Category: Coasts & Marine
Star of Wonder
October 12, 2017
The star has a lot of symbolism this time of year. However, this unique shape is present year-round in our beautiful coastal waters in the form of starfish, or more correctly, sea stars; because they aren’t a fish. Sea stars are echinoderms, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, WildlifeTags: Marine Science
The Great Horseshoe Crab Roundup
October 12, 2017
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and Florida Sea Grant scientists at the UF Nature Coast Biological Station at Cedar Key have teamed up to assess the horseshoe crab population on Florida Beaches. The Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Events, Natural Resources
One fish, two fish, where’s that huge fish? Collaborative efforts inform Goliath grouper management
October 12, 2017
Goliath grouper are one of Florida’s most iconic fish. Capable of reaching sizes greater than 7 feet in total length and weighing in at over 700 pounds, this fish is not afraid of much of anything. A reef associated species, Goliath ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS ExtensionTags: Diving, Fisheries Management, Fishing, Florida Sea Grant, Goliath Grouper
Hot fish seeking cooler water!
October 11, 2017
All fish, minus opah and some tunas, are cold blooded. Thus, their body temperatures are regulated by the environment around them. Every fish species has an optimal temperature range — not only for survival, but also for growth and reproduction. ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesTags: Climate Change, Fish, Fisheries, Range Shifts
Sea stars, Sea cucumbers, Sea urchins and more…
October 10, 2017
Invert Trivia: What group of invertebrate species shares these three distinctive features? 1) A body with five-part symmetry; 2) an internal skeleton made of calcium carbonate; and 3) a water vascular system of fluid-filled vessels that manifests ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesTags: Brittle Stars, Echinoderms, Feather Stars, Florida Sea Grant, Sand Dollars, Sea Biscuits, Sea Stars, Sea Urchins, Starfish
Stone Crab Season Upon Us
October 9, 2017
Stone crabs are feisty, fearsome predators, even cannibalistic! Two commercial species of stone crab coexist in the state of Florida, the Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) and the Gulf stone crab (Menippe adina). These two crabs are managed ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesTags: Claws, Florida Sea Grant, Harvesting, Seafood, Stone Crab
Foamy Streaks on the Water
October 9, 2017
Have you ever wondered what those foamy streaks of scum on the water are? Have you ever wondered why the bubbles seem to align themselves in streaks and not just cover the surface on windy days? Those streaks or scum lines are due to a rather ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural ResourcesTags: Circulation, Curiosities, Langmuir, Scum Line, Water
Catch and Release: Practices to Improve
October 9, 2017
Catch and Release is an important conservation tool. Catch and release fishing helps to sustain native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem. This practice provides an opportunity for more people to ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, RecreationTags: Catch And Release, Fish, Fishing
Unmasking Florida’s Hogfish
October 6, 2017
What’s behind that big brown snout? Hogfish, often called ‘hog snapper,’ are actually members of the wrasse family. They are harvested in the US from North Carolina to the Florida Keys. Spearing is the most common way to land a ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, RecreationTags: Hogfish, Recreational Fishing, Reef Fish, Spearfishing