articles and updates added to the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Web site

2009 Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study Newsletter and Library

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=31736

The current newsletter and archive of past newsletters issued by the Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study.

 

January 2010: Cold Weather Leads to Widespread Fish Kills in Florida

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34439

The Fish Kill Hotline has received hundreds of reports of cold-related fish kills across the state as a result of the recent cold snap.

 

January 2010 Sea Turtle Cold Stunning Event Response Participants

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34524

 

New FWRI Publications for February

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34592

View the new FWRI publications added to our collection in February.

 

Press Room

 

State’s manatee rescue network busy over weekend

Released February 23, 2010

http://research.myfwc.com/news/view_article.asp?id=34558

 

Updates

 

Event Calendar

http://research.myfwc.com/news/calendar.asp

Are you interested in regional events that involve the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute? Check our regularly updated calendar of events for activities to enjoy.

 

Fish Kill Database Directory

http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/

Search the fish kill database for records of fish kills and fish abnormalities reported in Florida as far back as 1972, when the first fish kill was reported to FWRI.

 

HAB-Related Links

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=2292

Links to sites related to red tide and other microalgae.

 

Manatee Mortality

http://research.myfwc.com/manatees/

Search a summary manatee mortality database for information by county, cause of death, and date.

 

Red Tide Control and Mitigation Grants

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=27877

Between 2007 and 2009, FWRI administered a competitive grant program that solicited proposals to evaluate or implement projects exploring environmentally acceptable techniques or technologies for red tide control or mitigation.

 

Red Tide Current Status Statewide Information

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670

This summary report of current red tide conditions around Florida includes a map of sampling results and regional status reports. Reports are generally updated on Friday afternoon. Additional information, if available, is provided on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=31821

Volunteers collect water samples to help Fish and Wildlife Research Institute scientists monitor red tides in Florida waters. Learn about the Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program and how to become a volunteer.

 

Tarpon

http://research.myfwc.com/tarpon

Strength, stamina, and fighting ability, make the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) one of Florida's premier game fish.

 

 

Hurricane Inspection time...saving “Moola” in the process

In preparation for the upcoming season and a obligatory change in insurers we had a third party inspection completed, which was great as it gave me the opportunity to review the upgrades to our “home-sweet-home”.
I started in 2003 when I saw an abrupt change in the weather pattern with a cold front turning up in North Florida in late summer (it was usually around the "Hogs breath Regatta" time). The only problem with this was, that IF it stalled out and IF there was a Hurricane in the Carribean it would most likely get sucked up into the Gulf with the potential of us getting thumped in the process! 

Everyone had a good laugh in early 2004 when I was cutting up plywood boards, even painting them black to make them look like windows. I found it a fun project though and then during 2004 exactly as I thought COULD happen DID... “Charlie” knocked on our door

to be continued... 

Green Connection is on the move to a new location

We have been quiet, but working hard to create our next level of service to the community.  We have two new Board Members: Justin Powell and Ken Chester who have joined Mary Anne Bowie, Vicki Chelf and Mike Clark to round out our Board of Directors.  Visit our web site and learn all about them and see our progress.www.greenconnectionus.org

Department of Energy Releases New Estimates of Nation's Wind Energy Potential

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently released new estimates of the U.S. potential for wind-generated electricity, tripling previous estimates of the size of the nation's wind resources. The new study, which was carried out by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and AWS Truewind, finds that the contiguous 48 states have the potential to generate up to 37 million gigawatt hours annually. By contrast, total U.S. electricity generation from all sources was roughly 4 million gigawatt hours in 2009. The estimates show the total energy yield that could be generated using current wind turbine technology on the nation's windy lands. (The estimates show what is possible, not what will actually be developed.)
Full story

Manatee rescue network busy over weekend

Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and partner organizations worked throughout the weekend to rescue several manatees. Teams from the state’s manatee rescue network attempted to rescue 10 animals from different locations across the state.

Most of these animals showed signs of manatee cold-stress syndrome. This condition, which can result in death, occurs as a result of exposure to water temperatures below 68 degrees for long periods. When possible, biologists capture manatees in life-threatening situations and transport them to rehabilitation facilities for treatment if necessary.

On Saturday, a team lead by FWC biologists rescued two juvenile manatees showing signs of cold stress. They rescued the first animal in St. Petersburg, then traveled to Bradenton to rescue the other. They took both of these animals to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation.

On Sunday, FWC biologists coordinated with staff at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge to rescue a juvenile manatee with watercraft-related injuries. Rescuers took this animal to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for rehabilitation as well. Also on Sunday, a team led by FWC biologists rescued a manatee stuck in a storm drain in Vero Beach. Once safely out of the drain, the animal was able to swim away. 

