January 03, 2012
By Diana Rudolph
BTT, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, is an organization dedicated to preserving thriving stocks of bonefish, tarpon and permit. Until recently, the biology and ecology of these species were relatively unexplored. Extensive research has been conducted on trout (although more could and should be done on steelhead) and salmon and much is known about their life histories, but little is understood about bonefish, tarpon and permit. Although I often find excessive research and studies to be counterproductive (I would rather see that money and time spent on conserving habitat), this is not the case for BTT'swork and efforts. Researchers and scientists need to understand and interpret critical pieces of the puzzle, like where spawning occurs and migration patterns, in order to execute effective conservation strategies. BTT funds and sponsors this research throughout the tropics from Florida to the Bahamas to Belize. In addition, they work with Fish and Wildlife and international fisheries management groups, to promote catch and release and conservation efforts. Check out their website at www.btt.org and see how you can help.
