The 32nd annual Everglades Coalition Conference that just wrapped up in Fort Myers was as much a spiritual revival as an ecological symposium. Amid a grim background slide show of guacamole-like slime …
New Research Confirms Benefits of Circle Hooks
26 Oct 20109:26 PM
Still not sure if you should be using circle hooks? Well, you should be – because new scientific research backs up the claims (again) that billfish are much more likely to survive a catch-and-release encounter when caught on circle hooks compared to traditional J hooks.
Dr. John Graves of the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (and Chairman of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Scientific Advisory Board) has published new data which shows blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish derive substantial conservation benefits from the use of circle hooks.
Read the full report here. And, if you haven’t already, please make the switch to circle hooks today.
NOTE: Dr. Graves and others will take the circle hook debate one step further this May when the 2011 International Circle Hook Symposium is held in Miami (the event is sponsored in part by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and the Guy Harvey Research Institute). The symposium will provide a forum for the review and discussion of relevant research concerning the viability of using circle hooks in recreational and commercial fisheries.
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![](mailto:?subject=New Research Confirms Benefits of Circle Hooks&body=Still not sure if you should be using circle hooks? Well, you should be - because <a title="Link to Dr. Graves study on Circl Hooks" href="http://www.inthebite.com/news/story.php?id=136" target="_blank">new scientific research</a> backs up the claims (again) that billfish are much more likely to survive a catch-and-release encounter when caught on circle hooks compared to traditional J hooks.
<a title="Bio for Dr. John Graves" href="http://www.vims.edu/people/graves_je/index.php" target="_blank">Dr. John Graves</a> of the <a title="VIMS web site" href="http://www.vims.edu/">Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences</a> (and Chairman of the <a title="GHOF Board of Directors" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org/board_of_directors.html" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Scientific Advisory Board</a>) has published new data which shows blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish derive substantial conservation benefits from the use of circle hooks.
<a title="Full report from Dr. John Graves" href="http://www.inthebite.com/news/story.php?id=136" target="_blank">Read the full report here</a>. And, if you haven't already, please make the switch to circle hooks today.
<a href="http://www.circlehooksymposium.org/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-199" title="2011 International Circle Hook Symposium" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/circlehooksymposiumlogo.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="216" height="208" /></a>
NOTE: Dr. Graves and others will take the circle hook debate one step further this May when the <a title="Circle Hook Symposium web site" href="http://www.circlehooksymposium.org/" target="_blank">2011 International Circle Hook Symposium</a> is held in Miami (the event is sponsored in part by the <a title="GHOF web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a> and the <a title="GHRI web site" href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a>). The symposium will provide a forum for the review and discussion of relevant research concerning the viability of using circle hooks in recreational and commercial fisheries. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/new-research-confirms-benefits-of-circle-hooks/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Everglades Coalition: Send Clean Fresh Water South&body=The 32nd annual Everglades Coalition Conference that just wrapped up in Fort Myers was as much a spiritual revival as an ecological symposium.
Amid a grim background slide show of guacamole-like slime clogging the St. Lucie estuary on Florida's east coast, one speaker after another exhorted the more than 300 attendees to tell their elected officials to make sure clean freshwater is sent south across the peninsula to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.
The theme of the three-day conference said it all: "Three Estuaries: One Solution". Scientist after politician after environmentalist took to the podium to declare that the way forward for saving America's Everglades is to build a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee to store and filter water before sending it on to the parched 'Glades.
"We're not wrong. We need to send clean water south," declared Maggy Hurchalla, a 20-year veteran of the Martin County Commission.
Storing water in the Everglades Agricultural Area, they said, would lessen the massive discharges of nutrient-laden fresh water from the Big O into the St. Lucie to the east and the Caloosahatchee to the west while allowing a now hyper-saline Florida Bay to receive the fresh water it needs to maintain its health.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/glades-scene.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4510" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/glades-scene.jpg" alt="glades-scene" width="640" height="425" /></a>
Last year, more than 235 billion gallons of fresh water were pumped from the lake into the St. Lucie estuary alone, spreading toxic algae that killed fish, marine mammals, oysters and sea grass, stranded boaters and swimmers on land, depressed property values and may cause future serious illnesses to those exposed to it such as liver cancer and Alzheimer's. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which controls lake levels, said it had no choice because it couldn't risk compromising the aging Herbert Hoover Dike that surrounds the Big O and there was nowhere else to put all that water. Meanwhile, Florida Bay, which supports a $1 billion per year recreational fishery for redfish, snook, tarpon, bonefish and other species, saw tens of thousands of acres of sea grass die from a lack of fresh water. Ecologists say they are expecting widespread algae blooms in the bay any time now.