Rescues continued Monday as an FWC-led team captured an adult female manatee with watercraft-related injuries in the Fort Pierce area. The team took the injured animal to the Miami Seaquarium for rehabilitation. 

Rescuing a manatee is a challenging procedure, and biologists won’t attempt it unless they determine there is an immediate threat to the animal’s health or safety. Biologists must carefully weigh many factors before initiating a rescue. While several rescues were successful last weekend, unfortunately not all rescue attempts had a positive outcome. Three manatees were in such poor condition that, despite the efforts of biologists to save them, they died before they could be transported to a rehabilitation facility.

Rescue teams pursued two additional manatees that avoided capture. Biologists will make future attempts to rescue these animals if they are able to locate them again.

To report a dead or distressed manatee, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Visit http://research.MyFWC.com/manatee for more information on manatee research.

Proceeds from the sale of the “Save the Manatee” license plate and manatee decal are a primary source of funding for Florida’s manatee research and conservation, including rescue efforts such as these.

 

-30-

 

To view this press release online visit http://myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_ManateeRescue2.htm.

Today's update on Red Tide

In southwest Florida, Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore of Collier County.  One sample (out of 18 total samples) collected alongshore of Sarasota County contained very low concentrations of K. brevis.

 

Sampling will continue this week, and complete results will be available in the next scheduled status report on Friday, February 26.

What a deal... a Rain Barrel for $37!

A Saturday morning visit to Sarasota County’s Twin Lake facility in inclement cold weather. The attendance was high with almost a packed house with everyone gleaning information on a presentation on Rain Barrels and why they are good for the environment and the pocket to-boot . We’re already have a successful Rain Garden has been in for the last couple of years and made the addition of Rain Chains this summer too after visiting Lake Quinault in WA and seeing them in action, you can buy the Rain Chains at Rain Chains.com

Sarasota County Green Map

Green Map

New EFest

Red Tide update from FWC

SOUTHWEST COAST

Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not detected in water samples collected this week alongshore between Pinellas and Lee counties or offshore of Pinellas County.  Four samples (out of 9 total samples) collected alongshore of Collier County ranged in concentrations from present to low.  Samples collected offshore of the Florida Keys (Monroe County) ranged in concentrations from not present to very low.

 

Bloom Boundary (alongshore): A bloom of K. brevis has been detected alongshore of central Collier County with concentrations ranging from present to low.  Samples collected offshore of northern Monroe County and northwest of Long Key (Monroe County) contained concentrations of K. brevis ranging from not present to very low.

Green Drinks at the Main Street Oyster Bar

Green Drinks is this Tuesday.  See the attached invitation for details.  Please forward this and invite your green friends!

about greendrinks...

Every month people who work in (or care about) the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.  There are 593 groups like our, around the world!!!
We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organizing network.
These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity

new articles and updates added to the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Web site

Visit my web site for  more links and info, green business and more....

New

2010 Press Releases and Media Advisories

http://research.myfwc.com/news/category_sub.asp?id=7902

Read press releases and media advisories distributed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute during 2010.

Freshwater Angler Surveys

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34099

Biologists use angler surveys to collect information about Florida's freshwater sport fisheries. Included here are the latest estimates of catch, harvest and success rate for black crappie, largemouth bass, and sunfish species.

January 2010: Cold Weather Leads to Widespread Fish Kills in Florida

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34439

The Fish Kill Hotline has received hundreds of reports of cold-related fish kills across the state as a result of the recent cold snap.

January 2010 Sea Turtle Cold-Stunning Event

http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_sub.asp?id=7919

The unusually long spell of cold weather in Florida in January 2010 has had a big impact on sea turtles. The FWC has been working with staff from county, state, and federal agencies as well as numerous volunteers on a mass rescue effort for sea turtles throughout the state.

New FWRI Publications for January

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34218

View a list of new FWRI publications added to our collection in January.

Statewide Largemouth Bass Tagging Study on Inland Waters

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=34235

Biologists are asking anglers to be on the lookout for and report tagged largemouth bass caught in Florida lakes.

Updates

Area Contingency Plan (ACP)

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=3482

The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) has partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to make several of the Coast Guard's Area Contingency Plans, an oil and hazardous material spill planning and response tool, digitally available on CD and the Web.

Event Calendar

http://research.myfwc.com/news/calendar.asp

Are you interested in regional events that involve the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute? Check our regularly updated calendar of events for activities to enjoy.

