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 The FWC Finfish Research Team in the Florida Keys is putting their own spin on the 1980s Steve Martin movie classic, “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” using planes, boats and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) to collect data on fish spawning sites off Key West. FWC conducts monthly aerial surveys to measure boating activity in and around The Western Dry Rocks spatial closure. This closure is April 1 to July 31 and protects multiple reef fish species that aggregate to reproduce. Aerial surveys are typically conducted on weekends during the closure to capture the highest boating activity. Boats are counted along an approximately 70-mile flight between Cosgrove Light (20 miles west-southwest of Key West) and Sombrero Light (5 miles south of Marathon). From the sky, we identify boat activities by their unique shapes, sizes and flags. A specially developed mobile app allows scientists to record the number of boats, their activities, GPS locations and save pictures. Wind speed and wave height are recorded to help explain variation of boating patterns. Using this information, we can better understand how the Western Dry Rocks spatial closure affects boat usage both in the closure and in surrounding areas.
Find information regarding the Western Dry Rocks spatial closure. Check out a recent social media post about our work at Western Dry Rocks for more.
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 Attention Citizen Scientists! It’s that time of year again – peak horseshoe crab mating season! If you spot a horseshoe crab, report your sighting.
Although horseshoe crabs mate year-round, the best time to see mating groups is around high tide within a few days of a new or full moon along the shore of sandy, lower wave action beaches.
FLIP ‘EM OVER! Horseshoe crabs can get knocked on their back during high wave activity, help them get back on their feet by gently picking them up from both sides of the shell and releasing them into the water. Never pick up a horseshoe crab by its tail, as it can harm the animal.
Learn more about horseshoe crabs and the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch Program.
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 Check out this video to join our team working on the Florida Panther Project out in the field as they look for signs of Florida’s iconic and elusive state animal. While they may be hard to spot, panthers almost always leave behind evidence on where they’ve been through tracks, scrapes and other markers that can help provide important information on what animals have been there before us.
Tracks are the most common sign left by panthers and their tracks have unique characteristics that make them distinguishable from Florida’s other big animals. Learn more about identifying Panther tracks and other signs that they may have been nearby.
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 A group or "fever" of cownose rays. FWC image.
The Brazilian cownose ray (Rhinoptera brasiliensis), has experienced a global population reduction and is currently classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Brazilian cownose is sometimes confused with the cownose ray (Rhinoptera bonasus) – both species occur in Florida waters. To better understand the relationship and differences between these two species, researchers used next-generation sequencing to obtain mitochondrial genome sequences of Brazilian cownose rays. The resulting sequence provides us with new insight into the phylogenetic relationships in Rhinoptera and valuable molecular data that can be applied to genetic studies of these populations.
FWC relies on peer-reviewed science for its management; access this full publication.
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On March 8, the FWC Artificial Reef Program, Florida Sea Grant, FWRI Fisheries Independent Monitoring, county artificial reef managers, NOAA Fisheries, and various NGO, University researchers and other interested recreational saltwater fishing stakeholders met in Palmetto to discuss current topics in artificial reefs.
More than 70 attendees heard from over 20 presenters about updates in artificial reef activities, recent research on artificial reefs, and new marine and estuarine habitat projects across southwest Florida. This was the first in-person regional artificial workshop held since COVID-19 and it was great to see everyone in person once again.
For more information, see the Florida Sea Grant article about the workshop, and visit the Flickr page to view all photos from the 1-day event.
 Workshop co-chairs Angela Collins, Florida Sea Grant and Keith Mille, MFM (front center) with over 70 attendees at the Southwest Florida Artificial Reef Workshop.
 Sean Keenan, FWRI-FIM presents FWRI habitat mapping efforts on the West Florida Shelf.
 Nicole Iadevaia, Charlotte Harbor Estuary Program presents Estuary Program perspectives on artificial reefs.
 Eli Myron, MFM discusses the results of artificial reef research off Pinellas and Manatee counties with Ph.D. student, Mike Schram, University of South Florida.
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   Tenoroc's 28th Annual Kids Fishing Derby
Tenoroc hosted its 28th Annual Kids Fishing Derby on April 1. Between the bass fishing, bow shooting, casting contests and all the exhibitors, there was never a dull moment. For some kids, this was their first time ever freshwater fishing (or catching!) while some were seasoned Tenoroc Derby anglers. Kids of all ages learned new skills and refined their love of fishing while enjoying some time with family on the water. Special thanks to Paolo Pecora of FFM and Keaton Fish of FYCCN for throwing this fantastic event together! And of course, a huge thank you to all FFM, FYCCN, southwest regional staff and volunteers for making this day happen!
