Quick Links

REPORT A 
FISH KILL / SALT WATER ALGAE BLOOM

• Fish Kill toll-free hotline: 1-800-636-0511

• FWC Reporter app
  (Apple, Android)

• FWC online form

• What to report

  • Location of fish kill/ algae bloom (GPS coordinates are ideal or nearest street

  • address/ landmark).

  • Number of fish and species, if you can identify them. Detailed observation such

  • as water color, odor, etc.

  • Your phone number or e-mail address so they reach you if they need more

  • information.

  • Evidence and location of red tide.

REPORT A 
WASTEWATER SPILL OR INCIDENT

• FDEP State Watch Office toll-free hotline: 1-800-320-0519

• Sanitary Sewer Spill or Overflow Incident online form

REPORT A 
MANATEE
(sick, injured, dead, tagged, orphaned, or distressed)

• Call: 888-404-FWCC (3922)​

• What to report

  • Is the manatee alive or dead

  • When did you see the manatee?

  • Exact location

  • How long have you observed the manatee?

  • Approximate size

  • Location of the nearest public boat ramp

  • Is there a “tag” near its tail

  • Your contact number for further information (optional)

  • Additionally, take and share photos or videos. This will help FWC determine
    what is wrong with the animal and identify it in case it leaves the area.

REPORT A 
TAGGED FISH

• Tagged Fish hotline: 1-800-367-4491

• Email: TagReturn@MyFWC.com

• Submit capture report online form

• What to report

  • Tag number

  • Fish length

  • Specific catch location

  • Any unusual circumstances regarding the catch

• Notes

  • When releasing a tagged fish do NOT remove the tag

  • When releasing a largemouth bass for cash reward in Florida, cut the tag close to
    the body wall and return the tag to FWC.

  • If the fish is harvested, return the tag to Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Fisheries Dependent Monitoring,
    100 8th Avenue SE,
    St. Petersburg, FL 33701

  • Observe current Saltwater Recreational Regulations

REPORT  
MACROALGAE

• TBEP online form

• What to report

  • Date, Time, and Location

  • Size of bloom and it’s depth/location in the water column

  • Type of Macro Algae, use the Marine Flora of Tampa Bay Guide to identify the type

  • If seagrass is visible below the bloom
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
     

REPORT 
OIL & HAZARDOUS WASTE SPILL /
ILLEGAL VESSEL SEWAGE DISCHARGE

• Report if a spill is occurring directly into the bay or ocean

• National Response Center hotline: 1-800-424-8802 or
  EPA Region 4 (FL) hotline 1-800-241-1754

• Report Environmental Violations online form

REPORT A 
TURTLE
(sick, injured, or dead)

• Call: 888-404-FWCC (3922)​

• What to report

  • Is the turtle alive or dead

  • Exact location

  • Approximate size

  • Location of closest public access point

  • Is the turtle marked with spray paint? (This may indicate it’s been documented before)
    
     

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REPORT A 
RIGHT WHALE SIGHTING

• Federal regulations prohibit approaching right whales within 500 yards (1500 feet)

• Report a Right Whale to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• Call: 1-877-942-5343

• VHF Marine Radio:
  U.S. Coast Guard Ch. 16

• What to report

  • Your name and contact

  • Date and time of sighting

  • Location (yours at the time of the sighting and the whale’s)

  • Number of whales

  • Any behavior observed

  • Are you sure it was a right whale

  • Any other relevant details
    
    
    
    
    
    
     

REPORT A  
FRESH WATER
ALGAE BLOOM

• Fresh Water Algae toll-free hotline: 1-855-305-3903

• DEP online form
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   

REPORT  
WILDLIFE LAW VIOLATIONS

• If you suspect a fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation call FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program: 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

REPORT A 
SAWFISH SIGHTING

• Call: 844-4SawFish (844-472-9347)

• Email: Sawfish@MyFWC.com

• What to report

  • Date and time of the sighting/encounter

  • Location

  • Estimated length of each sawfish

  • Water depth

  • Any other relevant details

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REPORT A 
MANTA RAY
SIGHTING

• Call NOAA Fisheries: +1-727-824-5312

• Email at: manta.ray@noaa.gov

• VHF Marine Radio:
  U.S. Coast Guard Ch. 16

• What to report

  • Your name and contact

  • Date and time of sighting

  • Location (yours at the time of the sighting and the whale’s)

  • Number of rays

  •