ELEUTHERA, Bahamas -- A Coastal Conservation Coalition Planning Workshop was held at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, Eleuthera, August 26th and 27th 2010. The coalition consisted of Bonefish guides from the islands of Abaco, Grand Bahama, New Providence, Eleuthera and Andros and scientists from the Fisheries Conservation Foundation and the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.
Many issues that affect the flats-fishing industry were discussed and the guides initiated a proposal to start a Bahamian Flyfishing Federation (BFF) that will support the flyfishing industry by forming a national partnership with all industry stakeholders to promote the conservation of bonefish, tarpon, and permit populations as well as the habitats on which they depend. A Bahamas that is the best fly-fishing destination in the world for current and future generations to enjoy would be the goal of the BFF.
The coalition also planned the agenda for the upcoming Bahamas Bonefish Conference October 4th and 5th, 2010 at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort which is sponsored by the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance. The BFFA is made up of the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Bahamas National Trust and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
Day one is open to the public with presentations about bonefish given by scientists.
Day two will be facilitated by the scientists but is exclusively for Bahamian guides and lodge owners to discuss the conservation needs and concerns of their industry and to initiate the Bahamas Flyfishing Federation.
The coalition also planned the agenda for the upcoming Bahamas Bonefish Conference October 4th and 5th, 2010 at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort which is sponsored by the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance. The BFFA is made up of the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, Bahamas National Trust and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.
Anyone interested in attending will receive a special discounted room rate at the Sheraton and there is no registration fee for the conference. For more information contact the conference organizer, Dr. David Philipp, Fisheries Conservation Foundation at FCC@fishconserve.org.
