ICYMI: Coastal Conservation Association Florida and The Duke Energy Mariculture Center Release 50,000 Redfish In Biscayne Bay
The partners released in-phase redfish along Florida’s East Coast and continue its “Release the East” initiative
Miami, Fla. – March 5, 2025 – Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, joined the Duke Energy Mariculture Center to continue its redfish restocking initiative, “Release the East,” and released 50,000 in-phase, hatchery-reared, juvenile redfish (averaging 4 inches in length) in the waters of Biscayne Bay in an effort to combat the decreasing population along Florida’s East 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, water quality initiatives, fisheries management and restocking efforts for one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore fish, the redfish.
“Today’s release marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to restore and protect one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore species,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “In collaboration with Duke Energy and CCA Florida’s Dade and Homestead Chapters, releasing 50,000 redfish in Biscayne Bay will help replenish this iconic fishery for today and future generations.”
The latest restocking efforts for the nonprofit-corporate partnership are part of a multifunctional and multiyear strategy to rebuild and maintain game fish stocks. Since 2018, CCA Florida and Duke Energy have released more than 400,000 redfish along Florida’s coasts to help provide abundant recreational fishing opportunities.
“Duke Energy remains committed to conserving and improving the water quality, biodiversity and the overall environment across the state where Floridians live, work, and play,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Thank you to the dedicated staff and members of CCA Florida for working alongside Duke Energy’s Crystal River Mariculture Center for the last five years to ensure the ‘Release the East’ campaign became the success we celebrate today.”
The release was held at Matheson Hammock Park. Together, the partners released 50,000 redfish from the CCA Florida Duke Energy Mariculture Center. Nearly 100 volunteers, FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto and Captain Rick Murphy, host of Florida Insider Fishing Report and Sportsman’s Adventures, attended and support the effort.
"Conserving the redfish population is a shared goal. The collaborative redfish restocking efforts between FWC, CCA Florida, and Duke Energy are already showing promising results, ensuring abundant recreational fishing opportunities for future generations," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. "This is a testament to the power of collective action in preserving our natural resources."
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 the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states, including Florida.
About FWC
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 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.