The Tribune

THE Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) is advancing research into bonefish spawning behaviours, with a focus on the Berry Islands, North Andros, and Grand Bahama. 

This work seeks to enhance the sustainability of bonefish, tarpon, and permit populations while safeguarding essential habitats that support diverse marine species critical to Bahamian fisheries and reef ecosystems.

The research will include aerial surveys conducted with the expertise of local fishing guides to identify bonefish pre-spawning aggregations (PSAs) across key locations. 

These PSAs are central to bonefish reproduction, yet they also represent vital areas that support broader marine productivity. 

By safeguarding these sites, BTT’s efforts extend benefits to a range of coexisting species reliant on healthy coastal habitats, reinforcing the role these ecosystems play in sustaining local communities and contributing to The Bahamas’ marine economy, which studies have shown generates over $169m from Bonefishing activities and services annually.

Rashema Ingraham, BTT Caribbean programme director, said: “Protecting pre-spawning sites for bonefish is fundamental, but this work has implications beyond just one species. BTT’s research focuses on sustaining the flats fishery and contributes valuable insights into the broader ecological web. Our efforts to secure habitats essential to flats species are equally beneficial to commercial fisheries and reef ecosystems. These interconnected benefits ensure that local communities and the wider Bahamian marine environment are better positioned to face climate and economic pressures.”

She said tracking bonefish migrations and aggregations helps inform the protection of diverse habitats that support marine biodiversity. BTT is committed to advancing policies that recognise these connections, which are essential to commercial fisheries and other reef-dependent species critical to The Bahamas’ marine health. This work builds on years of experience with Bahamian fishing guides and coastal communities, fostering a cooperative model that integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research. 

To date, BTT has identified 11 PSA sites in The Bahamas with the help of local fishing guides, who have shared their knowledge and expertise. BTT has successfully advocated for four PSAs to be protected as part of national parks in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Long Island. Previous research has shown that bonefish can travel as far as 70 miles to reach a PSA site, which attracts large numbers of fish from the surrounding areas. 

After the bonefish spawn offshore around full and new moons, the hatched bonefish larvae drift for 41-71 days before settling in sand- and mud-bottom bays, where they grow into juvenile bonefish. 

Justin Lewis, BTT’s Bahamas initiative manager, said: “After bonefish congregate at PSA sites in massive schools, they move offshore at night to spawn in deep water. So, identifying PSAs and ensuring that they are adequately protected is vital to conserving the species for the future. 

“Next spring, our focus will be on tracking bonefish spawning movements at the most recently identified PSAs in Grand Bahama. This will provide further insight into spawning behaviors and timing. We’ll also focus on educating the Bahamian public, guides and visiting anglers about the importance of these sites to the sustainability of the fishery.”

BTT’s research aims to foster an ecosystem-wide understanding that supports fisheries management and policy development. By examining the interconnected habitats that support bonefish, tarpon, permit, and other marine life, BTT is contributing valuable knowledge to inform a sustainable approach to Bahamian fisheries — a need amplified by the increasing pressures of climate change and resource demand.

Vaughn Roberts, BTT board member and senior executive at Atlantis Paradise Island, said: “BTT’s science-based approach to fisheries conservation places us at the forefront of efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems. Through partnerships and collaborations, BTT is well-placed to work alongside NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector to promote a shared vision of sustainable and resilient fisheries alongside healthy nursery habitats.”

BTT anticipates that its data-driven approach can strengthen policies and projects that foster ecosystem resilience. BTT’s research aligns with international goals to protect and restore biodiversity-rich ecosystems, support Bahamian fisheries and crucial nursery habitats, and offer a potential model for sustainable marine resource management across the Caribbean.

Captain Shervin Tate, a professional bonefish guide from East Grand Bahama, said: “Working alongside BTT has been a game-changer; they listen to what we’re seeing on the water daily. BTT’s approach isn’t just about the science — they make sure that research goes hand-in-hand with what we know from years of guiding. It feels like a true partnership, where the knowledge we’ve built up is valued and used to benefit the fish, the waters, and the communities that depend on them. Together, we’re keeping our industry strong and ensuring future generations experience the same amazing fishing.”