Florida is home to some of the most incredible fisheries, especially when it comes to saltwater fly fishing. However, these same fish species are also some of the most vulnerable, facing threats from angling and boating pressure, habitat loss, pollution, red-tide, climate change, you name it. That’s why the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is so important for the long-term conservation of our favorite flats species. BTT works to develop cutting-edge science that directly informs conservation-minded, science-based fisheries management decisions to ensure these flats species are around long into the future.
To go right to BTT’s Action Alert to protect a recently discovered bonefish spawning habitat, follow this LINK–or keep reading for more information.
On August 8, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider protecting a portion of Biscayne National Park because of a pre-spawning aggregation of bonefish. Specifically, the rule would close a 1.74 square mile piece of reef near Elliott Key to fishing from November through June to protect these vulnerable bonefish before they spawn and produce the next generation of grey ghosts.
During and around the spawn, bonefish are extremely sensitive to any disturbances.
This looming conservation victory for Florida bonefish is thanks to BTT’s research efforts. Back during the 2022-23 spawning season, BTT tracked 67 bonefish and determined the area in question was a pre-spawning aggregation site in need of immediate protection. However, thanks to additional science, BTT also discovered that more than one-third of bonefish larvae originating from this aggregation return to Biscayne Bay. So the Biscayne bonefish that we protect today will provide for more fish in the future!
“It is encouraging to see that our bonefish population in Florida has recovered to a point now where big spawning aggregations can form,” said Boucek. “It’s our job to make sure that these fish can keep spawning for years to come. We can do this by protecting the habitats that support these aggregations, reducing human stresses from boat traffic and other on-water activities that could disrupt their spawn, and most importantly improving water quality. Harmful contaminants in the water have been shown to affect fish reproduction. We will continue to let science lead the way by determining what actions need to happen to keep bonefish spawning safe and happy.”
This all being said, BTT needs all of us to help encourage FWC to approve this measure to protect this critical bonefish area. Head on over to BTT’s Action Alert to lend your voice in support today!
Cover picture: Ian Wilson
Florida Fish and Wildlife Protects Essential Permit Spawning Habitat
