50,000 Redfish Released in Biscayne Bay to Boost Declining Population

CCA Florida and Duke Energy released 50,000 juvenile redfish into Biscayne Bay on March 5, 2025, as part of the “Release the East” initiative to combat the declining redfish population and promote sustainable fishing along Florida’s East Coast. Credit: FWC

Miami, Fla. – In a  step toward revitalizing Florida’s marine ecosystems, Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA Florida) partnered with the Duke Energy Mariculture Center to release 50,000 juvenile redfish into Biscayne Bay as part of the ongoing “Release the East” initiative. The event, held at Matheson Hammock Park, aimed to combat the declining redfish population along Florida’s East Coast, a species prized by anglers and vital to the region’s inshore fisheries.

The release featured hatchery-reared redfish, averaging 4 inches in length, carefully raised to thrive in their natural habitat. CCA Florida, the state’s leading advocate for marine fisheries conservation, education, and advocacy, has been working tirelessly with its partners to address the sharp decline in redfish numbers, driven by worsening water quality and habitat loss in recent years.

“Today’s release marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to restore and protect one of Florida’s most sought-after inshore species,” said Brian Gorski, CCA Florida’s Executive Director. “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.”

This latest effort builds on a multiyear partnership between CCA Florida and Duke Energy, which has seen over 400,000 redfish released along Florida’s coasts since 2018. The initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes habitat restoration, water quality improvements, and fisheries management to ensure sustainable game fish populations.

The release drew nearly 100 volunteers, including Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Rodney Barreto and Captain Rick Murphy, host of Florida Insider Fishing Report and Sportsman’s Adventures.

“Conserving the redfish population is a shared goal,” said FWC Chairman Barreto. “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. This is a testament to the power of collective action in preserving our natural resources.”