The mandate to provide an accurate accounting of the condition of
Florida's fisheries resources requires knowledge of the relative
abundance of stocks at particular life stages.
The Age and Growth Lab is responsible for the processing and aging
of fish otoliths for the purpose of stock assessment. Find out why
and how we age fish.
How to report a rare or unusual fish in Florida waters.
The dolphin and the smaller pompano dolphin (C. equiselis
are pelagic fishes found worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas
(Palko et al. 1982).
The Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus
) is a member of the jack family and supports a highly important commercial and recreational fishery in the state of Florida.
Several species of grouper (Epinephelus spp
gag, red grouper, and goliath grouper, are found in Florida waters.
The lionfish is a non-native predatory reef fish that feeds on native Florida fish and competes with them for food. Because they have no known predators in Florida waters, lionfish are spreading rapidly.
Mullet (Mugil spp.
) are distributed worldwide in most
coastal waters and estuaries of tropical and subtropical seas.
Find information on other species of fish. Read fisheries FAQs.
Learn about catch-and-release fishing or the difference between
circle and "J" hooks.
Florida anglers pursue the permit (Trachinotus falcatus
) from inshore flats to offshore reefs. Research on this popular sport fish is advancing through anglers' assistance with a tagging study.
The Stock Enhancement Program at the institute conducts applied
research and develops technology to breed and rear finfish such as
red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus
Several dozen commercially and recreationally sought-after finfish species, including snapper, grouper and triggerfish, are collectively termed reef fish. Researchers monitor these populations to provide data that aids effective management of the fisheries.
Learn about Florida's smalltooth sawfish and the research that biologists are doing to help protect this endangered species. This section also contains information on how to report sawfish sightings, which the FWC encourages citizens to do. Read more about sawfish-including our recent publications.
Long-term tagging research carried out over the past several years
has proven to be a valuable tool in helping to understand the life
history of snook (Centropomus spp
Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus
) range throughout Florida's bays and coastal waters.
Strength, stamina, and fighting ability, make the tarpon (Megalops atlanticus
) one of Florida's premier game fish.
The wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri
) is the largest of all
mackerels and is found worldwide in tropical and subtropical