FWC Research Updates: April 2026

Cast for Cash - It Pays to Fish for Science The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is launching a new pilot research program that pays recreational anglers to help scientists collect valuable data on released reef fish. The program, called “Cast for Cash: It Pays to Fish for Science,” invites private recreational anglers in the Tampa Bay region to record fishing trips using a temporary camera system installed on their boat. In exchange for providing this data, selected anglers can earn $250 per trip for up to six trips, or as much as $1,500 during a three month research period. The project will help scientists better understand how many fish are caught and released during recreational fishing trips and evaluate whether onboard camera systems can provide accurate data for fisheries research. How the program works FWC will randomly select 16 private recreational anglers for each three-month research period between July 2026 and September 2027. Fishing trips will be recorded using a camera system FWC temporarily installs on the participant’s boat. Anglers will also communicate with FWC biologists, plan trips in advance and maintain records of released fish. Participants must meet these requirements: Hold a recreational fishing license with the State Reef Fish Angler designation. Live in a household that is in possession of a boat. Launch from the Tampa Bay region (Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee or Sarasota counties). Be 18 years or older and have no resource violations. Learn More A Tiny Miracle, Times Two Earlier this month a rare moment was caught on camera as a mother manatee was seen with not just one newborn, but TWO newborn calves born just minutes apart! View Post An Unusual Fish Diet Have you ever wondered what red drum eat? While conducting routine dissections to collect life history and mercury data on fish in the Tampa Bay estuary, biologists discovered something highly unusual in one red drum’s stomach...it had eaten not one, not two, but three snakes! View Post Tracking Panthers Follow our panther biologists as they step into Florida’s flatwoods on the prowl for panther tracks! View Post Publication Spotlight: Cubera Snapper Aggregation in the Dry Tortugas! For over a decade, FWC and NOAA scientists have collaborated to study a cubera snapper aggregation in a remote, protected area of the Dry Tortugas region. This study found large numbers of aggregating cubera snapper and indirect evidence that these were spawning aggregations, making cubera snapper the latest in a list of multiple fish species that use this area for reproduction. Learn More 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] Publication Spotlight Inlet Insights: Counting Boats, Estimating Effort Stone Crab Catch Data HAB Publications Internships and Volunteers Steidinger Scholars 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.

http://live.oysterradio.com/