Inside FWRI
FWC marks 5 years of the State Reef Fish Survey
In July of 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) celebrates five years of the State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS), a milestone in Florida’s ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of its recreational reef fishery. Thanks to participation from anglers, SRFS has played a critical role in delivering timely, high-quality data that is essential for evaluating and managing reef fish stocks statewide. This data-based approach supports not only healthy fish populations but also the fishing opportunities that are a cornerstone of Florida’s outdoor heritage and coastal economy.
Learn More about the State Reef Fish Survey
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2025 Sea Turtle Nesting -
May Update
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As of May 31st, loggerhead nesting is running behind the strong seasons we’ve seen the past two years. Leatherback nesting remains steady and slightly ahead of recent years. Kemp’s ridley nests, always rare in Florida, continue to be documented in small numbers thanks to the careful monitoring by our partners. Green turtle nesting is slightly ahead of last year at this point but remains well below 2023 levels. Since green turtles often follow a pattern of high and low nesting years, 2025 was expected to be a strong year but it’s still early, and there’s plenty of season left for numbers to build.
Manatee mating herds are making waves across Florida!
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Boaters and beachgoers, if you spot a group of manatees in the shallow, nearshore waters, give them plenty of space! These are likely mating herds, where one female is pursued by a group of males. While we normally think of manatees as gentle giants, they are still very large, strong animals that can be quite active while mating. These herds may stay together for hours or even days at a time, but they are typically not stranded and therefore do not need assistance from humans.
Movement Ecology and Reproductive Resilience (MERR) Science in Motion
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How fish make more fish isn't so simple. It's more than just numbers, you need the right moves to make fish babies who survive to maturity. The MERR lab, a collaboration between FWRI and the University of Florida, tracks fish movements and behaviors using acoustic and satellite tagging, genetics, gonad histology, and underwater videos. This combination of techniques provides a more comprehensive understanding of real world spawning.
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Learn More and Connect
As the research division within FWC, FWRI operates programs statewide that focus on obtaining
the wide-ranging data and information needed by fish, wildlife, and ecosystem resource managers.
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute recruits primarily scientists and science technicians. Business services and facility maintenance also require the expertise of qualified management, administrative, public information, clerical and maintenance staff. FWRI also offers both internships and limited volunteer opportunities.
Stay connected with the latest FWRI news via our social media accounts and monthly newsletter.
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We invite you to MarineQuest, FWRI's annual open house. This award-winning event is an opportunity for you and your family to learn about Florida's fish and wildlife and FWRI's exciting research.