Costa Sunglasses has renewed its Platinum Sponsorship of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust in support of Project Permit, a more than decade-long research initiative that has greatly advanced permit conservation in the Florida Keys in close collaboration with the guide community.
“When you love something, you want to protect it. That was the motivation behind Costa’s partnership with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust for Project Permit more than 10 years ago, and it’s the same reason we continue our legacy partnership today,” said Jed Larkin, Brand Director for Costa Sunglasses. “The findings from this project have been remarkable, and seeing those play a role in effective management to protect this iconic permit fishery is something we’re really proud of.”
Results from Project Permit, a dart- and acoustic-tagging program, informed the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s 2018 expansion of the Special Permit Zone (SPZ) spawning season closure to include the month of April. Project Permit research also identified Western Dry Rocks as the most important spawning site for flats permit in the Lower Keys, and project data informed FWC’s 2021 decision to establish a no-fishing closure at the site to protect vulnerable permit and other species during their spawning season.
To ensure that FWC has sufficient data for evaluating the effectiveness of the closure, BTT launched in 2022 a monitoring program at WDR and three other critical permit spawning sites in the Lower Florida Keys. The three-year project utilizes acoustic telemetry, sonar technology and laser-mount underwater cameras to monitor permit spawning behaviors and estimate permit size and abundance. BTT and Costa’s celebrated short film, A Pathway for Permit, recaps the history and accomplishments of Project Permit. The project is also featured in Costa’s 2023 Protect Report.
“We thank Costa for its continued partnership and support of Project Permit,” said BTT President and CEO Jim McDuffie. “This study has expanded our knowledge of permit movement and habitat uses and made a lasting impact on permit conservation in Florida waters. We look forward to continuing to work with Costa and the Keys guide community to ensure effective management of this iconic permit fishery.”
About Costa Sunglasses
As the first manufacturer of color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lenses, Costa combines superior lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability. Costa has made the highest quality, best-performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983, and now its product portfolio includes optical frames. Costa’s growing cult-brand status ties directly to its purpose to provide high-quality products with a focus on sustainability and conservation as the company works hard to protect the waters it calls home. From the use of sustainable and water-friendly materials to its Kick Plastic® initiative, #OneCoast efforts and meaningful partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram at @CostaSunglasses.
