The U.S. Government is closed. This site will not be updated; however NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit www.commerce.gov. For the latest forecast and critical weather information, visit www.weather.gov

The U.S. government is closed. This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov

For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.

Marine sportfish in Florida use tidal creeks and ponds as nurseries

three FWC researchers use a seine net to sample fish in an experimental salt marsh pond.In 2013, scientists discovered that juvenile marine sportfish in Florida’s Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park were using the upper reaches of tidal creeks and ephemerally connected ponds in the park as nursery habitat. Now, with funding from NOAA RESTORE Science Program, they are investigating what can be done to conserve this important habitat. Learn more: https://restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov/miscellaneous/now-is-the-time-conserving-recreational-fisheries-takes-a-habitat-focus

hands holding a juvenile tarpon