Bahamas Bonefishing Article from The Tribune

Here's a great article from The Tribune which I'm assuming is the prominent newspaper of the Bahamas and it's based in Nassau.

The story provides some promising news and hope for a country to realize an invaluable resource. It seems that Bahamians understand the value of recreational fishing to the country. I found it interesting that the two islands benefitting the most from bonefishing are Andros and Abaco. I would have guessed Andros, but not sure that I would have thought Abaco number two. At any rate, it's great that the country is understanding the value of their AMAZING fishery.

Another interesting exercise is to take a few minutes to read through the paper. Something about it just feels like life is a bit simpler. As my loyal readers know, I post a lot of articles from the NY Times and the Washington Post. Both newspapers deliver a lot of news, but there is something refreshing about reading through this paper.

Maybe it makes me feel like I'm in the Bahamas :)

Flats fishing industry can be viable economic engine for the Bahamas

THE Bahamas' flats fishing industry has an economic impact of nearly $141 million annually, according to a recent study by the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance. The study found that although fishing-related tourism was down by 11.6 per cent from 2007 due to the global recession, the flats fishing industry - including bonefish, tarpon and permit - continues to provide considerable economic value.

The results of this study, entitled "The Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in The Bahamas", show that with responsible conservation and management, this fishing industry can continue to be an economic engine for the Bahamas, especially the Family Islands.

According to the study, expenditures by anglers were not just for guides and accommodations, but also for meals, transportation and other goods and services that benefitted the economy. Anglers spent approximately 27 per cent more than general visitors per visit, and 17 per cent more per visitor night, further emphasising the importance of recreational flats anglers to the country's economy, the study said.

The islands with the greatest economic benefit from flats fishing were Andros and Abaco, but all islands benefitted from flats anglers and direct expenditures on the Family Islands ranged from $3 million to more than $18 million. This study said that this fishery and its associated economy can be maintained through good conservation of coastal habitats, water quality, and protection of the fish populations.
The Bahamas Flats Alliance is a partnership of the Bahamas National Trust, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation.

The Alliance said it commissioned the study as an important first step in demonstrating to local communities and resource management agencies the need to protect these vital resources.