Yesterday was the first part of an interview I had with Dr. Adams of the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. Here is the second part of the interview.
8. I read a little about the Abaco roundup. What do we now know about bonefish migratory patterns?
This was a great event with participation from guides, lodges, anglers, and numerous sponsors. The roundup was a tagging program for bonefish. One of the goals was to figure out how much of an area you need to protect to ensure bonefish have suitable habitat for reproducing.
Most bonefish are caught within a few miles of where they are tagged. But sonic tagging, to figure out where they spawn, show that they will migrate a pretty long distance to spawn. In Andros, bonefish will travel 47 miles to spawn and in Abaco they went from the Marls to the south end which is over 30 miles. This means you have to make sure someone isn’t waiting with a gill net in between where they will catch the fish. The Bahamian guides have used the research to really step-up to put an end to illegal fishing.
9. As an angler, what's the most important thing I can do to make sure my daughter and son can catch a grand slam when they are older?
First, join BTT, there is no other group in the world working on the conservation of these species. Make sure your fisheries management agencies and your elected officials know how important these fisheries are. Do the same thing in other countries. Let fisheries and department of tourism know that killing fish will deplete the resources and that you are there to fish. Chico Fernandez said, "There was once a time where we could go fishing and go home and forget it about. Now we have to be involved."
Finally, take part in the research programs like Project Permit and the Abaco Roundup.
10. I just read an article in today’s Washington Post about dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay. The same issue in the bay is happening in the Gulf of Mexico due to runoff on the Mississippi. Is this a big problem for the fish of the flats?
The Gulf does have an impact, but the Everglades are really having a major impact. The changing of freshwater patterns can effect ecology of the flats and the water quality in the Everglades has a direct correlation with the water quality of the flats
11. Care to talk about Buccaneers and Bones or Pirates of the Flats? Any funny stories to share and can we get Flip Pallot on the series next time?
On Pirates, you will notice you never heard any jokes from Lefty because he doesn’t have a clean punch line. Flip might be on next seasons show. He was in some footage but there is literally 100 of hours of tape. In November, trailers for next season will start running running.
12. When does the next season start, I follow you on twitter and it looks like you were just filming at Deep Water Cay?
Buccaneers and Bones will start next January on The Outdoor Channel.
13. What's your favorite fish to fish for?
Probably tarpon, but it’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is.
14. Why did BTT change it's name from bonefish and tarpon unlimited?
A trust is more encompassing. BTT is trying to identify information and threats, and to fund research. We then take this information and apply it to conservation efforts and to try and impact local, state, federal and even international law.
A big Thank You to Dr. Adams for taking the time to talk with me about Project Permit and Bonefish and Tarpon conservation. I strongly encourage you to join BTT and start making a difference today.
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