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Coastal Conservation Association Florida and Duke Energy Continue Redfish Restocking Efforts in Citrus County

The Nonprofit-corporate partnership will release an additional 20,000 redfish along Florida’s West Coast

Orlando, Fla. – Dec. 16, 2021 – Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education, and advocacy, will join Duke Energy to continue addressing the loss of the redfish population along Florida’s West Coast by releasing 20,000 (4 to 8 inch), hatchery-reared juvenile redfish in Crystal River.  

“Every redfish released brings us another step closer to repopulating one of Florida’s most iconic fisheries,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “We’re honored to continue our restocking initiative with Duke Energy, as together, we remain committed to revitalizing the redfish population, and in turn, supporting anglers and residents impacted by the effects of redtide. 

In recent years, the redfish population has drastically declined as a result of water quality issues and loss of habitat. To counteract these effects, CCA Florida and Duke Energy have taken a proactive approach to habitat restoration, focusing on restocking efforts for one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore fish, the redfish. 

“The Duke Energy Mariculture Center delivers on the Company’s commitment to help protect and preserve Florida’s natural resources,” said Duke Energy Florida President Melissa Seixas. “We have a responsibility to restore our environment for future generations, and in partnership with CCA Florida, our efforts are part of the solution.”

This latest release is part of a multifunctional and multiyear strategy to rebuild and maintain game fish stocks. By year end, CCA Florida and Duke Energy will have released more than 100,000 redfish and spotted seatrout along Florida’s West Coast to help provide abundant recreational fishing opportunities.

“Citrus County is proud to partner with Duke Energy and CCA Florida for this redfish release event,” Director of Tourism for Citrus County John Pricher said. “To watch 20,000 redfish entering the fishery is an amazing sight. Angling continues to be an activity that residents and visitors alike are drawn to. The efforts of these organizations should be commended.”

A redfish release will be held on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Ft. Island Trail Beach, located at 16000 W. Ft. Island Trail in Crystal River. Together, the partners will release 20,000 redfish from the Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Citrus County. Volunteers are encouraged to participate.

Contact: Mary Hillyer Peelen Walther| 407.617.0604 | mhpwalther@ccaflorida.org   

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About CCA Florida

The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.

About Duke Energy 

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states, including Florida.

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