with my questions. THANK YOU, Donna. You rock and are an asset to the FWC. I hope you feel appreciated. BONUS approved... take care... until next season.
Officer Eric Fletcher
As I was hunting Tiger Bay WMA, I was driving around trying to figure out the property limits. Officer Fletcher stopped by and asked me if all was Okay and if I was lost. Officer Fletcher was unbelievably kind and helpful. You all can be proud to have him as part of the team. He truly epitomizes the perfect law enforcement officer.
Officer Brandon Scrambling & Lt. Whitney Chase
My friend was lost kayaking Gum Slough. It was getting dark and more gators coming out. She was at a brown house that had no address but thought it might be an abandoned fish camp. They found her at 7:03 p.m. We are all so grateful. Blessings to these two helpful employees.
Tony Young, HGM
Within minutes of leaving Tony a voicemail, leaving questions about public land hunting access opportunities in areas without a quota permit, he personally texted me applicable maps and links to where I could find further information. He was prompt with his response and open to assist with any other questions I had and let me know I can contact him any time.
 Congratulations to the following employees for reaching 5-year milestones of employment with the FWC.
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45 Years
In a past issue of Inside Job, we incorrectly listed Danon Moxely as reaching the 40 Years Milestone when he actually has reached 45 years! Congratulations Danon!!!
35 Years
Ted Lange, FWRI
Paul Schulz, HGM
30 Years
Edward Harris, HSC
Eric Johnson, FWF
Tom Pitchford, FWRI
25 Years
Stephen Adam, LE
Ben Allen, LE
Larry Ayers, LE
Rodney Boone, LE
Andy Carcasses, LE
Keith Clark, LE
Travis Cooper, LE
Alfredo Escanio, LE
Daniel Hahr, LE
Gregory Hoyle, LE
Mike Ippolito, HSC
Brian Lambert, LE
Clay McDonough, LE
Andrew Polaszek, LE
Edward Prouty, LE
Robert Rowe, LE
Camille Soverel, LE
Richard Steinke, LE
Jeff Swan, LE
Edward Webb, LE
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15 Years
Sonya Collins, LE
Benjamin Hankinson, LE
Joshua Peters, LE
Paul Scharine, HGM
Eric Sierra, LE
Alan Webb, LE
10 Years
Carol Rizkalla, HSC
5 Years
Andrew Watkins, IT
Byron Williams, HSC
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(The FWC has a great many non-FTE employees, and they deserve recognition for reaching 5-year milestones too. Unfortunately, the system doesn't keep track of such statistics; but we don't want that to stop us. If you know of a non-FTE employee about to reach a 5-year milestone, please notify the Inside Job by email.) |
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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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  Roosevelt Middle School Fishing Club. Our officers as well as our biologists visited the Roosevelt middle school fishing club and taught them about telemetry (tagging and tracking fish) and talked about fish ID, lobster regulations, and boating safety.
 
 Southwest Region Officers Brad Bell and Ariel Devine were asked to assist the Shell Factory Nature Park in North Fort Myers with an outreach and fundraising event. The park was hit particularly hard by Hurricane Ian and staff planned this event to showcase some of their animals and to generate financial support for rebuilding. The Shell Factory does so much for the FWC, allowing officers to routinely use their wildlife for local outreach events including at schools, local festivals and general events. Officers Bell and Devine were happy to assist and proudly promoted boating and hunter safety, as well as handled numerous critters for all to touch. Some of the animals handled were a Brooks' kingsnake, various pythons and boa constrictors, a baby alligator, tortoises and many more.
 Recently, the Executive Leadership Team did a tour to the Southwest Region, in part of recognition of the aftermath from Hurricane Ian but to also to make themselves available to talk with team members across divisions.
 The Southwest and South Region Surface Supply Hard Hat Team were training in preparation of an upcoming derelict vessel detail. The exposure protection creates a safe environment to allow surveying in conditions that would normally not be conducive to put a diver in the water.
 It is that time of year when preparations are beginning in the Southwest Region for the State Fair. Regional Information Director Hailee Seely is coordinating various teams and divisions to highlight FWC's messaging. Most of the divisions will have a presence for the nearly two-week event.
 A shout out to ALL LE and Duty officers that were on duty other the holiday season. We want to thank you for continuing to being available to help protect Florida's natural resources.
 Southwest Region Officer Specialist Justin Price was patrolling south Lee County when he encountered several individuals fishing a canal with a cast net in Bonita Springs. When Officer Price asked them if they had caught any fish, they replied they had not. Moments later, Officer Price saw several fish on the shore nearby still alive and flopping. Upon further inspection, 19 black bass were discovered in a bucket near their vehicle. The men admitted to catching them with their cast net and they were each cited for the violations.
 While on night patrol, Southwest Region Officer Specialist Chris Davidson observed a person launch a kayak from a seawall near the Palmetto Pier in Manatee County. The subject promptly began paddling the unlit kayak to a nearby buoy and started circling it. Officer Davidson watched as the subject then pulled a crab trap connected to the buoy and paddled it back to the seawall. Once back onshore, the contents of the crab trap were dumped into a bucket. Officer Davidson contacted the subject and addressed the violation, where he was subsequently cited for pulling blue crab traps outside of daylight hours. He was also issued two boating safety warnings.
 The North Central Region hosted training for Class 3 of the Advanced Conservation Academy in Lake City. Thirteen officers from around the state were provided training in oyster enforcement, fossil and artifact conservation, and deer dog hunting. These officers were given hands-on education with statewide experts, giving them the knowledge and tools necessary to bring the training back to their respective regions for future enforcement. Officers were also treated to all the fresh oysters they could eat and a fantastic BBQ lunch catered by Lt. Kiss! Great job North Central!
 
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The deadline for the Jan. 30 issue is Jan. 23
The Inside Job is a bi-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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