Category Archives: Biology
Surfing with Dolphins at Honeymoon Island
This evening at the end of February while catching waves after a little cold front came through the area, we witnessed some unusually breathtaking sights. The glassy surf was nice, and unusual, but the things that made this session epic were the combination of dolphins swimming nearly within touching distance, a sunset lighting the clouds with a full palate of colors, and the light from the setting sun combining with the mist in the sky to create a rainbow. It was one of the best days of the winter.
What’s Happening with Goliath Grouper?
The tasty goliath grouper has been prohibited as a fish to be harvested or possessed in state and federal waters since 1990. Some people think goliath grouper are at a point where they can be harvested. This massive fish has become highly prevalent in the waters of the Gulf. Tampa Bay goliath grouper have had an especially high increase in abundance Continue reading What’s Happening with Goliath Grouper?
Recent Decision to Reclassify the Manatee
The once sparse manatee has reached a population denisty to neccesitate the reclassification from endangered to threatened. The US Fish and Wildlife Service made the announcement on March 30th, 2017. The official decision Continue reading Recent Decision to Reclassify the Manatee
Saltwater Grass Flats Data Collection by the Keys Fisheries Research Team
Data collection like the siene collections we see here are only a small part of understanding fisheries, but still a useful tool. After fisheries data is collected, it is eventually collated into a research article or report. Over time those reports are combined to create articles that explain trends. Then, after a large amount of data is collected, a researcher may even review the reviews, so she can create something called a synthesis, a document summarizing all the findings across the summary articles. These articles and reports can then be used to guide funding related decisions. We must, of course, always consider the limitations of the data.
Honeymoon Island State Park: This beach weather calls for Surfing!
These pictures are from after 3pm this afternoon in between the second and third t-groins at the north end of the park. It was perfect beach weather. The waves started out small, but as the tide started to push in and the swell started to rise, the surf grew, and became quite fun. The beach wasn’t very crowded, which really makes the time at the beach that much more enjoyable. Continue reading Honeymoon Island State Park: This beach weather calls for Surfing!
Injured Loon at Key Vista Nature Park
Today while roaming around Key Vista Nature Park just next to the Anclote Power Plant we stumbled upon an injured loon laying along the bank of Rocky Creek. The Loon is a type of waterfowl like the Anhinga. It appeared to be injured. Even after being tapped with the side of a fishing pole the bird didn’t move an inch. It only rotated its head a bit. It was hard to say what the cause of the injury was. The obvious thing is the fishing line wrapped around its beak, but other injuries could be possible. We decided it would be Continue reading Injured Loon at Key Vista Nature Park