Bonefish Research Project

by Capt. Dave Sutton

The Bonefish Research (BRP) is a landmark effort in the field of fisheries research and marine resource conservation. Scientists from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science have worked with concerned recreational anglers and professional guides to establish a research effort dedicated to the study and preservation of bonefish stocks in South Florida and the Florida Keys. The project hopes to better identify the biological characteristics of the local bonefish stocks as well as the key issues at hand for sustaining this important fishery well into the future," states the first paragraph of the Quarterly Report of the BRP I am reading. I couldn't have written it better myself .. so I didn't. I am extremely proud that we not only have the most professional guides in the world taking care of this most precious resource, but the scientists of the U of M doing a full research program as well.

Capt. Paul Tejera while fishing with Jim Bokor in the Spring All-Tackle Tournament of Islamorada, this year caught a 11 pound bonefish that was tagged a year earlier by Capt. Joel Kalman on the flats of Stiltsville. With the advancement of data gathering equipment we will soon see daily movement patterns emerge, their homerange, tidal influences, temperature changes and better understanding of types of flat habitats. This information may even lead to locating the spawning grounds and the time of the season they spawn. Will this information help the fishing? .... you bet it will.

The BRP staff have just received a donation from Bill Willson of the Ocean Reef Rod & Gun Club, of a "88" Dolfin Backcountry skiff. The christened Research Vessel "Bonetracker" will aid in the tracking of tagged fish and even make possible the implementation of radio tracking to the graduate student Robert Humston's arsenal. Other donations from Jonny Morris, owner of the World Wide Sportsman in Islamorada, and Outdoor World, have helped tremendously. Three cheers to all of you !!!!!!!

The tagging program is being well received by the area guides who have gotten involved. We voluntary take the time to tag fish while fishing our anglers. When we tell the anglers about the program they are more than willing to take the time to participate. With the participation of these Pro-guides many more fish are being tagged and the area of the study has increased all the way to Key West. Some of the best guides in the area are involved ... names like Joel Kalman, Rob Fordyce, Paul Tejera, Eric Van de Mark, Darrik Parker, Andy Thompson and the list goes on and on. The fact that the guides are doing this voluntarily is truly indicative to their professionalism and dedication to a strict conservation ethic.

The BRP has a list of sponsors that are the cornerstones of the sport here in South Florida.... Names like Grand Slam Outfitters of Ocean Reef, World Wide Sportsman, Angler's Services Unlimited and Fishing Tackle Unlimited have donated countless time, products and funding to the cause. I would expect nothing less from the First Class Operations here in the Fishing Capitol of the World ..... If you would like more information about the BRP call Toll-Free 1-888-754-7531 or go on-line to:

http://makaira.rsmas.miami.edu/bonefish.html

E-Mail bonefish@rsmas.miami.edu

My special thanks to the University of Miami and the Bonefish Research Project staff, Dr. Jerald Ault and Robert Humston .......... Great Job !!!