At a glance

Freshwater fisheries research began in 1946 when the then Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission hired the states first formally trained fisheries biologist. Early research efforts focused on resolving conflicts between commercial and recreational fishing interests, evaluating regulations and assessing the effectiveness of stocking fingerling largemouth bass. Marine research entity established as a small research outpost in 1955, with two staff members studying Florida red tide. Wildlife research began in the 1940s when federal funding from the Pitman-Robertson Act facilitated the state hiring additional biologists to work on wildlife restoration projects and establish wildlife management areas. Wildlife research entity developed in 1964 with the combination of wildlife and waterfowl research into a single research facility. In 2004, the Florida Legislature approved an agency-wide reorganization of the FWC that integrated parts of the Division of Wildlife, Division of Freshwater Fisheries and the Florida Marine Research Institute to create the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. More than half of FWRIs 600-plus staff members work at the downtown St. Petersburg headquarters. The other employees operate out of field laboratories and offices at key inland and coastal locations throughout the state. Current annual operating budget of nearly $50 million supports approximately 300 research projects. External grants provide more than one-third of FWRIs funding.

Mission statement
Through effective research and technical knowledge, we provide timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage Floridas fish and wildlife resources.

For more information

Visit us online at MyFWC.com/Research Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FWCResearch Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/MyFWC and Twitter.com/MyFWClife View images of our research on Flickr at Flickr.com/MyFWC Read and download our brochures on Scribd at Scribd.com/MyFWC
On the Cover Coral population data is collected as part of a long-term monitoring effort to assess the health and status of coral populations over time.

Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

FISH AND WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

(t) 727-896-8626 | (f) 727-823-0166
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. This agency does not allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility of this agency, write to: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Office of Human Resources, 620 S Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Phone: 850-488-6411 or to: Civil rights Coordinator for Public Access, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: WSFR-4020, Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703-358-2558. 5/2013

100 Eighth Avenue SE St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020

Right: A field survey evaluates the accuracy of aerial photography-based maps, used to evaluate fish and wildlife habitat in lakes. Below: (top) A male Florida panther receives a radio-tracking collar, which allows researchers to monitor panther population demographics. (bottom) Juvenile oysters are tagged as part of a study to monitor oyster growth and survival at natural reefs in the St. Lucie estuary.

As a division of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) conducts collaborative research and monitoring to provide timely information and guidance to protect, conserve and manage Floridas fish and wildlife resources. FWRI integrates its research with management efforts of other FWC divisions. FWRI provides science-based assessments and decision support to the Commission and others responsible for managing or regulating activities that depend on Floridas unique and diverse natural resources. In addition to the FWC, federal, state and local governments; universities; recreational and commercial fishing interests; recreational hunting and boating interests; nongovernmental organizations and the public use the results of FWRIs research. Many of these entities also collaborate on FWRI research projects.

Current areas of research include:

Monitoring and providing information on the status of terrestrial, aquatic and coastal habitats; freshwater and marine fisheries; harvested species; imperiled species; and important plant and animal communities in Florida. Determining cause-of-death for manatees, bears, panthers, sea turtles and other animals, and screening for wildlife diseases such as avian influenza and chronic wasting disease. Developing and implementing restoration techniques that enhance terrestrial, freshwater and coastal habitats and wildlife communities. Responding to and providing technical support for catastrophes, including oil spills, ship groundings, die-offs, major chemical spills and natural disasters. Identifying and monitoring red tides and other harmful algal blooms, providing technical support and advisories.

Generating quality science in support of wise resource management for more than 50 years.