 The relevance of the Anglers for Conservation’s mission to ensure the survival of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) came up recently while talking with Duane Defreese, Ph.D. It was a logical topic, seeing that Duane is the new Executive Director of the IRL National Estuary Program. Part of our discussion focused on the role recreational anglers should play in the restoration of our nation’s most species- rich and diverse waterway,
the Indian River Lagoon. Duane has a keen eye for details and sees the importance of rallying anglers (along with other people, small businesses, corporations, and non-governmental organizations) to come to the aid of our IRL. The AFC, together with our vital partners, focuses on maintaining sustainable, recreational fishing by inspiring new generations of marine stewards through angling education, habitat restoration, applied conservation practices and community outreach. It is my opinion the AFC should be helping us all to come together with a singular goal of saving recreational fishing by repairing, restoring and conserving the IRL for the benefit of future generations.
Rodney Smith |
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AFC Volusia Chapter – 3rd Annual Take a Veteran Fishing Day November 9th
On Monday, November 9, 2015, Anglers for Conservation, Volusia County chapter and JB’s Fish Camp Restaurant will be hosting the 3rd Annual Take a Veteran Fishing Day. This year our goal is to host 25 veterans with as many boats as we can muster up. |
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Protect Our Waters Party
November 12th
Join Anglers for Conservation and some of Florida’s famous fishing elites as we spend an evening rejoicing and reflecting on the life we experience along our precious waters. This year’s fundraising party will be at the cozy Nyami Nyami River Lodge at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne Florida. Drinks, dinner, dessert and dancing will be in order as well as a live and silent auction featuring some of the best fishing experiences you can imagine!.
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Hook Kids on Fishing
November 14th
The Anglers for Conservation is coordinating the Melbourne Hook Kids on Fishing Program on Saturday, November 14th 2015, from 9 to 11 AM, in partnership with Brevard County Natural Resources Management Department and Indian River Lagoon. The event will take place at Front Street Park, 2400 Riverview Dr. Melbourne FL 32901.
Kids ages 6 to 16, are welcome along with their parents. The first 35 kids registered may receive a free rod and reel.
Registration is mandatory by contacting lydia.jackson@brevardcounty.us or call (321) 633-2016. Volunteers are needed so call Rodney Smith irlcoast@gmail.com or call (321) 750-3374.
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Indian River Lagoon
Paddle Adventure November 14th
This year, the Indian River Lagoon Paddle Adventure’s Paddle a Portion will get as many people as possible paddling on November 14th along the entire length of the Lagoon. The Paddle a Portion adventures are taking place at multiple locations from the north end of the Mosquito Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach to the IRL’s south end in Hobe Sound.
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Celebrate the Ocean Lifestyle December 5th!
The 4th Annual Ocean Reef Beach Festival is once again coming to Pelican Beach Park in Satellite Beach on December 5th, 2015. The festival is a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates every facet of our coastal lifestyle; surfing, fishing, beachcombing, ecotourism on our reef, kayaking, paddle boarding and bird watching, just to name a few, because so many of us do all these things on our unique stretch of coastline. The event has grown to include over 70 vendors and exhibitors, and will fill the giant beachside park.
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Help the terrapins!
Hey anglers, next time you hit the water, keep an eye out for diamondback terrapins in the Indian River Lagoon! These rare brackish water turtles are easily identifiable, thanks to their whitish-gray skin covered with dark spots. The status of terrapin populations here in the Indian River Lagoon is unknown and thought to be declining, so researchers are working to collect terrapin sighting reports from the community. Each sighting is useful in determining important terrapin habitat and helps to focus research and conservation efforts.
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Ocean Conservancy
When it comes to fisheries management, we far too often look at things from the top down, rather than down up. I guess this is understandable, seeing the way the human mind operates. For instance, size and slot-size limits have been conservation tools used to protect game fish for a long time now, but the majority of the time we fail to recognize the critical role smaller “less desirable” fish play in the ecological system. These lesser species support the bigger, more desirable species.
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In Appreciation
Anglers for Conservation Orlando Gumbo Wars held this past October at the Fish on Fire Restaurant in Orlando, Florida would like to THANK all the silent and live auctions, raffles and giveaways, the over 25 Gumbo Teams, Fishing Florida Radio, Coastal Angler Magazine Orlando and other Central Florida fishing community partners and local fishing clubs for their generosity, help and stewardship to this year’s event. A special thank you to all you volunteers who helped with this years event. We ALL had a blast!!!
(Caption – Left to Right: Lori, Jay, Heather and Warren at Gumbo Wars 2015)
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