Florida Conservation Champions: Harkavy, Jones, and Global Efforts for Flats Fisheries

Harkavy and Jones Receive BTT Awards

The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) has given the Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation to Jeff Harkavy, one of the organization’s founding members. The award, one of the most prestigious honors in saltwater fly-fishing, was named after the legendary angler and conservationist. It is meant to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to fisheries protection and advocacy.

“His relationship with BTT is more profound than anything he does—even work,” said tarpon angler extraordinaire and podcast host Andy Mill, of Harkavy, in a BTT press release. “He is relentless in the pursuit of the fish, the science behind them, and to get people to help save these great fish. He’s 1,000 percent in everything he does.”

Harkavy’s career has been defined by tireless work to safeguard bonefish, tarpon, and permit habitats across the Caribbean and Florida. His leadership has helped advance scientific research, grassroots organizing, and policy initiatives that ensure these iconic species remain central to the fly-fishing experience. BTT notes that his efforts embody Lefty’s legacy of blending passion for the sport with responsibility for the resource.

BTT also announced that Dr. Benjamin (Ben) Jones is the recipient of the inaugural Davidson Science Award, a new honor created to recognize transformative scientific contributions to flats conservation. Named in tribute to Tom Davidson, Sr., BTT’s Founding Chairman and a leader in both business and conservation, the award underscores the organization’s commitment to advancing innovative science in support of bonefish, tarpon, and permit.  

Jones, Chief Conservation Officer and Co-Founder of Project Seagrass, is widely respected for his interdisciplinary work to better understand and protect seagrass meadows. His research has focused on developing new methods to assess data-poor fisheries, where traditional stock assessments are impractical. While serving as a postdoctoral researcher at Florida International University, Jones collaborated with BTT to pioneer the Best Catch Assessment (BECAA) method, which uses Local Ecological Knowledge to determine historic trends and current fishery status.  

“This work began as an idea to bridge science and lived experiences, and its success shows what’s possible when we rethink how fisheries can be assessed and more strongly bring fishers on that journey with us,” Jones said in a BTT press release. “With this support, we can scale this work across the region and help secure a more resilient future for bonefish, tarpon, permit, and the coastal communities that rely on them.”

Sugarloaf Showdown Tournament Celebrates Fishing Community and Conservation

The Florida Keys Sugarloaf Showdown once again showcased the resilience of the backcountry fishery and the solidarity of the angling community. Hosted in the Lower Keys, the event brought together guides, anglers, and conservationists to celebrate thriving fisheries while raising awareness for ongoing habitat protection.

The 12th Annual Sugarloaf Showdown, hosted by the Lower Keys Guides Association, wrapped up November 15 with strong fly-fishing performances on the backcountry flats. Fly Division Grand Champion Stone Sacco, fishing with guide Cameron Sharp, scored an impressive 1,200 points by landing two of the three targeted species. First runner-up honors went to Owen Weaver and Adam Compton with guide Max Hamlin (1,000 points), while Tony Murphy and Jeff Searcy teamed with guide Brandon Cyr for second runner-up (900 points).

“The healthy catch numbers showcase the vitality of the Florida Keys backcountry fishery and the success of conservation efforts the guides association has championed for years,” said Lower Keys Guides Association Executive Director Allison Delashmit. "But this tournament is about more than fishing – it's about taking care of both our waters and the guides who depend on them.”

The tournament is more than a competition; it’s a rallying point for conservation. Proceeds and attention from the event support initiatives to restore seagrass beds, protect mangroves, and maintain water quality — all critical to sustaining the bonefish and tarpon fisheries that define the Keys. Organizers emphasize that the Showdown is about community as much as fish, reinforcing the idea that anglers are stewards of the waters they fish.  

Participants also highlighted the cultural fabric of the Keys, where guiding and angling are not just livelihoods but traditions passed down through generations. By blending sport with advocacy, the Sugarloaf Showdown underscores how local communities can thrive when conservation and recreation work hand in hand.  

Bahamian Guides Demand Safeguards

Elsewhere in the Bahamas, fly-fishing guides are calling for stronger legislation to protect the nation’s multimillion-dollar flats fishery. Bonefish, tarpon, and permit are central to the islands’ economy, drawing anglers from around the world. Yet guides argue that without clear laws, habitats and livelihoods remain vulnerable to unsustainable practices and outside exploitation.

“We try to get to a flat and when you get there with guys who are paying, you find guys just walking all over the flat who are not paying,” veteran guide David Tate told Eyewitness News.

The demand comes at a critical time. Coastal development, illegal netting, and climate pressures threaten the shallow-water ecosystems that sustain bonefish schools. Guides stress that protecting these fisheries is not only about ecology but also about preserving a way of life. Fly-fishing tourism supports thousands of jobs and injects millions into local economies, making it one of the Bahamas’ most valuable natural resources.  

By pressing for legislation, Bahamian guides are asserting their role as frontline stewards. Their advocacy reflects a broader global trend: communities most connected to fisheries are often the strongest voices for their protection. The call for laws is both a defense of heritage and a blueprint for sustainable prosperity.

More information is available here.

Everglades Restoration Ahead of Schedule

In a rare piece of good news for conservation, a major Everglades restoration project is moving faster than expected. The initiative aims to restore natural water flow, improve habitat health, and safeguard one of America’s most iconic ecosystems. Hunters, anglers, and conservationists are celebrating the accelerated timeline as a long-awaited win.  

The Everglades have long suffered from altered hydrology, nutrient pollution, and habitat loss. Restoration efforts seek to reverse decades of damage by reconnecting wetlands, improving water quality, and supporting species ranging from largemouth bass to wading birds. Progress ahead of schedule signals that political will, funding, and science can align to achieve meaningful results.  

For anglers, the restoration promises healthier fisheries and more resilient ecosystems. The Everglades are a cornerstone of Florida’s outdoor identity, offering world-class opportunities for bass, snook, and tarpon. By fast-tracking restoration, managers are not only protecting biodiversity but also ensuring that future generations can experience the magic of casting a fly in these storied waters.

More information is available here.

FWC Calls on Anglers to Help with Crappie Research

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is calling on anglers to help with a new black crappie research project at Tenoroc Public Use Area. Volunteers can sign up for free fin-clip sampling kits to assist biologists in distinguishing between hatchery-raised and wild fish, guiding future stocking decisions.

Since 2023, more than 130,000 hatchery-raised crappie have been stocked across six lakes, with additional stockings planned for 2026. Now, FWC is asking local anglers to participate by collecting small fin clips from crappie they catch using free sampling kits. The harmless samples will be analyzed to determine survival rates and contributions of stocked fish compared to wild populations. Angler participation will provide critical data to shape future management of Tenoroc’s crappie fishery. Interested volunteers can sign up by emailing BlackCrappieTenoroc@MyFW.com or calling 352-800-5012.

Check out this video for more:

---