One of the least studied of the ocean ecosystems are the tropical flats. Remote and difficult to navigate, tropical flats are the home of bonefish and permit, one of the most challenging gamefish in the sea. These flats also are the economic lifeblood for many tropical island communities along with conch and lobster. MVF funded some of the original work on protecting bonefish spawning grounds in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are working to establish a long term study to expand the knowledge and understanding of this valuable ecosystem.
The increasing impact of development in caribbean communities is a major threat to the tropic flats ecosystem. Massive resorts are being built in record numbers on many islands . The level of boat traffic, pollution, runoff from golf courses and increased diving and fishing effort poses a threat for bonefish and permit. Little is known about their reproductive habits, their movements between flats and even between islands. Our efforts are proactive to research and learn where and when bonefish and permit spawn, where the small fish live and develop and also what the mortality rate is in catch and release fishing. In addition, bonefish are a staple food source for island communities and a mainstay for local emplyment.
The goals of our research are to gain a better understanding of the lifecycles of bonefish and permit, contribute that information to the scientific community, provide valuable management data for policy making and educate both the local community and resort developers on best practices to maintain and expand bonefish and permit populations.