As repairs to the Lake O dike continue and several Everglades water restoration projects come on line, Everglades advocates staunchly support Florida Senate President Joe Negron's proposal to purchase 60,000 acres of agricultural lands south of the big lake to clean water as it trickles toward Everglades National Park. But the sugar industry and the South Florida Water Management District-- which regulates water from Orlando to Miami--are strongly opposed. Sugar companies say the land buy will cost thousands of agricultural jobs. Water managers say the emphasis should be on reducing polluted water entering the Big O from the north and sticking to the Corps' original target date of 2021 for building the southern reservoir--even though the Corps has said it would be willing to speed up that project.
No one could question state water managers or sugar company representatives during the Everglades Coalition meeting because none showed up.
At stake in the multibillion-dollar restoration of the Everglades is the water supply for some eight million people and conservation of the largest wilderness east of the Mississippi. Look for this issue to appear front and center in the Florida Legislature, both houses of Congress, and the White House in 2017. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/everglades-coalition-send-clean-fresh-water-south/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Free Lionfish Workshop at Divers Direct July 8th, Fort Lauderdale&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/divers-direct-lionfish-101.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2804 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/divers-direct-lionfish-101.jpg?w=660" alt="Divers Direct Lionfish 101" width="660" height="368" /></a>
Free Lionfish Workshop
Thursday, July 8, 2015 6:30PM
Our Friends at Divers Direct are hosting a workshop on hunting Lionfish. Please enlist in the army of divers and diners to help combat this invasive challenge. If you love the ocean we need your help.
Participants will get an informative briefing on methods of hunting and safe handling while our GearUp Experts share proper gear for safe collecting and handling.
Seating for this popular event is limited, so call 954-925-7630 to RSVP or stop by <a href="http://www.diversdirect.com/stores/dive-shop-fort-lauderdale?utm_source=SeaRadicals&utm_campaign=2d8e6a2bbc-FTL+Lionfish+101+Workshop+7%2F02%2F2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b483c1f0de-2d8e6a2bbc-235860273&mc_cid=2d8e6a2bbc&mc_eid=0584295998">Divers Direct Ft. Lauderdale </a>today!
<a href="http://gearup.diversdirect.com/events/event-detail/lionfish-101-the-invasive-species?utm_source=SeaRadicals&utm_campaign=2d8e6a2bbc-FTL+Lionfish+101+Workshop+7%2F02%2F2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b483c1f0de-2d8e6a2bbc-235860273&mc_cid=2d8e6a2bbc&mc_eid=0584295998">Go here </a>for all the information!
Divers Direct
180 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-925-7630
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For more on the Guy Harvey Outpost Portfolio: <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/</a>
For Fishing with Guy Harvey Outpost: <a href="http://ghofish.com/">www.ghofish.com</a>
For the Guy Harvey Outpost Blog <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost</a>
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![](mailto:?subject=The Guy Harvey Great Shark Race – Competitive Conservation&body=Businesses and individuals can sponsor and name their own shark and watch online as it races other tagged sharks.
Davie, FL – February 2, 2015 – The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and the <a href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/index.html">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University, one of the world’s leading shark research groups, are launching the <a href="http://www.greatsharkrace.com/">Guy Harvey Great Shark Race</a> (GSR). This race allows businesses and individuals to sponsor sharks through the purchase of satellite tracking tags. These tags enable researchers and the public to follow these sharks online in near real-time. Whoever’s sharks travels the furthest in six months wins a Florida Keys fishing vacation.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/great-mako-race-2015.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2552 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/great-mako-race-2015.jpg?w=660" alt="Great Mako Race 2015" width="660" height="637" /></a>
The GSR kicks-off on April 2, 2015 after GHRI researchers return from an expedition to Isla Mujeres, Mexico to deploy satellite tags on mako sharks. The second leg of the race starts on June 1, 2015, when researchers will be in Grand Cayman to tag oceanic whitetip sharks. The Smart Position or Temperature (SPOT) tags utilize the latest in tracking technology to allow researchers and the public to follow the sharks online in near real-time.
