Florida Spiny Lobster Season – Things you need to know
Before reading the article below, take the quiz to evaluate your knowledge on the rules and regulations for harvesting Spiny Lobster off Florida waters. Lobster Seasons: The spiny lobster sport season is July 30-31 (always the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July). The regular season begins August 6. Unless exempt, a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobster. Commercial harvest is not allowed during the sport season. Florida Regulations: Spiny Lobster Sport … Read entire article »
Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Diver, Divetalking, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Lobster, ocean, Open Water, Preservation, Reefs, Reference, Report, Spiny Lobster
Obama approves use of sonic cannons to explore for oil and gas off the Eastern Shore
The Obama administration has approved the use of sonic cannons to explore for oil and gas off the Eastern Shore. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Friday formally approved guidelines for using air cannons in the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Delaware. Energy companies could buy new oil and gas leases and begin drilling in 2018 if they find profitable reserves. The guidelines are meant to protect endangered whales and other creatures from the loud noises and increased vessel traffic, but the government’s environmental impact study estimates that more than 138,000 sea creatures could be harmed. The decision opens an area of the eastern seaboard larger than two Californias to exploration for the first time in decades. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alert, Article, Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Events, Featured, ocean, Preservation, Reefs, Reference, Report
Food Poisoning from Marine Toxins
By Vernon E. Ansdell Seafood poisoning from marine toxins is an underrecognized hazard for travelers, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. Furthermore, the risk is increasing because of factors such as climate change, coral reef damage, and spread of toxic algal blooms. CIGUATERA FISH POISONING Ciguatera fish poisoning occurs after eating reef fish contaminated with toxins such as ciguatoxin or maitotoxin. These potent toxins originate from small marine organisms (dinoflagellates) that grow on and around coral reefs. Dinoflagellates are ingested by herbivorous fish. The toxins are then concentrated as they pass up the food chain to large carnivorous fish (usually >6 lb, 2.7 kg) and finally to humans. Toxins are concentrated in fish liver, intestinals, roe, and head. Gambierdiscus toxicus, which produces ciguatoxin, may proliferate on dead coral reefs more quickly than other dinoflagellates. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Boats, Conservation, Diver, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Emergency/FirstAid, Featured, Fish, ocean, Open Water, Reefs, Reference, Report, Training
NE Florida’s 2nd Annual Lionfish Derby
Come on… You know you love to hate lionfish. To help the state control lionfish population, NE Florida is conducting its 2nd annual lionfish derby. Last years event handed out thousands of dollars in cash awards and more. Be part of this movement. Sign up and join us August 8 for the captains meeting and August 9th for the hunt and harvest. Proceeds benefit the DSAJ (Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville) and REEF as well as local … Read entire article »
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Expansion of US marine protected zone could double world reserves
By Matt McGrath Environment correspondent, BBC News The US plans to create the world’s biggest marine protected area (MPA) in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The White House will extend an existing protected area, known as the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Fishing and drilling would be banned from an area that could eventually cover two million sq km. The extended zone would double the world’s fully protected marine reserves. Rare species The Pacific Remote Islands Area is controlled by the US and consists of seven scattered islands, atolls and reefs that lie between Hawaii and American Samoa. Essentially uninhabited, the waters that surround these remote islands are home to a wide range of species including corals, seabirds, sharks and vegetation not found anywhere else in the world. In 2009, President Bush declared … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alert, Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Divetalking, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Fish, ocean, Preservation, Recognition, Reefs, Reference, Report
Florida Turns to Smartphone App in Battle Against Invasive Lionfish
ORLANDO Fla. – Florida has a new phone app to help cull the invasion of its waters by the spiked lionfish, a venomous species that is devouring other fish and harming reef ecosystems. The state is home to more than 500 non-native species, but few as rampant in the wild as the marauding lionfish, which is fast-reproducing and has a voracious appetite. It preys on native fish such as yellowtail snapper, Nassau grouper and banded coral … Read entire article »
Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Conservation, Diver, Earth, Education, Featured, Lionfish, ocean, Preservation, Reefs, Reference, Report
Slow life – A must watch
Daniel Stoupin is a PhD student in the University of Queensland. His research is in the field marine biology. Mixing his passions of biology and photography, Daniel has produce stunning photos and videos. “My interest in photography, especially in photomicrography, came from the scientific background. Working with microscopic protists during my first research years and later swimming countless nights with glowing plankton in the ocean opened my eyes on the diversity and complexity of life that we can’t see without tools. Although I am obsessed with marine life, particularly microscopic one and whatever glows in the dark, my photography interests are growing and eventually this website will change its name and become a lot more diverse in content.” – Daniel Stoupin http://vimeo.com/danielstoupin/slowlife More pictures from Daniel ““Slow” marine animals show their secret life under high … Read entire article »