     FWC to conduct restoration project at Saint Andrew Bay
April 15 marks the start of bat maternity season
Be BearWise this spring
Bay scallop season extended to 37 days in Pasco County
  SW Dive Team earn their Dive Master Rating
Diving is a complex activity that requires specific training, skills and knowledge. When it comes to diving for public safety, the stakes are even higher, as the divers are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of others. That's why the FWC Southwest Dive Team has taken its training to the next level by achieving the professional rating of National Association of Underwater Instructors Dive Master.
 The Southwest Dive Team is a specialized unit of the FWC that responds to various underwater emergencies, including search-and-rescue operations, evidence recovery and environmental investigations. The team's divers are highly skilled and trained to handle the unique challenges of diving in a public safety capacity.
 To achieve the NAUI Dive Master rating, the Southwest Dive Team underwent an intensive training program that included teaching open-water scuba diving to fellow officers of the FWC. This helped the team members solidify their own diving skills and allowed them to impart their knowledge and experience to their colleagues. The training program also included a variety of other coursework, including advanced diving techniques, diving physics, dive equipment maintenance and emergency procedures.
 Congratulations to the FWC officers who have earned their NAUI Open Water Scuba Diving Certification as part of a pilot program aimed at helping regional dive team members earn their Dive Master certification. After four days of confined and open water training, 13 new open water scuba divers have been certified. This achievement is a testament to the officers' dedication, hard work and commitment to safety and professionalism in scuba diving. The certification will not only improve their diving capabilities but also enhance the regional dive team's capabilities, making them better equipped to face any challenges in their line of duty.
 Assisting with teaching open water scuba diving also helped the Southwest Dive Team set a new bar of professional expectations for the team. By sharing their expertise with others, they raised the overall skill level and competency of the entire FWC diving unit. This, in turn, ensures that the FWC is better equipped to handle any diving-related emergencies that could arise.
 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 Tajahs Jackson
My husband and I were stopped on a routine check by the FWC, in the back waters of Keewaydin island. The officer leading the safety check was Officer Tajahs Jackson. His quiet and professional manner reminded me of another time that we had been helped by Officer Jackson....which inspired me to write this long overdue letter. I would have written sooner, but I did not know the officer’s name. My husband had recently completed his captain’s license and we were taking our 42-foot Grand Banks for lunch. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived and there was no staff to assist with docking. We managed to dock without complication because the tide was still in. We stayed about an hour for lunch, and by the time we tried to leave, the tide was going out creating 1.5-foot waves and the channel was busy with traffic heading back to Naples. Again, without any assistance from staff, my husband tried to steady the boat, (we don't have bow thrusters) while I untied the lines and tried to jump on the pitching boat. Needless to say, there was an accident and my husband pulled a pylon from the dock in his attempt to help me. Several different police officers/sheriffs (and staff) showed up on the dock. Everyone stood there taking pictures-no one offered to help. The 12-inch pylon was still tied to the back of our boat and it was submerged in the pitching waves, pulling the back of our boat down. My husband tried to pull the pylon out of the water BY HIMSELF. I cried for help but everyone just stood there watching my husband struggle (as a registered nurse and first responder myself, I was shocked by this). NO ONE WOULD HELP... UNTIL OFFICER TAJAHS JACKSON SHOWED UP!!! Officer Jackson quickly assessed the situation, saw the bind my husband was in (and the inherent risk involved in standing on slippery shale to salvage this pylon) and came to his rescue. Officer Jackson stood by my husband's side and helped him pull this heavy pylon from the waves and cut it off from our boat. Officer Jackson stands out amongst his peers. He was brave, strong and kind. I am grateful to have been pulled over yesterday for a routine safety check because it gave me a chance to learn the name of the great man that came to my husband's rescue so many months ago. He is truly an unsung hero. My utmost respect and thanks.
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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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 Southwest Regional Director Allie McCue, along with Investigations Capt. Matt Dallarosa, Public Information Director Hailee Seely and PIO Adam Brown attended a DEP Open House event in Tampa. The team offered many answers to various FWC related questions from those in attendance and were able to network with several partners from around the region.
 Southwest Region’s Lt. Steve Stasko and PIO Adam Brown recently attended Sarasota County’s ribbon cutting event for the newly renovated Deer Prairie Creek Park in North Port. This property, consisting of over 6,400 acres, proudly offers over 60 miles of improved trails, a new kayak launch and dock, and a new foot bridge for pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists.