Fish Kill Database Directory

http://research.myfwc.com/fishkill/

Search the fish kill database for records of fish kills and fish abnormalities reported in Florida as far back as 1972, when the first fish kill was reported to FWRI.

Manatee Mortality

http://research.myfwc.com/manatees/ 

Search a summary manatee mortality database for information by county, cause of death, and date.

Manatee Synoptic Surveys

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=15246 

The synoptic surveys are winter aerial surveys that cover all of the manatees' wintering habitats in Florida

Red Tide Control and Mitigation Grants

Between 2007 and 2009, the FWRI administered a competitive grant program that solicited proposals to evaluate or implement projects exploring environmentally acceptable techniques or technologies for red tide control or mitigation.

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=27877

Red Tide Current Status Statewide Information

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=9670

This summary report of current red tide conditions around Florida includes a map of sampling results and regional status reports. Reports are generally updated on Friday afternoon. Additional information, if available, is provided on Tuesday afternoon.

Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=31821

Volunteers collect water samples to help Fish and Wildlife Research Institute scientists monitor red tides in Florida waters. Learn about the Red Tide Offshore Monitoring Program and how to become a volunteer.

The Tarpon Genetic Recapture Study is for Everyone!

http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=26602

Tarpon anglers are invited to assist Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) researchers by safely and harmlessly removing, storing and delivering to us samples of skin cells of captured tarpon.

New Website Makes Discovering Sarasota County’s Natural Assets A Walk in the Park

SARASOTA – The Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) is proud to announce the brand new Discover Natural Sarasota Countywebsite, www.discovernaturalsarasota.org. It is the first time so much information about Sarasota County’s natural assets is brought together to help tourists and residents enjoy Sarasota’s great outdoors and learn about environmental stewardship.  The brand new website is just the beginning when it comes to making this information accessible to the public.  Soon the SCVB will embark on a heavy advertising, public relations and viral/social media campaign to further spread the message of Sarasota County’s amazing natural assets. 

For more information on Green Events go to our web site which is in the process of being optimized as we speak (or blog, as it happens). There will also be a link to the latest Waterford lake program here in the next week including a new plan to help interested home owners plant more native plants in the littoral areas to help improve water quality, improve home values let alone the overall aesthetics. We've come soooo far!

cont'd

The website focuses on authentic Florida experiences and includes Sarasota County’s bays, beaches, the Gulf, parks and preserves, and rivers. It is organized so visitors readily can find information based on their interests. For instance, a drop-down menu under the Wildlife heading takes you to all the great sites for bird watching. Or a visitor can search by activity. Want to find all the places to go kayaking or hiking? Click on those drop-down menus and learn both about the well-known parks as well as little-known gateways. Are you more interested in fishing, horseback riding, or camping? Looking for pet friendly outdoor activities? Or perhaps a great spot for a family picnic? Drop-down menus and articles full of detailed recommendations will send you on your way to great outdoor experiences.

All the natural assets included on the website are managed with the goal of preserving ecosystems while providing access to nature-based recreation. Additional venues, both indoors and outdoors, provide opportunities to learn about the science of nature and the environment. The newly designed “Discover Natural Sarasota County” website went live this week.

 “The Discover Natural Sarasota County website demonstrates a tremendous county-wide collaborative effort of more than 20 people contributing content about 64 different locations in Sarasota County,” states SCVB Director of Marketing & Sales, Anne Zavorskas. “We are thrilled at the initial feedback from the launch of the website and we look forward to making additional enhancements for phase two next year.”

Myriam Springuel, Executive Director of the Science and Environment Council of Sarasota County added, “People come to Sarasota Countyfor its natural beauty but our interconnected eco-systems are vulnerable. By helping visitors and residents learn about and experience the outdoors, we help them care about the natural assets that make Sarasota so special, and thus participate in the County’s legacy of preserving the environment.”

The new website was developed by the SCVB, in partnership with Sarasota County Government, the Science and Environment Council of Sarasota County, and the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. The goals of the website are to stimulate awareness of Sarasota Countyas a nature destination and to provide information about Sarasota County’s tourism-related natural assets.

The Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau leads and supports the tourism industry in Sarasota County by providing the highest quality, and most innovative, marketing programs and promotions to ensure the continued growth of tourism and travel from visitors around the world. www.sarasotafl.org

The Science and Environmental Council of Sarasota County’s mission is to promote and advocate science, conservation, and environmental issues in Sarasota County for maintaining and improving quality of life through education, public outreach, demonstration, information gathering and analysis, and special projects.  www.secsc.org