Filed under: Article, Conservation, Diver, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Featured, Fish, ocean, Photography, Recognition, Reefs, Reference
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC
April, 2014 Commission Meeting Time: 8:30am each day Dates: April 15 – 17, 2014 Place: Florida Public Safety Institute 85 Academy Drive Havana, FL 32333 https://www.tcc.fl.edu/Current/Academics/FPSI/Pages/Directions.aspx This meeting is open to the public 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, there will be a presentation on the subject of LIonfsh Lionfish – Lionfish are invasive marine species that pose a threat to native marine species and ecosystems. Three draft rules will be proposed to prevent further lionfish introductions and facilitate efforts to remove these non-native predators. Harvest by divers using either spearing gear or hand held nets is currently the primary means of lionfish population control. Persons diving by means of a rebreather are currently prohibited from harvesting any marine species in state waters. A proposed draft rule would create an exception to allow persons using rebreathers to harvest lionfish. In addition, there are several … Read entire article »
Filed under: Artificial Reefs, Divetalking, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Fish, Lionfish, ocean, Preservation, Rebreather, Reefs, Reference, Report
California Lawmaker to Propose Ban on Orcas in Captivity
If passed, the bill would be the most comprehensive protection law for captive orcas in the United States in more than 40 years. By David Kirby David Kirby has been a professional journalist for 25 years. His third book, ‘Death at Seaworld,’ was published in 2012. full bio follow me In a surprising move that is sure to send shock waves across the entire captive whale and dolphin industry, a California lawmaker will propose legislation to outlaw Shamu shows at SeaWorld San Diego. State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, D–Santa Monica, will introduce Friday the Orca Welfare and Safety Act, which would make it illegal to “hold in captivity, or use, a wild-caught or captive-bred orca for performance or entertainment purposes.” The bill would also ban artificial insemination of captive killer whales in California and block … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alert, Conservation, Divetalking, Dolphin, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Killer Whale, ocean, Orca, Preservation, Recognition, Reefs, Reference, Report, Training, Whales
6 Ways You Can Help Save Captive Killer Whales Right Now
If you’ve ever wondered what one person can do for caged orcas, this is for you. By David Kirby David Kirby has been a professional journalist for 25 years. ‘What Can I Do?’ Ever since my book Death At SeaWorld was released, nearly a year ago, I have received countless emails from concerned readers, who were so disturbed by the lives of killer whales in glass and concrete tanks owned by powerful corporations that they wanted to do something to help. But how? Emily Vargo, a Spanish teacher from Maryland, for example, told me about how her father, a former SeaWorld employee, who is now “very critical of the treatment of park animals,” read her excerpts from the book. “I cried and asked him to stop—I couldn’t take it!” she wrote. “I just wanted to write … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alert, Article, Conservation, Divetalking, Dolphin, Earth, Education, extinction, Killer Whale, ocean, Orca, Preservation, Recognition, Reefs, Reference, Report
Lionfish, It’s whats for dinner
[singlepic id=743 w= h= float=center] You’re just know hearing our this fish called a Lionfish. Perhaps you already know what a Lionfish is. Perhaps you have never harvested, or even tasted lionfish. So where do you find lionfish to eat? You can acquire the sumptuous delicacy by harvesting them yourself or from divers who do harvest. Perhaps stores in the area offer lionfish. What is becoming more popular is finding lionfish on the menu, at local restaurants around the … Read entire article »
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Lionfish workshops throughout the Southeast United States
Greetings Lionfish Enthusiasts! As part of our efforts to address the lionfish invasion to the western Atlantic, REEF received a grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service Aquatic Invasive Species Program to organize and lead lionfish workshops throughout the Southeast United States. Workshop topics include background of the invasion, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research findings, market development, and ways to get involved, with an emphasis on safe collecting and handling tools and techniques. We have … Read entire article »
Filed under: Conservation, Convention, Divetalking, Earth, Education, Events, Expo, Featured, Fish, Lionfish, ocean, Open Water, Reefs, Reference, Report, Training
REEF Webinars / Fishinars
Some call them webinars. We call ’em Fishinars! Fishie fun in the comfort of your own home. Great for first-timers or those wanting a review. These short, free webinars will teach you the finer points of identifying fish and invertebrates underwater. We use common names, not scientific names, and focus on how to ID each critter. Fishinars help divers learn how to become citizen scientists and help monitor marine life on their recreational dives. Data gathered goes into … Read entire article »
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Hong Kong Taking Steps to protect Sharks and Blue Fin Tuna
[singlepic id=973 w=320 h=240 float=none] The Govt has taken steps to reduce consumption of shark fin soup and other goods which promote the harvesting of species such as Shark and Tuna. [singlepic id=939 w=220 h=140 float=none] [singlepic id=917 w=220 h=140 float=none] Through the sustainability-conscious food consumption guidelines, “commitment to the promotion of green living and sustainability, the Government pledges to adopt sustainability-conscious food consumption during official entertainment functions, which includes no consumption of shark fins.” Also stated “The Government … Read entire article »
Filed under: Divetalking, Earth, Education, extinction, Featured, Fish, ocean, Preservation, Reefs, Reference, Report, Sharks, Tuna