Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have established several new restrictions and regulations this year. If you are going to be boating and fishing in Florida in 2012, you should stay informed about the new restrictions and changes. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Floridians will no longer be allowed to capture tiger sharks or scalloped, smooth, or hammerhead sharks.

2. Until March 15, all bass caught in the Rodman Reservoir must be released.

3. People will not be allowed to release more than nine helium balloons in the air, and people will not be allowed to release any helium balloons with ribbons attached the them.

4. After February 1, 2012, anglers will be allowed to begin catching spotted sea trout in Northern Florida again, and the recreational bag limit for spotted sea trout will increase from 5 to 6.

5. Anglers will be allowed to catch spotted sea trout for six months out of the year (the beginning of June to the end of November). This is an increase from the previous three-month time frame.

6. After February 1, 2012, anglers will be able to catch two red drum fish per boating trip in Northeast and Northwest Florida. Those in Southern Florida will be allowed to catch only one red drum fish per boating trip.

Hopefully the rules and regulations that have come into effect this year will not jeopardize the popularity of boating and fishing in Florida. Some Floridians may have trouble justifying an exorbitant boat transport cost if they won’t be able to catch their favorite fish. Other Northern Floridians will likely be very excited about the increased opportunities to catch spotted sea trout.

Logan Baker is a writer for the Blog Content Guild who writes about outdoor topics

Every year, the Holiday on The Harbor Lighted Boat Parade makes me think of a giant Lite Brite, as boats large and small get into the Christmas spirit and parade through Destin’s Historic Harbor. For twenty five years, Destin’s private and charter boats have been making the season bright with this unique and special holiday event.

Kathy Marler Blue, Associate Director of the Destin Fishing and History Museum, tells me there will be at least 24 boats competing in several different categories. When asked about some of her favorite entries, she mentions a Get Up Stand Up Paddle Board which had been decorated like Santa’s sleigh. Eight paddlers braved the cold, dressed as reindeer, and “pulled” the sleigh the length of the parade. During the parade, you’ll be sure to see elaborate light displays. Some lights are choreographed to Christmas music and other boats have famous passengers like Santa, the Grinch, or the Peanuts Gang. All are clearly enjoying their moment in the parade.

Brevard County:

Broward County:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 25, 2011– On Friday the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy released the results of two studies on the effects of using fuel that is 15 percent ethanol in volume (E15) in marine engines.  The studies were conducted on engines provided by two marine engine manufactures; Both are members of National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The long-awaited reports show significant problems with outboard, stern drive and inboard engines.  Results of the reports show severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.