🌿 Conservation
Every river has a story worth protecting. Florida's freshwater systems are among the most biodiverse on Earth — and among the most threatened.
Key Threats
🐍 Invasive Species
Burmese pythons, lionfish, hydrilla, and more than 500 non-native species are altering Florida's ecosystems. Some species have reduced native wildlife populations by over 90%.
Read full analysis →💧 Water Quality
Nutrient pollution from agriculture and development causes algal blooms, fish kills, and degraded spring clarity. Lake Okeechobee discharges impact both coasts.
Read full analysis →🏗 Habitat Loss
Florida gains ~900 residents daily. Wetland conversion, shoreline hardening, and groundwater depletion shrink critical habitat for manatees, wading birds, and freshwater fish.
Read full analysis →🌡 Climate Change
Rising sea levels push saltwater into freshwater aquifers. Warmer waters stress coldwater-dependent species and expand the range of tropical invasives.
Read full analysis →⚠️ Invasive Species to Report
If you see these species, report them to FWC. Do not release any non-native species into Florida waters.
Species of Concern
West Indian Manatee
VulnerableFlorida's gentle giants. These herbivorous marine mammals can weigh up to 3,500 ...
American Crocodile
VulnerableFlorida is the only place in North America where crocodiles and alligators coexi...
Atlantic Tarpon
VulnerableThe Silver King — Florida's ultimate trophy fish. Tarpon can exceed 200 pounds a...
Goliath Grouper
VulnerableThe largest grouper in the Atlantic — can exceed 800 pounds and 8 feet. A conser...
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
VulnerableFlorida hosts more loggerhead sea turtle nests than any other place in the world...
Florida Panther
EndangeredThe only wild puma population east of the Mississippi. Fewer than 200 remain, pr...
Gopher Tortoise
VulnerableA keystone species of Florida's upland ecosystems. Digs deep burrows (up to 40 f...
Nurse Shark
VulnerableA slow-moving, bottom-dwelling shark commonly found resting under ledges and in ...
Diamondback Terrapin
VulnerableThe only turtle in North America that exclusively inhabits brackish coastal habi...
Blue Marlin
VulnerableThe ultimate big-game fish. Blue marlin are the largest Atlantic billfish, capab...
Gulf Sturgeon
ThreatenedA living dinosaur. Gulf sturgeon are ancient fish virtually unchanged for 200 mi...
Red Snapper
VulnerableThe crown jewel of Gulf of Mexico reef fishing. Red snapper are the most iconic ...
How You Can Help
🎣 Practice Catch & Release
Use barbless hooks, handle fish with wet hands, and release them quickly. Avoid fishing during extreme heat when water oxygen is low.
🚯 Leave No Trace
Pack out all trash, including fishing line — it entangles wildlife. Use designated launch points to prevent bank erosion.
🧴 Skip the Chemicals
Use mineral sunscreen or rash guards at springs. Chemicals in conventional sunscreen harm aquatic life and degrade water quality.
🚿 Clean Your Gear
Clean, Drain, Dry all watercraft between waterways. This prevents spreading invasive plants and animals.
📢 Report Problems
See pollution, fish kills, or injured wildlife? Call FWC Wildlife Alert: 1-888-404-FWCC.
💰 Support Conservation
Your fishing license directly funds habitat restoration. Consider supporting Florida Springs Council, Everglades Foundation, or local land trusts.
Conservation Organizations
- Florida Springs Institute — Research and advocacy for spring restoration
- Everglades Foundation — Restoring America's Everglades
- Florida Conservation Group — Land and water conservation
- FWC Conservation Programs — State-run conservation initiatives
- Save the Manatee Club — Manatee protection & advocacy
Every Adventure is a Chance to Protect
When you know what's at stake, you fish, paddle, and swim differently. Be the steward Florida's waterways need.
Explore Florida Wildlife →