 South Region WHM staff Julian Von Kanel (Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II for Holey Land and Rotenberger WMAs), Lauren Plussa (Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II for CREW WEA), Eric Suarez (South Region Conservation Biologist) and Carrie Kimbrough (Lead Area Biologist for Fisheating Creek WMA) successfully completed a recent airboat certification course held on Lake Kissimmee.
 South Region WHM staff (from left: Ryan Hess, Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist III at Florida Keys WEA; Miguel Silva, Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II at Spirit of the Wild WMA; Reese O’Berry, Fish & Wildlife Technician at Hungryland WEA; Michael Sojo, Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II at Dinner Island Ranch WMA; Jessica Majors, Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II at Okaloacoochee Slough WMA; Cole Luttrell, Lead Area Biologist at Spirit of the Wild WMA; and Julian Von Kanel, Fisheries & Wildlife Biological Scientist II at Holey Land & Rotenberger WMAs) prepare for prescribed burning at Hungryland WEA by clearing debris away from red-cockaded woodpecker cluster trees and nests. This will keep the trees safe during a prescribed burn.
  The Northeast Region just hosted an Advanced Conservation Academy in Titusville, where Senior Officer Chase Platt coordinated training on duck identification with FWC Waterfowl Biologist Scientist III John Webb, bear conservation efforts led by FWC Bear Biologist Scientist IV Mike Orlando and turkey enforcement. ACA members were given hands-on and scenario-based training to sharpen their skills and take this expertise back to their respective regions. The training culminated in a turkey bait detail with several resource checks conducted and a hunting over bait case. Members also managed to spend some time enjoying the Space Coast. Well done Officer Platt and NE!
 The City of Venice recognized April 10 as Gopher Tortoise Day with Venice Mayor Nick Pachota reading and presenting a proclamation to Southwest FWC’s Senior Capt. Guy Carpenter, Lt. Steve Stasko and Senior Officer PIO Adam Brown during a recent counsel meeting. The gopher tortoise is a state-threatened species and considered a keystone species, where numerous other animals depend on their burrows for survival.
 Officers Racquel Daniels and George Reynaud presented at the Florida Memorial University career fair in Miami. They shared their combined experiences to engage with students who have interests in criminal justice. They answered questions about the journey to become an FWC officer and the career opportunities in the FWC.
 News Channel 8 Outdoors Expo and Boat Show hosted its 32nd annual event, March 30– April 2 at Armature Works, downtown Tampa. Staff from Southwest’s MFM, FFM, FWRI and LE were there to answer questions and promote FWC’s Angler Recognition programs, such as Catch a Florida Memory and TrophyCatch Season 11. MFM also set up a skill station to promote best fishing practices and to provide hands-on demonstrations and proper fish handling techniques.
Thanks goes out to all the FWC staff who helped set up and work this show! This three-day event pulled in over 10,000 people in attendance and we talked to many people who are new to our state and wanted to know where and how to hunt and fish. Great job everyone putting this event together, and special thanks to MFM and FFM!
 Officer George Reynaud at the Miami River Day event. This annual event is designed to promote environmental education and the unique culture and history of the Miami River.
   The first of what is planned to be an annual Bigs in Blue Fishing Tournament was held on Friday, April 7 in Miami-Dade County. South Region officers Ron Washington, George Reynaud, Tyson Matthews, Volunteer Coordinator Graysen Boehnning and Public Information Coordinator Arielle Callender were joined by Sunny Isles Beach Police Department officers, Sunny Isles Beach Ocean Rescue and volunteers from South Florida Sport Fishermen for a fun day of fishing on the pier with their "Littles" for the day from Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami. All of the Littles were able to land their first fish and BIG prizes were handed out to our Top three tournament participants!
  
 At the beginning of April, Chris Anderson (FWRI) and his dog Ryder traveled to the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh to compete in the 2023 AKC Diving Dogs Challenge. Thirty dogs from across the country competed in three different disciplines in dock diving: distance, hydro dash (speed swim) and air retrieve (grabbing a suspended toy/bumper above the water). Chris and Ryder competed in air retrieve. Ryder ignored all the cameras and crowd noise and was able to grab the bumper at 17 and 18 feet. They were tied for the lead until the second place dog knocked him out of the Hot Seat. At the end of April, Chris and Ryder will be competing at the 2023 UpDog International Finals in Helen, Georgia. They have qualified for three games, and Chris will judge an additional three games.
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The deadline for the May 1 issue is Monday, April 24
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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