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Mark Rehbein, Development Director for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, joins host Bill Bartee to talk about bonefish & tarpon & the science of their population & their conservation. Both of these fish species live in the fairly shallow, tropical saltwaters of Mexico, Florida, Bahamas, and even the Carolinas.Show Highlights:
- Rehbein shares that Tarpon can migrate from Florida as far as Maryland
- Bonefish declines in Florida helped start the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust in the 1990s,
- Protecting Tarpon & Bonefish help protect on a larger scale, the estuaries & habitat where these fish live.
- Multiple organizations and guides partner with BTT for the cause
- Fishing Dignitaries will be on-hand at a Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Party on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, that includes Shannon Whitworth & Grammy Award winner-Woody Platt
- Captain Jot Owens will be on-hand as well.
- Tickets are available to hear music, have cocktails, & meet other anglers at Quail Hollow Country Club on October 2nd, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Things You’ll Learn by Listening:
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust takes care of specific species that is science-based while Coastal Conservation Association is wider in scope with more species, habitat, & lobbying.
Join the BTT Party on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at the Quail Hollow Country Club. Tickets Available for the Music, Auction Items, Message, Q&A, etc.
The Carolina Outdoors is powered by local outdoor outfitter in Charlotte. Home of great like Tundra 45 YETI, Turtlebox Speakers, & a pair of Duckhead pants from the Charlotte fly shop Jesse Brown’s.
More on the Organization:
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation and enhancement of bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries through science-based efforts. Established in 1998, BTT works to protect and restore critical habitats, foster sustainable fishing practices, and promote the health of these species across their range, particularly in Florida and the broader Caribbean. Their mission is to preserve and improve the quality of flats fishing—one of the most revered and economically valuable forms of sportfishing in coastal ecosystems.
Importance of Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit
Bonefish, tarpon, and permit are considered premier sportfish, especially prized in saltwater fly-fishing. They attract thousands of anglers annually to destinations such as the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Belize, contributing significantly to local economies through eco-tourism and sportfishing industries. However, their populations face growing threats from habitat loss, water quality degradation, overfishing, and climate change.
These fish are not only valuable for sportfishing but also play crucial roles in coastal ecosystems. Bonefish, tarpon, and permit are apex predators in flats environments, and their populations are key indicators of the health of these unique coastal habitats. Protecting them, therefore, helps to safeguard the entire marine ecosystem they inhabit.
Donation from Charlotte Fly Shop: Freshwater Trip
Enjoy a Fly Fishing Trip with BTT
BTT’s Approach to Conservation
BTT’s approach is grounded in science, working with researchers, conservationists, fishing guides, and anglers to gather data and develop actionable strategies for species conservation. Some of the key areas BTT focuses on include:
Scientific Research BTT supports and conducts research on the biology, behavior, and habitats of bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Through tagging programs, genetic studies, and habitat mapping, the organization helps to fill crucial knowledge gaps about these species, particularly their spawning and migratory patterns.
Habitat Restoration Habitat loss is a major threat to flats fisheries. BTT identifies critical habitats for restoration, such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and tidal flats, which are essential for the lifecycle of bonefish, tarpon, and permit. They work closely with local governments, landowners, and environmental organizations to restore these areas and ensure their protection.
Advocacy and Policy BTT advocates for policies that protect coastal ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. They engage with governmental agencies to influence regulations on fishing practices, water management, and habitat conservation. BTT has been a strong voice in efforts to improve water quality in places like Florida’s Everglades and the Keys, where nutrient pollution and habitat degradation threaten fisheries.
Education and Outreach: BTT places a strong emphasis on educating anglers, policymakers, and the public about the importance of conserving bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Their outreach programs include workshops, seminars, and events aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of flats ecosystems and the need for conservation. By raising awareness, they hope to inspire sustainable fishing practices and a broader commitment to protecting coastal habitats.
Achievements and Impact
Over the years, BTT has made significant strides in protecting flats fisheries. Their research has led to the identification of critical spawning areas, and their advocacy has helped shape policies that reduce the impact of overfishing and habitat destruction. For example, they played a pivotal role in the designation of the first Bonefish Protection Area in the Bahamas.
Through partnerships with local and international conservation organizations, BTT’s efforts have also contributed to habitat restoration projects across the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy the vibrant flats ecosystems that support these iconic species.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is at the forefront of conservation efforts for some of the most beloved and economically vital fish species in coastal ecosystems. By blending scientific research with on-the-ground conservation initiatives and policy advocacy, BTT is working to ensure the long-term sustainability of bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries, safeguarding both these species and the livelihoods they support.
