Since 2006, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust has been working with partners in the Bahamas — anglers, guides, lodges and outfitters, other conservation organizations and government agencies — to identify the threats that bonefish populations face and to protect them.
These relationships have been integral to the success that BTT has had in the Bahamas and has allowed us to better understand bonefish behaviour as well as identify juvenile bonefish habitat, spawning migration routes, and pre-spawning aggregation sites. Not only is it crucial to work directly with lodges and guides, it is equally as important to inform them of the findings from our studies and the importance of best handling practices.
BTT’s Bahamas Initiative Coordinator, Justin Lewis, was invited by Liz Bain to the Mangrove Cay Club in Andros to speak to the club’s guides and staff about bonefish ecology, findings from recent bonefish research, and best fish handling practices. From the get go all of those who were listening to the presentation were fully engaged. It took Justin close to two hours to complete his normally 30 minute presentation because there were so many questions being asked and topics discussed throughout. This kind of engagement shows how invested these guides and staff are in the industry. They want to see the industry, the bonefish populations, and their habitats thrive for generations to come.
Justin will be returning to Mangrove Cay early in the New Year to tag and collect genetic samples from bonefish. He will also be giving presentations to the local primary and high school on the island which the guides suggested and are enthusiastic about organizing.
