fishing

The country finds itself entangled in the net of a geopolitical face-off between the United States and Venezuela. Only about seven miles separate Trinidad and Venezuela at their closest point. Dozens of fishermen worry that their boat could be mistaken for a drug-smuggling vessel.

Residents say drug trafficking and fishing are common, but the strike has halted local spending. Fishermen claim they don't transport drugs but understand why some do, as fishing alone leads to poverty.

Fisheries scientist Holden Harris reflects on being fired from NOAA and what the loss of public science means for our oceans, our climate, and our future.

The decision to approve the "demonstration project" is expected to be challenged by a coalition of environmental groups.

Gov. Ron DeSantis rejected the plan for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that took 13 years to hammer out.

A federal appeals court rejected a constitutional challenge by a Monroe County commercial fisherman to Florida rules about pompano fishing in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida voters approved 2 of four ballot measures proposed by the Legislature, putting hunting and fishing rights in the state Constitution and making a property-tax change. But proposals backed by Republican lawmakers to hold partisan school-board elections and end public financing of political campaigns fell short.

Supporters of the measure have raised significantly more money than opponents, and political experts think the proposal likely will receive the required support of 60 percent of voters to pass.

Marine biologists looking at the shrinking mahi population in Florida, and its apparent movement away from the tropics, believe climate change may be taking a toll on Florida's most popular fish. As they try to untangle what warming seas could mean for deep water sea life, they brought WLRN and WWNO along.

People who fish in Florida and in federal waters are required to have special gear on board to help ensure groupers, snappers and other reef fish survive when they're returned to the water.

In the coastal towns of Choroni and Chuao, women have started fishing, or in some cases, launching new careers after losing jobs during Venezuela's economic crisis.

Steve Friedman said he "needed a life change.” A passion for environmental activism led him to the water.