Tippets
Short Takes on Important Topics
Photo: Pat Ford
7TH INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM AND FLATS EXPO POSTPONED Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s 7th International Science Symposium and Flats Expo has been postponed until November 12-13, 2021. The two-day event at the Bonaventure Resort & Spa will bring together stakeholders from across the world of flats fishing—anglers, guides, industry leaders, government agencies, scientists, outdoor writers, authors and artists. The 2021 program will include presentations on major research findings by BTT along with spin and fly casting clinics, fly tying clinics, panel discussions with top anglers and guides, art and photography, and a special banquet honoring legendary anglers Sandy Moret and Chico Fernandez and BTT Research Fellow Dr. Andy Danylchuk for their contributions to flats fishery conservation. The Symposium will also feature an expanded Flats Fishing Expo, where sponsors will have a bright spotlight to share information about their products and corporate commitment to conservation. We look forward to seeing you there. Stay tuned to BTT social media for updates on this special event.
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NC MAKES TARPON CATCH & RELEASE The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission passed an amendment on February 20, 2020, that prohibits possession of tarpon and makes it illegal to gaff, spear, or puncture tarpon by any method other than hook and line. BTT supported the amendment throughout the process and applauds the NC Marine Fisheries Commission for taking this important step to improve the state’s management of the tarpon fishery, which will strengthen regional tarpon conservation. “Protecting this magnificent fish while it spends time in our North Carolina waters is a great move by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries Commission Board,” said Capt. Jot Owens, North Carolina fishing guide and BTT Conservation Captain. “Thank you to everyone who supported this amendment and a special thanks to the Commission board members who voted in favor of this ruling.” CAYO ROSARIO PLAN ILL-CONCEIVED Bonefish & Tarpon Trust supports the flats fishing community and Belizean citizens in their opposition to a proposed development at Cayo Rosario, and to the current construction-related activities taking place there. “The development plan for Cayo Rosario is ill-conceived, not appropriate for these habitats, and will damage Belize’s economically and culturally important flats fishery, which has an annual economic impact of more than $100 million Belize dollars,” said BTT President and CEO Jim McDuffie. Cayo Rosario is privately owned, and lies within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR). This area is part of HCMR to protect important flats fishing areas for the economic and cultural benefit of the surrounding communities. Thus, development may be permitted on the caye, but the surrounding waters and submerged bottom are protected. Of chief concern is the construction of overwater
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