BAHAMAS BONEFISH CONFERENCE
October 4 – 5, 2010
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort
The first Bahamas Bonefish Conference was held October 4–5, 2010, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Hotel. This conference was organized and sponsored by the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance (BFFA, a partnership between the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, The Bahamas National Trust and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust).
Day one of the Conference was open to the public and was organized into four sessions where scientists presented their latest findings (General Bonefish Biology, Catch-and-Release, Movement & Spawning Behavior, Human Influences). During these sessions, anglers, guides, and scientists discussed a variety of issues related to all aspects of bonefish and angling.
The Scientific Program consisted of the following presentations:
General Bonefish Biology: Introduction to topic (David Philipp)
- Genetics, Life History: How many different bonefish species are there?
(Aaron Adams) - Age and Growth: Why are there size differences among population (Chris Haak)
Catch-and Release: Introduction to topic (Jeff Koppleman)
- Hook Retention: What happens to bonefish when the line breaks or is cut?
(Jeff Stein) - Oxygen Depletion: What happens to bonefish when oxygen is poor?
(Aaron Shultz) - Best Handling Practices: What is best way to handle/release bonefish?
(Andy Danylchuk)
Movement & Spawning Behavior: Introduction to topic (Aaron Adams)
- Movement of Bonefish in Eleuthera: Where do bonefish go and why?
(Karen Murchie) - Spawning Migrations/Behavior: When, where, how do bonefish spawn?
(Andy Danylchuk)
Human Influences: Introduction to topic (Andy Danylchuk)
- Potential Effects of Global Climate Change: What does the future hold?
(Aaron Shultz) - Economics of the Fishery: How important is it to the Bahamas?
(Tony Fedler)
To view any of these presentations, click on the title.
The second day of the Conference was facilitated by members of the BFFA and was held exclusively for bonefish guides and lodge owners. Group discussions were held on the potential formation of a Bahamian organization for those who work within the flyfishing industry across The Bahamas. The goal of this organization would be to promote long-term conservation of the flats fishery and the coastal habitats upon which it depends, assist in solving user group conflicts within the industry, serve as an advocate for professional flyfishing guides, and educate the Bahamian people and governmental officials on the importance of the bonefishing industry to the country’s economy and culture. At the end of the day, workshop participants had selected a group of veteran guides, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Marine Resources, and an independent coordinator to serve together as an Interim Steering Committee that would formally define this national organization.
For more information on this conference and the progress of the new organization, contact Dr. David Philipp, Chair, Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance via e-mail at philipp@fishconserve.org or phone at 217-369-2952.
Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance: The goal of this partnership is to build awareness of the need for a comprehensive management plan for flats. This partnership is dedicated to protect the coastal areas of The Bahamas and the fisheries that depend on them. For more information, click here.