According to the IUCN, one-third of open ocean shark species are threatened with extinction. The data gathered in this race allows researchers to better understand the migration patterns and habitat utilization of these apex predators. This information is key to knowing where these sharks live and which areas should be protected.
“This is a great way for people to get directly involved with this cutting-edge shark research,” says world renowned marine artist and scientist Guy Harvey. “Plus, participants can promote their support and have bragging rights as family, friends and business associates follow their own shark online.”
All participants will receive a custom GSR certificate featuring the name of their shark, limited edition GSR artwork signed by Guy Harvey and publicity to the 750,000+ Guy Harvey social media followers. The sponsor of the winning shark will receive a fishing trip for two at the <a title="Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost" href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/florida/islamorada-fl/islamorada-fl-overview.html">Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost</a>, in Islamorada, FL. Sponsors of tags that last one-year long receive a signed copy of Guy’s Book Fishes of the Open Ocean. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.greatsharkrace.com/">www.GreatSharkRace.com</a>.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aerial-oceanside.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2558" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/aerial-oceanside.jpg" alt="Aerial Oceanside" width="660" height="441" /></a>
For those looking to catch their own shark to tag, <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/expeditions/about-expeditions.html">Guy Harvey Outpost Expeditions</a> is offering the opportunity to fish along-side the GHRI researchers and have a front row seat on the water as their shark is wrangled, tagged and released. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/Expeditions">www.GuyHarveyOutpost.com/Expeditions</a> or 800-513-5257 or reservations@guyharveyoutpost.com
About Guy Harvey Outpost
Guy Harvey Outpost seeks to foster sustainable ecotourism with reciprocal benefits - both for customers and for the residents of these communities living amidst waterfront settings of unique heritage. The brand mission is to inspire guests to travel with friends and family to unique destinations, promote sustainable tourism and the stewardship of resources for the benefit of guests today, and those who follow in the years to come, and to engage guests in environmentally responsible and memorable recreational activities that instill life-long memories and shape individual growth. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">www.GuyHarveyOutpost.com</a>.
About Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
Founded by world renowned marine artist Guy Harvey, the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation funds scientific research and educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. It is the mission of the GHOF to help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a naturally balanced ocean ecosystem where fish, and other marine wildlife, flourish. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.guyharvey.com/ocean-conservation">www.GuyHarvey.com/ocean-conservation</a>.
About Guy Harvey Research Institute
Established in 1999, the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) is a collaboration between the renowned marine artist, scientist and explorer, Dr. Guy Harvey, and Nova Southeastern University's Oceanographic Center. The mission of the GHRI is to provide the scientific information necessary to understand, conserve, and effectively manage the world's marine fishes and their ecosystems. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri">www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri</a>.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Greg Jacoski
<a href="mailto:Greg@GuyHarvey.com">Greg@GuyHarvey.com</a>
(800) 288-1227
For Fishing with Guy Harvey Outpost: <a href="http://www.ghofish.com/" target="_parent">www.ghofish.com</a>
More Information on Guy Harvey Outpost & their great resorts: <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_parent">http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/</a>
For the Guy Harvey Outpost Blog <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com/" target="_parent">www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost" target="_parent">https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/GHOutpost" target="_parent">https://twitter.com/GHOutpost</a>
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/the-guy-harvey-great-shark-race-competitive-conservation/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Florida Bans Killing of Tiger and Hammerhead Sharks&body=<a href="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/shark.jpg"><img title="Tiger shark" src="http://guyharvey.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/shark.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="296" /></a>
Killing Some Sharks in Florida Is Now A Crime
WorldFishingNetwork.com - Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, it will be illegal for anglers to harvest tiger <a href="http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/fishing-101/species/shark-746.aspx">sharks</a> and three species of hammerheads in Florida state waters.
The motion was brought forth by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on Nov. 16 in an effort to further protect these top predators that rely on Florida waters to survive.
"Sometimes the appropriate measures of conservation are the problems we avoid, not the problems we have to fix," said Commissioner Brian Yablonski.
The new measures will also prohibit possession, sale, and exchange of tiger sharks and great, scalloped and smooth hammerhead sharks. These sharks can still be caught, but only if released alive.
FWC's decision comes after more than a year of deliberation. Concerned citizens, shark researchers, and shark anglers expressed their desires to FWCto see increased protections for sharks.
Florida waters offer essential habitat for young sharks, which is important for species such as the slow-to-reproduce tiger shark, which takes about 15 years to reach maturity.
