FWC Research Updates: May 2026 - The Monthly Newsletter of the FWC Research Institute

Salamanders in Florida Florida is home to over 30 species of salamanders! One species in particular was recently discovered inside Devil’s Millhopper sinkhole in Alachua County. The Three-lined salamander has never been seen in this area until 2024. After genetic testing researchers found that this species of salamander resembles salamanders from Georgia and Alabama, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly where they came from. Researchers continue to monitor this population of salamanders so they can better understand their behavior, how they adapt, and if their population spreads beyond the sinkhole. Visit the Amphibian & Reptile Research section on our website to learn more about salamanders and other amphibian research. 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Update The 2026 sea turtle nesting season is officially off and with a strong start! Loggerheads and leatherbacks are both currently outpacing their recent record-breaking years. We can’t wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds! Thanks to all the permit holders, volunteers and partners involved in this incredible community science effort, working together to document sea turtle nesting activity across the state! Check back for monthly updates throughout the season! View Post Reemergence of an Endangered Species There are five sawfish species worldwide, and the smalltooth sawfish is the only one found in Florida. In fact, the smalltooth sawfish completes its life cycle in Florida state waters. Notably, Florida and the western Bahamas are the last places the species can be regularly found. FWC researchers use multiple tag types on each sawfish and collect small fin clips to learn more about their movements, habitat use, and overall population health. Report sawfish sightings to 1-844-4SAWFISH or sawfish@myfwc.com. Visit our website for more info on smalltooth sawfish research and recovery efforts. View Post The World's Largest Fish Do you know what the largest fish in the world is? It’s the whale shark! Last month FWRI received exciting footage of a whale shark spotted near Dry Tortugas and Rebecca Shoal lighthouse. Each whale shark has a unique spot pattern that can be used to identify individuals. Have you seen a whale shark out on the water? Report your sightings online. Video: Courtesy of Captain Gregg Zahn with Paradise Sandbar Adventures View Post Video Spotlight: Cubera Snapper Spawning Research 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. Key Findings: Strong evidence of a persistent cubera snapper aggregation at Riley’s Hump Indirect evidence suggests this is a spawning aggregation site No-take protection appears to support ecosystem recovery and function Watch Video Publication Spotlight: Current Protections and Future Threats to Say's Spiketail Habitat in the Southeastern USA Florida is home to more than 100 different species of dragonflies, which rely on freshwater habitats like lakes, rivers, streams, and springs. While some species can live in different habitat types, others are specialists with specific needs. Say’s Spiketail is a threatened species of dragonfly found only in northern Florida and southeastern Georgia. This species is a habitat specialist that relies on shallow seepage streams found in dry, sandy landscapes like longleaf pine forests. Biologists modeled habitat for Say’s Spiketail to help identify important conservation areas and better understand future risks to the species. As Florida’s landscape continues to change, this research can help guide conservation efforts for this unique dragonfly and the habitats it depends on. 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] HAB Publications New Publications Seagrass Research Stone Crab Catch Data OIMMP Workshops and Partner Resources   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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