Free Pass Fridays Answer: Feb. 22

No one knows why mullet jump! Mullet may jump more frequently in waters with low dissolved oxygen, which could indicate a need for oxygen. Some biologist think jumping helps the fish remove parasites while others think it is a part of schooling behavior. But who knows - maybe they just like jumping. For more information on mullet, check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website.


Photo from http://dailypicksandflicks.com.

Free Pass Fridays Answer: Feb. 15

Seagrass does it all. Their very important functions include providing shelter for fishes, crustaceans and shellfish; stabilizing the bottom with their roots and rhizomes and Providing food for other organisms both directly and indirectly. Learn more about seagrass at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Comission's website.

I ♥ Estuaries campaign

This Valentine’s Day, we want show Congress and the Administration that there is lots of love for estuaries and that cuts break our heart. In order to demonstrate support for your reserve, NERRA is joining forces to celebrate Valentine’s Day through a joint, 3-day “I Heart Estuaries” campaign February 12^th through 14^th :

Participating in the “I Heart Estuaries” campaign is simple!  We are asking all those who “heart” their estuary to send three emails and/or faxes to their congressional representatives stating why they love their estuary and asking them to maintain federal funding for the NERRS. In addition to your personal efforts, the national estuary groups will also send more formal detailed Valentine letters to Congressional Appropriators and the Administration.

For more information on the program and details on how you can help, including email templates and logos you can use, check out the NERRA Resources and Documents Page. 

You can also use Twitter to help spread the message of the I ♥ Estuaries campaign! Simply locate Twitter targets and sample tweets using our Twitter Valentines Day of Action resource page and get tweeting! Be sure to use the Hashtag  #iheartestuaries. 

Free Post Fridays Answer: Feb. 1

It is true that the majority of wetlands in the lower 48 states are privately owned. Wetlands are diminishing at a rapid rate globally and in the state of Florida. Loss of wetlands leads to proportionately reduced populations of fish and wildlife. Floridians depend on healthy and diverse populations of fish and wildlife, not only because they provide us with recreational opportunities and food, but also because they support our commercial fishing, tourism and recreation industries. Learn more by reading A Guide to Living with Florida's Wetlands.