- How Learning About Fish Morphology Can Make You a Better Angler
Florida is the fishing capital of the world! Our state has the more current IFGA world records than the entire country of Australia and nearly twice the amount of Japan! Annually, recreational fisheries bring the state over $13.8 billion in economic impact supporting over 120,00 jobs. With over 4 million licensed fishermen, it is vital that we all do our part to preserve our resource by being able to properly identify species and adhere to current fisheries regulations. In this presentation attendees will learn about external morphological characteristics to help identify the different species of fish as well as how some of those features can be used to predict the fish’s ecology which greatly helps with angling strategies. By increasing our fish IQ and following some best practices, we can ensure that our grandchildren can participate in one of our state’s best pastimes.
OUR EVENT SPEAKER
Michael is a native of Southwest Florida growing up in Estero and spending most of his youth enjoying the area’s rich natural resources. Michael attended the University of Florida where he obtained a B.S. in Zoology and a minor in Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences. During his undergrad education Michael found is calling in the field of fisheries and worked as a UF biologist conducting research on grouper barotrauma, fisheries effected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the effects of offshore dredging projects in Cape Canaveral. In 2016 he decided to further his education and attend graduate school at the UF Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin FL where he assisted in research to support the fish farmers of Florida. While at the Lab he completed his M.S. in Fisheries & Aquatic Science and thesis on hormonal induction spawning using a novel peptide cGnRH IIa on 4 ornamental fish species. Michael then worked in the aquaculture industry at Pentair Aquatic Ecosystems in Apopka FL where he provided support to many of their international clients. When the position of Collier County Sea Grant Agent became available, he decided to move his family back to the environment he fell in love with and conducts educational programing on sustainable fisheries and environmental literacy & stewardship through the UF/IFAS extension service. On his free time Michael enjoys kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, spearfishing, and maintaining his many aquariums.
MICHAEL SIPOS
UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent, Collier County
