TEN YEARS OF CUTTING EDGE FISHERIES SCIENCE

The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at HRI was founded more than a decade ago with a simple philosophy of working to provide data-supported science-based information about the Gulf of Mexico’s multi-billion-dollar recreational fishing industry.

But it’s grown into more than just a hub of innovation and science within HRI — it’s become a cornerstone of the fishing community, a reliable partner for anglers and a beacon for sustainable fishing practices. It is also the first research center in the western Gulf of Mexico dedicated to providing key scientific information.

The Sportfish Center has built a significant level of confidence with Gulf stakeholders, natural resource managers, and the broader public. Through collaborative research and public engagement, the Sportfish Center is a trusted leader in the effort to protect and sustain the Gulf’s vibrant fisheries.

Projects such as the Great Red Snapper Count and research on the value of Rigs to Reefs as fisheries habitat have provided critical information for managers of the Gulf reef fish. Sportfish Center scientists have appeared on Discovery’s yearly Shark Week series, and through its work with citizen scientists, have tagged more than 13,000 sharks. Shark tagging can provide researchers with life histories, population sizes, movement, and migratory patterns.

The Sportfish Center’s angler engagement program, Science That Keeps You Hooked, and initiatives such as ReleaSense, have provided anglers with best catch and release practices to improve post-release survival and increase their role as leaders in fisheries conservation.

The key tenets that have defined the Sportfish Center through its first decade will again be part of its future, while also addressing emerging issues and new avenues of research to keep the next generation fishing.

Learn more at SportfishCenter.org