CAMPAIGNS

FLATS CONSERVATION CAMPAIGN

Flats represent a mosaic of shallow habitats that are integral to the structure and function of coastal marine ecosystems. At the interface between land and sea, flats provide a wide range of ecosystem services ranging from the stabilization of sediments to providing vital nursery grounds for numerous fish and invertebrates. In addition to playing important ecological roles, such as the export of nutrients, many of the fish and invertebrates using flats also have high economic value by supporting subsistence, commercial, and recreational fisheries.

Although flats and their associated species have high ecological and economic value, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the basic life histories of many flats species. In addition, because of the complex and dynamic nature of the flats environment, we only have a partial view of how species use flats habitats, as well as the role of natural disturbance (e.g., hurricanes) in shaping their populations. To complicate matters, flats also tend to be the focus of many human activities, which can disturb the natural state of the environment through the loss or alteration of habitat, the input of pollution, and the increase in fishing pressure.

CAMPAIGN PURPOSE

FCF has formed the Flats Conservation Campaign (FCC) to increase awareness about the importance of coastal flats habitats and their associated species. Through partnerships and information sharing, the Flat Conservation Campaign is building capacity to inform governments and the general public about the fragile nature of flats and to design and implement effective conservation strategies.

To date, the Flats Conservation Campaign has focused primarily on the array of threats to tropical and subtropical flats ecosystems. Quite often, the same tourism developments that provide important sources of revenue for communities in these regions also result in the degradation of flats habitats and the loss of flats species. This is especially evident in The Bahamas where recreational angling is a considerable source of revenue for the country, yet much of the human activities related to recreational angling could negatively affect flats resources.

CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance:

The FCC has joined with two other FCF Campaigns to form a partnership with the Bahamas National Trust and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, resulting in the Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance (BFFA). The goal of this partnership is to build awareness of the need for a comprehensive management plan for flats. This partnership is dedicated to protect the coastal areas of The Bahamas and the fisheries that depend on them. For more information about the BFFA, click here.

Several important projects of the BFFA:

Guide Workshop: In 2009, the BFFA facilitated a workshop in Nassau, Bahamas that brought together bonefishing guides, lodge owners, industry, conservation organizations, and government officials to build consensus as to the importance, content, and operational logistics of a guide certification program.  To read more about the workshop click here.

Bahamas Bonefish Conference: In October 2010, the BFFA organized and sponsored the first Bahamas Bonefish Conference in Nassau. This two-day conference focused on the science and management of bonefishing in The Bahamas. Day one featured scientific presentations pertaining to the all aspects of bonefish and angling. The scientific presentations are available here. Day two was instrumental in forming an interim steering committee of veteran guides, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Marine Resources, and an independent coordinator to serve together to formally define a national organization working toward the management and conservation of the bonefishing industry in The Bahamas. Click here for more details.

Economic Evaluation Study: The Bahamian Flats Fishing Alliance funded a study to assess the economic value of recreational flats fishing to The Bahamas. Although it is generally accepted that bonefish are one of the most prized recreational fishing species on tropical flats, little has been documented on the value and impact they have on local economies. This economic study has revealed that flats fishing generates $141 million in total economic benefits to the Bahamian economy annually. Click here to learn more about the report and what it means for flats ecosystems.

Bahamas By Mail Boat Expedition

Three FCF campaigns (Flats Conservation, Shark Conservation, and Coastal 2100) are planning and fundraising for an expedition of scientists to conduct research and education/outreach efforts regarding marine conservation issues throughout The Bahamas. This multifaceted expedition will raise awareness for the importance of flats habitats and species, as well as facilitate the collection of important data on the diversity of tropical flats. A number of media outlets for educational opportunities are planned. The expedition is in the early stages of planning. More information on program development and fundraising will be available soon.

Best Handling Practices

The FCC contributed to the production and updating of a best handling practices brochure for bonefish. This brochure is being distributed by the Ministry of Tourism and the Bahamas National Trust.

To download the Best Handling Practices for Bonefish brochure, click here.

PARTNERSHIPS

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust www.tarbone.org
Bahamas National Trust www.bnt.bs

CONTACT INFORMATION

You can contact the FFA campaign leadership by sending an email to:
FCC at fishconserve.org