It’s been a busy summer for Keep Fish Wet and we wanted to fill you in on one of the things we’re most excited about. In July, we visited the Turks and Caicos Islands where we partnered with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (DFMRM) to facilitate a first-of-its-kind workshop aimed at supporting the future of the country’s bonefish fishery. Guides, fishers (recreational and commercial), tourism operators, scientists, and community members all came together to share local knowledge and explore ideas on what it will take to keep this fishery healthy for future generations.
On the flats of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bonefish are a cornerstone species. Not only are they an important part of the marine ecosystem, but also, anglers travel from around the world to pursue them, which supports local economies. To some communities, bonefish are also an important food fish. To support their conservation goals, the DFMRM hosted Bonefish Workshops on Provo and South Caicos islands, held under the theme "Your Voice. Your Fishery. Our Future." Each of the workshops brought together stakeholders and rights holders to discuss the future of this renowned fishery.
As a part of this government-led initiative, Keep Fish Wet was invited to serve as a facilitator and collaborator. Our executive director, Sascha Clark Danylchuk, led sessions on best practices for catching-and-release for bonefish while highlighting some of the science from our “Bonefish in our Hands” campaign that can improve post-release survival. Our science advisor, Dr. Andy Danylchuk, supported conversations by sharing information on bonefish biology and facilitating conversations around science-based fisheries management. Keep Fish Wet also created custom Toolkits and signage about best practices that is now being distributed around the islands and to every recreational bonefish guide.
These conversations created a space for a wide range of stakeholders and rights holders to share their local knowledge, identify research and management priorities, and express concerns about the future of the fishery. As the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to build a resilient blue economy around bonefish, there is an opportunity to bring science together with the knowledge and experience of the people who know these waters best. We were grateful to be a part of that conversation, and are inspired by the folks who keep the fisheries and communities thriving.
“Bonefish are more than a recreational species. They are part of a healthy marine ecosystem and an important contributor to our tourism product and local economy. Protecting this fishery requires partnership, good science and the knowledge of the people who depend on it every day. This workshop demonstrates our commitment to working alongside our fishing community to ensure that bonefish remain an asset for future generations.”
