Bahamas Bonefishing Conference

 Over the past fifteen years, bonefishing studies have been conducted throughout several islands of the Bahamas. This year, a team of scientists, lodge owners, and bone fishing guides, convened on Grand Bahama Island at the Pelican Bay Hotel from Monday, August 28th- Tuesday, August 29th to further discuss the future of bonefishing in The Bahamas.

The conference, which was presented by the Fisheries Conservation Foundation, highlighted the studies which are being conducted by scientists and students throughout the Bahamas, and allowed an open forum for those in the industry to discuss how the information learned can be implemented in the field on a daily basis.

Though the conference has been held every two years on other islands in the Bahamas, this year's conference was the first to be held on Grand Bahama Island.

Jason Frankiln, H2O Bonefishing, said that "For us [having a conference like this] is very important, we've worked for the last 10-12 years with Dave and with the Fisheries Conservation Foundation to really understand more about what the fish here do. It helps us protect them, protect the north side of the island, and find out more so that we can protect the fish that we have".

With sessions on research, conservation, industry issues, career opportunities and education, participants were able to accurately asses where the industry is and where it is headed.

Dr. David Phillip, Chairman, Fisheries Conservation Foundation, said that "We wanted to come together with these guides and build the critical near time partnerships we're going to need to work with everyone".

Karenda Swain, Assitant Manager, Training and Education, MOTA, said that "This conference allowed us to have a better understanding of the sustainability necessary for the bonefishing industry and [the] ways in which we could impact our young people and educate them on the various practices when we're bonefishing. [We can also] find ways in which we can have this industry continue to grow.

Swain added that "I saw it important for the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation to be a part of this conference as it is our intent to always lend our support, particularly when it comes to the young people of our nation".

Enthused by the turnout of the participants, there is hope that the upcoming conference will be on an international scale where scientists, guides, and those interested in the industry and fostering a partnership with the respective organizations from around the world could be involved.

This year's Bahamas Bonefishing Conference was hosted by H2O Bonefishing, Grand Bahama and North Riding Point Club, Grand Bahama.

Additional partners included: the Bahamas National Trust, Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association, Rainbow Inn, Eleuthera, Cape Eleuthera Institute, American Fisheries Society, and the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.