8 minute read
Inspiring the Next Generation
BTT’s redesigned Bahamas Education Program expands to reach students nationwide.
BY PACO NUNEZ
Launched 15 years ago to educate anglers and guides in best handling practices to increase bonefish survival, the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s Bahamas Education Program expanded into local classrooms in 2017, with BTT working in collaboration with Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to develop a flats ecosystem curriculum for Bahamian students.
In 2023, this unique program, to date the only marine-based educational program in the country solely focused on bonefish and flats ecology conservation, underwent an expansion that saw it reach 1,827 students across The Bahamas—more than seven times the number of the previous year, making it a true countrywide education initiative.
Originally designed for students 10 to 17 years old, the curriculum continues to highlight the cultural, economic and historical significance of the bonefish fishery, the importance of healthy habitats and conservation, and best catch-and-release practices. It also includes field research and projects to further engage students and deepen their appreciation for the environment.
“Last year, we standardized the model, creating a formal series of presentations that are effective across all ages and stakeholder groups, from young children to adults, from school groups to bonefish guides,” said Nina Sanchez, BTT Bahamas Initiative Coordinator. “The new education outreach materials are applicable to everyone, allowing us to greatly expand our reach and raise awareness across The Bahamas.”
Topics covered include: bonefish biology and ecology, spawning and lifecycles of bonefish, and the role of the species within the larger ecosystem.
“The next part that we focus on is restoration processes, the active mangrove restoration that’s going on in East Grand Bahama and Abaco where BTT is partnering with local conservation groups,” Sanchez said, herself a native of Grand Bahama Island. “As a habitat focused non-profit, we talk about restoration as a last resort. The best course of action is always to conserve and protect habitats as a preventative measure; restoration can be very expensive and difficult. Therefore it should only be considered as the final option.”
Arguably, the most impactful areas of the curriculum are the cultural, historical and economic importance of bonefish. The species is iconic in The Bahamas, appearing on the Bahamian ten-cent coin. Historically, communities once relied on bonefish as a staple protein source, but when modernized supply chains saw the introduction of steady food imports, its presence in the local diet declined. Today, the biggest impact is economic, with a 2018 study by BTT finding that the bonefish industry brings in more than $169 million annually to The Bahamas and financially benefits approximately 8,000 Bahamians directly. This is a huge impact on a tourism-based economy and these statistics tend to be a real eye-opener for participants.”
Another key focus of the revamped educational program is the significance of general conservation and environmental stewardship. “We explain how people in today’s world, young or old, can become more environmentally friendly, more conscious, more aware of the marine resources we have here in The Bahamas,” said Sanchez.
The classroom presentations are designed to be lively and engaging, intended to illustrate that mangrove and flats habitats are extremely complex ecosystems yet also fun to learn about. Outside the classroom, field research excursions can include a walk through the mangrove habitat, a snorkelling adventure, or a tour of the habitat on a flats boat. Students can also take part in a mangrove replanting exercise, as well as BTT’s bonefish tagand-recapture program, in place since 2009 to collect data that informs conservation efforts, and also for educational purposes.
“Each year our partner Bahamas National Trust hosts an annual EcoCamp and two students from every major island in The Bahamas take part,” Sanchez said. “A least one student from every island is able to hold and tag a bonefish and those experiences travel back home with them. They talk to their friends and family about these exciting adventures, helping spread the conservation ethos well beyond the participants themselves.”
Katie Chestnut, a teacher at Lucaya International School in Grand Bahama, explained the value of these programs: “At LIS, we are so grateful for the knowledge and experience BTT shares with our students, and for instilling a sense of responsibility towards the conservation of our precious marine ecosystems.”
Chesnut’s perspectives are widely shared by others, including Jim Richard, principal of Forest Heights Academy in Abaco, who said: “Our students have benefited greatly from our relationship with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. In-class presentations, mangrove propagation and in the field mangrove plantings have all enhanced our students experience in both Biology and Marine Science classes, while reinforcing the importance of bonefish to our ecosystems and our economy. We look forward to a continued positive, rewarding partnership with BTT!”
For Angely Innocent of the Patrick J. Bethel High School and the Abaco Girl Guides Association, the process of planting a mangrove can get messy, “but you’re having fun with friends, making new friends, and building bonds. The experience gives you knowledge and awareness of the importance of mangroves, and as a plus, you get to help the environment.”
Showndre David, a bonefish guide on the island of Bimini said: “My experience of working with BTT has been not only fun but extremely educational. The research and data collected by their team of amazing scientists is critical to the economic value of the bonefish industry in The Bahamas, and also the conservation of all flats species around the world.”
“I’ve learned a lot working with BTT,” he added. “I’m so proud that the importance of our precious resources is being taught throughout the islands of The Bahamas. It’s extremely important for the youth of our nation to take part in the construction of a better marine habitat. I am grateful to work with the brilliant minds at the organization and I’m highly anticipating future projects and adventures to come.”
Lianna Burrows, outreach coordinator for Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS), said the organization is a proud partner of BTT. “We appreciate their hard work for our valuable ecosystems,” she said. “Working with their team gives us great opportunities for the youth of Abaco, and we appreciate their insight on many different levels. Partnerships like these are invaluable to the success of our organization.”
The bonefish fishery in The Bahamas continues to face many challenges, including habitat loss and degradation, and illegal fishing. BTT’s research—including tag-recapture, acoustic telemetry, genetic analysis and physiology—has focused on identifying important bonefish habitats and learning more about bonefish spawning behavior. This research informs ongoing conservation and fisheries management plans through collaborative partnerships with governmental and nongovernmental entities, lodges, guides and Bahamian citizens.
BTT’s work in The Bahamas has supported the establishment of five new national parks and expansion of an existing national park, all of which protect vital bonefish habitat. Data collected by BTT has also been included in a proposal by Bahamas National Trust to develop additional parks.
Currently, BTT is a key partner in the largest mangrove restoration project in Bahamian history, which in the wake of Hurricane Dorian seeks to replant 100,000 trees over five years to jumpstart the natural recovery process in Abaco and Grand Bahama, the islands hardest hit by that enormously destructive storm. And last year, with partner organizations and support from the Moore Bahamas Foundation, BTT helped establish the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance, which pledges to restore 1 million mangroves by the end of 2025.
“For nearly two decades, our efforts in The Bahamas have aimed to build much-needed resilience for these habitats in the present,” said Sanchez. “BTT also believes it is crucial to continue developing, enhancing and expanding educational programs that increase awareness about the importance of flats and coastal habitats to this country’s economy and culture in the minds of today’s younger generation, who will hopefully pass it on to future generations to come.”
Paco Nunez is a communications consultant in The Bahamas specializing in human and environmental rights advocacy and litigation. In addition to his recent work as a strategic communications consultant, Nunez served as an editor at one of The Bahamas’ two major daily newspapers for many years, and a reporter before that.
