Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited
Strong Beginnings
Right from the start it was obvious that the angling industry in the USA was strongly supportive of the work and aims of 'Tarbone' as the organisation is often called for short. With a list of charter members including names such as Stu Apte, Billy Pate, Chico Fernandez, Lefty Kreh, Mark Sosin and "Stormin" Norman Schwarzkopf to name but a few, the idea of safeguarding these most precious and sought after of species by research and education galvanized the industry and its pioneers like never before. Today BTU is composed of many different interests and entities. Members consist of successful business people, world-renowned flats fishermen, representatives of the tackle and marine industries, conservationists, outdoor writers and TV hosts, and celebrities. Most important, however, are the everyday avid anglers that form the core of BTU’s membership and support.
The Work
It may seem obvious, but a species can’t be conserved or managed if little is known about the species’ biology and ecology. As scary as it may seem to avid anglers who pursue Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit, we do not know enough about these species to ensure their long-term health. The BTU research program is based on an assessment of what is known about Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit, the most likely threats to these species, and the research priorities that will address the most important needs.
We have learned a great deal in recent years about these species, but still have a long way to go. For example, we know that tarpon spawn during summer months (e.g., May – July in Florida), but we do not yet know where they spawn. Similarly for bonefish, their spawning locations remain a mystery. To what extent are bonefish in the Bahamas related to Bonefish in Cuba, or even Belize? We know that Tarpon are capable of long distance migrations, but what portion of the Tarpon population stays in a relatively small area and what portion migrates long distances?
The knowledge gained from further study could eventually reach the point where we know enough about their complex early life to someday actually produce and raise them in hatcheries.
What is needed?
As a direct result of anglers support, the BTU programs have attracted the attention and support of the scientific communities and government agencies interested in the future of bonefish, tarpon, and permit. The amount of research conducted on these species has grown significantly in recent years. BTU wants to build on this success and move forward.
BTU now supports research ongoing at University of Miami (Florida), Mote Marine Lab (Florida), Florida Institute of Technology, Cape Eleuthera Institute (Bahamas), Carleton University (Canada), and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The results of this research are shared with state and federal agencies for incorporation into management and conservation plans.
Despite this success, we still have a ways to go before we know enough for solid conservation and management. To do this we need a sustainable supply of money for research. A handful of money today and nothing tomorrow will not allow us to attract the commitment of the best and the brightest to embrace this cause and pursue it in a logical and sustained scientific way. BTU is in this for the long-term.
How can you help?
With your help, BTU will continue to make a significant difference in conservation efforts for bonefish and tarpon.
Click to download a PDF file of the BTU brochure, which includes a membership form. This requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don’t yet have Adobe Acrobat Reader, click for a free download.
Click to join online with a secure credit card transaction, and join at one of the membership levels listed and add your support to this worthy organisation.
If you represent a lodge, foundation, or corporation, please contact Aaron Adams, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Research, to learn more about joining the Strategic Alliance Program by becoming a Corporate Sponsor, Strategic Partner, Research Partner, or Foundation Partner or more about the membership opportunities available. (E-mail: aadams@mote.org, Phone: +1-239-283-1622, Fax: +1-239-283-2466).
Please visit the Tarbone website to view full details of all the programs and research currently underway.