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Since 2021, the Western Dry Rocks seasonal closure in the Florida Keys has protected an important multi-species fish spawning aggregation site. The closure runs April 1 – July 31, safeguarding species like snappers and jacks as they gather to reproduce.
What scientists are doing to study the closure
FWC researchers are actively monitoring fish populations at Western Dry Rocks. Since 2021, they have:
- Acoustically tagged 250 snappers
- Counted 91,656 fish underwater
- Completed 35 aerial surveys
- Recorded 555 hours of underwater video
…and much more!
How you can help
Have you caught a tagged fish near Western Dry Rocks? If you catch an internally, acoustically tagged reef fish, report it and return the tag to receive a $100 gift card!
- Call/Text: 786-647-8908
- Email: keys.fish@MyFWC.com
 Seagrass Awareness Month
March is Seagrass Awareness Month in the state of Florida. For decades, FWRI scientists have carefully monitored seagrass health throughout Florida. Monitoring macrophytes, both seagrasses and macroalgae, provides researchers with a comprehensive view of the condition and diversity of these underwater meadows. Staff aim to use the research findings to help resource managers make informed, effective science-based decisions for Florida’s seagrass conservation and restoration.
 Save the Florida Panther Day
The Florida panther is the official state animal of Florida and have been listed as federally endangered since 1967. The FWC panther team is dedicated to the recovery and conservation of the Florida panther. You can help by reporting your sightings and purchasing a "Protect the Panther" plate for your vehicle. Help protect the wild spirit of the Florida panther and ensure Florida’s state mammal can be enjoyed by generations to come.
 Shorebird and Seabird Nesting Season
Florida shorebird and seabird nesting is in full swing from March to August! Ground-nesting species use a wide variety of coastal habitats including sandy beaches, barrier islands, marshes, and shell rakes to nest and raise their young. We can all help Florida’s shorebirds thrive this nesting season!
 Video Spotlight: Recovery of Florida's Coral Reef
Take a look at FWC's Coral Rescue and Propagation Team's response to the stony coral tissue loss disease event which resulted in the rescue of ~3,000 corals of 20 different species from over 200 reef sites in Florida. Where are those corals now? And what are the next steps in restoring Florida’s Coral Reef?
 Publication Spotlight: Octocorals show resilience!
For over a decade (2013–2023), researchers tracked octocoral (soft corals) dynamics across Florida’s Coral Reef. While some species of hard corals have declined due to disturbances, this study found that octocoral populations can recover quickly!
Key findings:
- Octocoral cover slightly declined
- Colonies increased due to strong recruitment (new octocorals settled and grew)
- Populations rebounded within 1-2 years after major disturbance events (Hurricanes/Weather)
New on MyFWC.com/Research
We hope you enjoy these articles that have been recently added/updated on our website:
Red Tide Current Status
Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources
2026 Manatee Mortalities
Annual Rescue Summaries [Manatee]
New Publications
Steidinger Scholars
Amphibian & Reptiles Publications
Stone Crab Catch Data
Yellow Perch
Internship Opportunities
Status and Trends
Terrestrial Habitat Research
Pilot Seed Collections and Preliminary Germination Trials of Keystone Sandhill Wildflowers
Western Dry Rocks Research
Our Mission
Through effective research and technical knowledge, we provide
timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage
Florida's fish and wildlife resources.
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