After two decades of dedicated service to Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Tom Davidson is stepping down as Chairman of the international conservation organization. He is succeeded by former BTT President Harold Brewer, who was elected to the position by the Board of Directors on November 15.
Davidson and a small group of like-minded friends first became concerned in the late 1990s that the bonefish population in the Florida Keys was in decline. They pooled resources to initiate early studies focusing on the fishery. Soon after, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust was formed, originally as Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited (BTU), and quickly grew with support from a founding board representing the “who’s who” of saltwater flats fishing.
Today, BTT boasts thousands of members from more than 20 countries, and in partnership with collaborating scientists and partner organizations, conducts research, stewardship, education and advocacy efforts on behalf of bonefish, tarpon and permit across the Southeastern United States and Caribbean Basin.
“For twenty years Tom has been the BTT visionary, leader, tireless advocate, ambassador, generous supporter and steward. He leaves us a legacy that will endure for decades to come,” incoming Chairman Harold Brewer said. “No one replaces Tom, we simply follow in his footsteps. I’m honored and privileged to follow him as chair of BTT. It’s an exciting time for the organization, and Tom has given us the foundation to continue to do great things.”
As part of a multi-year transition plan, Davidson was named Chairman Emeritus. Russ Fisher, longtime BTT Vice Chairman who oversaw science and conservation programs, also stepped down and will be succeeded by Bill Horn from Marathon, Florida. BTT Executive Director Jim McDuffie was named President.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Davidson and Russ Fisher for their longtime service to BTT,” McDuffie said. “Thanks to their early and sustained efforts on behalf of the flats fishery, we have gained new knowledge about the target species and developed the capacities needed to pursue conservation at a new and larger scale.”
