This spring, CCA Florida hit a major milestone in its ongoing mission to restore Florida’s redfish population, executing two impactful redfish releases in Biscayne Bay. With the help of dedicated partners, members, and volunteers, CCA Florida released a combined total of 50,100 redfish, reinforcing its commitment to protecting one of the state’s most iconic inshore gamefish.
The first release, in partnership with Duke Energy Florida, saw 50,000 hatchery-raised juvenile redfish, each averaging four inches, introduced into Biscayne Bay—marking the largest redfish release on Florida’s East Coast in over 30 years. This effort is part of the broader “Release the East” initiative, focused on rebuilding redfish populations along Florida’s Atlantic coastline.
“Today’s release marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to restore and protect one of Florida’s most prized inshore species,” said CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski. “Together with Duke Energy and our local Dade and Homestead Chapters, we’re helping ensure a healthy future for this fishery.”
Since launching their partnership in 2018, CCA Florida and Duke Energy have released more than 490,000 redfish across Florida’s coastal waters, reflecting a shared dedication to conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
“Duke Energy remains deeply committed to preserving the environment and improving biodiversity across Florida,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida State President. “Efforts like these benefit everyone who lives, works, and plays near our coastlines.”
In May, CCA Florida expanded its reach by launching the Adopt-A-Redfish Biscayne Bay program, releasing an additional 100 sub-adult, hatchery-reared redfish, each tagged and ranging from 15 to 19 inches in length. The program invites anglers to take part in conservation by reporting catches of tagged fish, helping track their movements and survival.
“Adopt-A-Redfish lets anglers become directly involved in giving back to the resource they love,” Gorski added. “It’s hands-on conservation in action.”
This new chapter follows successful Adopt-A-Redfish rollouts in the Indian River Lagoon (2023) and Tampa Bay (2024), where 100 tagged fish were released in each region.
The Biscayne Bay releases weren’t just about replenishing stock—they were a celebration of community-driven conservation. More than 100 volunteers joined the effort, along with FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto and Captain Rick Murphy, host of Florida Insider Fishing Report and Sportsman’s Adventures.
“This is a shining example of what’s possible when we work together to protect Florida’s natural resources,” said Barreto.
With these two bold releases in Biscayne Bay, CCA Florida and its partners are once again proving that proactive, science-based restoration efforts can preserve the redfish legacy for generations to come.