Conservation

April 10: Gopher Tortoise Day

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites you to celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day by getting involved in conservation efforts with our state’s only native tortoise, a state-listed Threatened Species. Gopher Tortoise Day is on April 10 but you can also celebrate year-round.

Special Mon, 04/10/2023 - 08:57

FWC continues to monitor avian influenza across Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to monitor bird mortalities suspected to be attributed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza throughout Florida. This strain has been documented in the United States since 2021 and was detected for the first time in Florida in January 2022. 

FWC approves rule to protect cultural resources in Biscayne National Park

FWCAt its Feb. 21 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule to prohibit the placement of recreational and commercial traps within the boundaries of the Legare Anchorage site within Biscayne National Park. 

Governor appoints 3 to SWFWMD governing board

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed James Holton, Dustin Rowland and Robert Stern to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board.

Holton, of St. Petersburg, is the president and owner of JWH Properties, Inc., MHH Enterprises, Inc. and James W. Holton, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his master's degree and juris doctor from Boston University. Holton represents Pinellas County.

Harvest of red grouper, lane snapper reopens in Gulf state waters Jan. 1 

Harvest of red grouper and lane snapper will reopen in Gulf state waters on Jan. 1, 2023, after early season closures. 

The FWC is committed to collecting critical recreational harvest fishing data to inform management of popular reef fish, including red grouper.

Special Wed, 12/28/2022 - 10:28
FWC extends the deadline for waivers for unsalvageable vessels following Hurricane Ian

FWCFollowing Hurricane Ian’s landfall, vessel owners were given a 45-day grace period to bring derelict vessels into compliance or remove them from state waters.

The grace period ended on Nov. 15.

Special Fri, 11/18/2022 - 10:28

FWC responds to red tide in Southwest Florida

The FWC is closely monitoring Southwest Florida, since Karenia brevis, also known as red tide, was detected in multiple samples in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties this week.

Red tide is a naturally occurring microscopic alga that has been documented along Florida’s Gulf Coast since the 1840s and occurs nearly every year. 

FWC’s Wildlife Alert now using Tip411 system for better communication

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert System is now using a safe and effective new system for submitting anonymous tips. The public can contact FWC Law Enforcement by downloading an easy-to-use iPhone or Android app: “FWC Wildlife Alert.”