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The partners will release 250 slot-sized redfish along Florida’s west coast to support stock enhancement
(Coastal Conservation Association Florida issued the following news release today.)
ORLANDO, Fla. – Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, will join the Duke Energy Mariculture Center and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to continue their restocking efforts and release 250 hatchery-reared, adult redfish (averaging 18 to 27 inches in length) off the waters of Pinellas County on Wednesday in an effort to combat the decreasing population along Florida’s west coast.
In recent years, the redfish population has drastically declined as a result of water quality issues and loss of habitat. To counteract these effects, CCA Florida and its partners have taken a proactive approach to habitat restoration and restocking efforts for one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore fish, the redfish.
“We are proud to continue our partnerships with the Duke Energy Mariculture Center and FWC and extend our commitment to helping preserve and protect Florida’s marine resources along the west coast,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “Redfish is an essential species to our state and we must work together to conserve this fishery for the next generation.”
The latest restocking efforts for the nonprofit-corporate partnership are part of a multifunctional and multiyear strategy to rebuild and maintain game fish stocks, and releasing adult, slot-sized redfish makes a quicker impact to the fishery as it significantly increases the chances for spawning.
“Duke Energy Florida appreciates our long-standing relationship with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and CCA Florida. Together we have made significant impacts across the state,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We understand the importance of environmental stewardship and the economic benefit it provides to the communities we serve.”
In the past five years with support from FWC, CCA Florida and Duke Energy have released more than 275,000 redfish and spotted seatrout (4 to 30 inches) along Florida’s east and west coasts to help provide abundant recreational fishing opportunities.
“We work really hard to maintain our world class fisheries here in Florida. Thanks to important partnerships like the ones we share with CCA Florida and Duke Energy, we are able to celebrate conservation successes like the release of slot sized redfish today,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.
The release is scheduled for Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at 27°38'37.4"N 82°42'54.0"W directly across the street from the entrance to the Fort De Soto boat ramp. Together, the partners will release about 250 slot-sized redfish from the Duke Energy Mariculture Center. FWC Executive Director Roger Young along with state and local government officials are scheduled to attend.
About CCA Florida
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.
About FWC
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s mission is to conserve fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Florida’s fish and wildlife belong to the people of Florida, and the FWC is entrusted to take care of these precious resources. The FWC protects and manages more than 575 species of wildlife, over 200 native species of freshwater fish and more than 500 native species of saltwater fish while balancing these species' needs with the needs of approximately 19 million residents and the millions of visitors who share the land and water with Florida's wildlife. Learn more at myfwc.com.
Media contact for Duke Energy: Ana Gibbs
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AnaGibbs
Media contact for Coastal Conservation Association Florida: Mary Hillyer Peelen Walther
Phone: 407.617.0604
Email: mhpwalther@ccaflorida.org