Recently BTT and our conservation partner Deep Water Cay Lodge (DWC) launched an experimental bonefish tag and recapture rewards program to help draw attention to the Bahamas bonefish tagging program. The program was designed to increase membership by providing anglers and guides at DWC with the opportunity to participate in the gathering of critical scientific data that will in turn be used to keep the nearly $150 million dollar per year Bahamas flats fishery healthy for years to come. In addition to preservation of the Bahamas fishery, the data collected is used to help formulate conservation guidelines in all areas where bonefish are present.
For this program, over one thousand bonefish were tagged in the waters surrounding DWC, with one tag being the “magic tag”. If an angler were to catch the bonefish with the magic tag, they would win the reward of $10,000 and the angler’s guide would win $2,000. This program was made possible by a donor who has an interest in increasing BTT membership and made the donation to cover the costs of this program.
In order to be eligible to win the rewards program, an angler must have been a BTT member, they needed to be staying at Deep Water Cay, and they were to be fishing with a Deep Water Cay guide when the fish was caught. Earlier this year, DWC guest Bailey Sory was the lucky angler that caught the bonefish with the magic tag with guide Michael Taylor. “The work Dr. Aaron Adams, BTT, and DWC are doing with their Rewards Tagging program provides vital data to ensure important habitat areas are protected. Importantly, the Rewards program engages and educates the fisherman shedding light on the need to conduct this valuable research,” said Mr. Sory. He added, “East End Grand Bahama is a diverse fishery and needs to be protected. Thankfully the science and research of BTT, combined with the resources and steadfast commitment of DWC, goes a long way to ensure the ecosystem is in good hands.”
Thanks to all who participated in the program. And although the Rewards program is now over, please report any tagged bonefish that you catch. The data are vital to the future of the fishery.