FWC Research Updates: March 2026

Western Dry Rocks Seasonal Closure Begins April 1 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 Learn More 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. View Post 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. View Post 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! View Post 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? Watch Video 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) View Publication 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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