As many know, the Bahamas Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government recently released draft proposed regulations for the bonefish fishery. We praise the Ministry for taking on the challenge of devising a new plan for the economically and culturally important bonefish fishery.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust provided comments that focused on the need for a comprehensive conservation and management plan that incorporated the threats of habitat loss and degradation. Many others in the flats fishing industry also provided comments.
As a follow up to previous position statements, BTT has collaborated with many in the flats fishing world to craft a revised approach to creating a comprehensive conservation and management plan for the Bahamas bonefish fishery. The recommendations are intended as constructive contributions to the ongoing efforts, not as a proposed management plan. All those who have signed on to this document have an interest in the long term health of the fishery, and from many different perspectives – guides, lodge owners, travel outfitters, fishing trade associations, conservation science. It is notable that this diverse group reached a consensus on this document as a focal point for moving forward. The hope is to find a comprehensive conservation plan that includes conservation, education, and enforcement that will ensure a healthy bonefish fishery for the future.
