It looks like there’s some good news coming out of the Florida Keys: the mysterious "spinning fish" phenomenon seems to be on the decline this winter. This strange behavior, where fish lose balance and swim erratically, had been affecting over 80 species, including the endangered smalltooth sawfish. While the reports are fewer this year, scientists and researchers are still deep into figuring out the cause, and a big research push is underway with a hefty $1.75 million in funding.

With over .85 million in grants from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the NCCP is tackling priority restoration projects that will open up more habitat, improve fish passage, and boost struggling salmon populations. That’s great news for the fish, but it’s also a win for the community—this work supports at least 75 local jobs, from foresters to construction crews, proving that conservation isn’t just about fish; it’s about people, too.

The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is set to induct two legends of the flats fishing world into its Circle of Honor on April 10, 2025, at the 12th Annual Florida Keys Dinner at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida. Captain Tim Carlile, a Florida Keys guiding icon, and Dr. Roy Crabtree, a leading fisheries scientist, will be recognized for their immense contributions to conservation and the sport of fly fishing.

In a significant move on January 7, 2025, Washington state officially banned open net pen aquaculture in its waters, joining California and Alaska in protecting marine ecosystems. Open net pens, a controversial method of farming fish like Atlantic salmon, have been linked to a range of environmental issues, including fish escapes, habitat destruction, and the spread of disease. One infamous incident in 2017 saw 250,000 salmon escape from a collapsed net, highlighting the risks of this industry.

Big news for anglers and conservationists alike—Trout Unlimited (TU) and partners have landed over 7 million in federal funding for conservation efforts across the Upper Colorado River Basin. This funding, part of a 8.3 million dollar  initiative from the Bureau of Reclamation, will support crucial river projects in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming.

Fall in Idaho and Montana marks a key time for migratory bull trout as they make their way through mountain lakes, rivers, and streams in search of cold, clean water to spawn. This iconic species is at the heart of conservation efforts, with agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) working hard to protect them for future generations.

In late 2020, New York state halted stocking on Mongaup Creek, officially designating it as wild trout water. This was a key step in boosting the health of the creek's fishery, which already boasted a thriving population of wild brook trout. The latest restoration project, which involved the removal of a dam near the creek’s entry to Willowemoc Creek, has taken things even further. This dam removal opens up over 15 miles of prime trout habitat, significantly enhancing the wild fishery.

Research from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has shown that young tarpon and snook take advantage of storm surges to reach remote, semi-landlocked ponds. These ponds offer protection from larger predators like sharks and adult snook, allowing these juveniles to grow in a safer environment. Due to their ability to survive in low-oxygen waters, they are well-equipped to flourish until the next storm surge, when they can move to new habitats.