Sharks have been strictly regulated in Florida since 1992, with a one-shark-per-person, two-sharks-per-vessel daily bag limit for all recreational and commercial harvesters and a ban on shark finning. Roughly two-dozen overfished, vulnerable or rare shark species are catch-and-release only in Florida waters.
In addition to the new measures, FWC is also working on an educational campaign highlighting fishing and handling techniques that increase the survival rate of sharks that are caught and released while ensuring the safety of the anglers targeting them.
https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/florida-bans-killing-of-tiger-and-hammerhead-sharks/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Flex Your Funny Bone with Capt. Joe Gonzalez&body=
Miami native Capt. Joe Gonzalez has joined the <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/adventures/fishing.html">Guy Harvey Outpost Outfitter </a>program. Gonzalez is a world class flats guide. Joe is a modest gentleman who with a quick wit and an osprey's eyes. At Guy Harvey Outpost we keep out eyes open for excellent guides.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ray-lombard-016-bonefish.jpg"><img class="wp-image-2511 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ray-lombard-016-bonefish.jpg?w=550" alt="Ray Lombard's grin matches the size of his bonefish with Capt. Joe Gonzalez." width="550" height="367" /></a>Ray Lombard's grin matches the size of his bonefish with Capt. Joe Gonzalez.
With Joe's accomplishments it is easy to see that he is at the top of the game.
* Capt. Joe has tagged over 1500 bonefish. More than any other guide in the world.
* Capt. Joe has won <a href="http://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/">Bonefish Tarpon Trust </a>’s Project Permit twice.
* Capt. Joe served on Bonefish Tarpon Trust's Expert Bonefish Panel at the BTT Symposium.
* Capt. Joe is the second recipient of the Jose Wejebe Professional Guide Award.
Capt. Joe works with the University of Miami’s Bonefish Research team.
Capt. Joe Gonzalez is a regular on the salt water seminar circuit. You will find him sharing his skills and techniques at the <a href="http://www.igfa.org/">IGFA</a>'s Tarpon Tune-up and <a href="http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/">Saltwater Sportman</a> ’s Seminar Series. You can also find Joe on TV on shows like <a href="http://flatsclass.com/">Flats Class TV </a>with CA Richardson, <a href="http://www.bass2billfish.com/">Bass2Bills</a> with Peter Miller and <a href="http://www.sportsmansadventures.com/?q=node/2">Sportsman’s Adventures </a>with Rick Murphy just to mention a few.
Fly and light tackle fishing are Joe’s forte. He focuses his efforts on Biscayne Bay, Flamingo and the Florida Keys. On the Funny Bone you will get shots at Tarpon, Bonefish and even the elusive permit. Add snook, redfish, trout and sharks on light tackle and it is “Game On!” Given Joe's knowledge of his quarry and his involvement with ongoing science projects we encourage you to participate in these programs and to learn a little bit extra while you are out on the water.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tarpon1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2515 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/tarpon1.jpg?w=550" alt="Tarpon1" width="550" height="413" /></a>
Capt. Joe is not just a great fishing guide, he is very sharp. Joe’s straight face belies the tales he tells; so be ready to have your leg pulled. And bring your “A” game if you want a lot of laughs.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/permit_mg_6774-version-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2516" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/permit_mg_6774-version-2.jpg?w=550" alt="Permit_MG_6774 - Version 2" width="550" height="425" /></a>
Weather you are an accomplished angler or need some tips on your technique; you will enjoy your time on the Funny Bone.
Tournaments, holidays and weekends get booked early so please plan ahead. Mid-week charters are easier to book and give you the added advantage of less competition on the water. Capt. Joe is on the Pro-Staff of <a href="http://www.aftco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AFTCO</a>, <a href="http://hellsbayboatworks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hell’s Bay Boatworks</a>, <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Raymarine Electronics</a>, <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Costa Del Mar Sunglasses</a> and <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evinrude Motors</a>.
To book a charter with Joe: <a href="mailto:reservations@guyharveyoutpost.com">reservations@guyharveyoutpost.com</a> or call 800.513.5257
For Fishing with Guy Harvey Outpost: <a href="http://www.ghofish.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.ghofish.com</a>
More Information on Guy Harvey Outpost & their great resorts: <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/</a>
For the Guy Harvey Outpost Blog <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/GHOutpost" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://twitter.com/GHOutpost</a>
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