15,000 Redfish Released in Indian River Lagoon by CCA & Mud Hole
Eugene L. 11.21.22
Mud Hole Custom Tackle has joined in again with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida and Duke Energy Mariculture Center in conservation efforts. To help with local fisheries and ecosystems they have released over 15,000 redfish at the Ramp Road Park. This is all part of the East Coast Redfish Restocking Initiative: “Release the East.” The release of the over 15,000 redfish was the culmination of years of planning and activities. All of it was in an effort to help reestablish and grow the redfish population in the Indian River Lagoon on the east coast of Florida.
“The Indian River is such an important ecosystem to the east coast of Florida, and we are proud to work with CCA Florida to help with its preservation” said Brook Oliva, Mud Hole Custom Tackle President. “It’s been amazing to work with Brian and the whole CCA team over the past two years on this program. From catching the broodstock to today’s release of thousands of redfish, it’s been a rewarding effort for the Mud Hole Custom Tackle team.”
The “Release the East” initiative is an extension of CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Mariculture Center’s successful West Coast redfish restocking program. The goal of these programs is the revitalizing the declining red fish populations on the coasts of Florida. The initial release of 15,000 juvenile fish in the Indian River Lagoon is just the beginning. The goal is to release at least 100,000 redfish throughout the month.
“Partnering with Mud Hole Custom Tackle really helped move the Release the East effort forward, with financial support and hands-on volunteerism,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said. “It was only fitting to have Brook personally release the first group of redfish on Friday. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mud Hole and establishing a thriving redfish population on Florida’s East Coast.”
Beyond the Release the East initiative by CCA Florida, Duke Energy Mariculture, and Mud Hole Custom Tackle, there are other projects as well. Oyster and Clam bed restoration efforts and the CCA Florida Youth Scholarship Program(introduced in 2022), are all in efforts in ensuring the health and preservation of local fisheries for future generations. To see more information about Mud Hole’s participation and role in the Release the East program, go check them out here at: https://mudhole.com/blogs/news/cca-mud-hole-launch-release-east.
