Sea Grant & Marine Sciences

The Santa Rosa County Extension Service shares helpful information about the ocean, marine life, and the environment.

Gulf Sturgeon

The Gulf Sturgeon is a threatened species that lives in local rivers during the summer. These ancient fish move to saltwater in the winter. They can grow over 8 feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. They lay their eggs in the upper parts of the Escambia, Yellow, and Choctawhatchee Rivers in the spring.

If you hear a loud splash while fishing on these rivers, it may be a Gulf Sturgeon jumping out of the water. You might even see one. Remember, it is illegal to catch or harm a Gulf Sturgeon.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are now nesting on our beaches. To help protect them:

• Keep lights facing the Gulf turned off, covered, or use turtle‑friendly lights.

• If you see a turtle laying eggs, do not disturb her.

• Sea turtles on our beaches are threatened species, and there are fines for touching a nest or bothering a turtle.

Female sea turtles usually return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs.

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins in June. A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, which is a storm that forms over warm ocean water. In the Northern Hemisphere, these storms spin counterclockwise.

Storm types include:

• Tropical Depression: Winds less than 39 mph

• Tropical Storm: Winds 39–73 mph

• Hurricane: Winds 74 mph or higher

It’s important to be prepared. Make an emergency plan that includes:

• Where you will go if you need to leave

• The route you will take

• When you will leave

• What supplies you will bring

Start building an emergency kit now.

Go Fishing

Fishing is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Here are some good places to fish from shore:

Freshwater:

• Bear Lake

• Hurricane Lake

• Karick Lake

• Public access areas along the Blackwater, Escambia, and Yellow Rivers

Saltwater:

• Navarre Beach Fishing Pier

• Shoreline Park

• Fort Pickens Fishing Pier

• Pensacola Beach Pier

• Okaloosa Island Pier

• Pensacola Bay fishing bridge

• Public access spots along the Gulf and local bays and bayous