Coastal Conservation Association Florida And the Duke Energy Mariculture Center Release 50,000 Redfish In Biscayne Bay
The partners released in-phase redfish along Florida’s East Coast and continue its “Release the East” initiative
Miami, Fla. – March 5, 2025 – Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida), the state’s leading organization dedicated to marine fisheries conservation, education and advocacy, joined the Duke Energy Mariculture Center to continue its redfish restocking initiative, “Release the East,” and released 50,000 in-phase, hatchery-reared, juvenile redfish (averaging 4 inches in length) in the waters of Biscayne Bay in an effort to combat the decreasing population along Florida’s East Coast.
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 its partners have taken a proactive approach to habitat restoration, water quality initiatives, fisheries management and restocking efforts for one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore fish, the redfish.
“Today’s release marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to restore and protect one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore species,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “In collaboration with Duke Energy and CCA Florida’s Dade and Homestead Chapters, releasing 50,000 redfish in Biscayne Bay will help replenish this iconic fishery for today and future generations.”
The latest restocking efforts for the nonprofit-corporate partnership are part of a multifunctional and multiyear strategy to rebuild and maintain game fish stocks. Since 2018, CCA Florida and Duke Energy have released more than 400,000 redfish along Florida’s coasts to help provide abundant recreational fishing opportunities.
“Duke Energy remains committed to conserving and improving the water quality, biodiversity and the overall environment across the state where Floridians live, work, and play,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Thank you to the dedicated staff and members of CCA Florida for working alongside Duke Energy’s Crystal River Mariculture Center for the last five years to ensure the ‘Release the East’ campaign became the success we celebrate today.”
The release was held at Matheson Hammock Park. Together, the partners released 50,000 redfish from the CCA Florida Duke Energy Mariculture Center. Nearly 100 volunteers, FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto and Captain Rick Murphy, host of Florida Insider Fishing Report and Sportsman’s Adventures, attended and support the effort.
“Conserving the redfish population is a shared goal. The collaborative redfish restocking efforts between FWC, CCA Florida, and Duke Energy are already showing promising results, ensuring abundant recreational fishing opportunities for future generations,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “This is a testament to the power of collective action in preserving our natural resources.”