Tourism Fury Over Fly Fishing ‘Tsunami’

In addition to the the collective outcry from the fly fishing industry, Bahamian trade organizations are also lobbying hard against the proposed changes to the Fisheries Resources Act.

A furious tourism industry is uniting to oppose the new Fly Fishing law and regulations, fearing it will cost the Bahamas millions of dollars and “further erode the competitive position” of the sector.

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is uniting with the Grand Bahama and Out Island Promotion Boards, plus the Marina Operators of the Bahamas (MOB), to oppose proposed amendments they fear will hit the tourism industry “like a tsunami”.

The sector, and its associations, are especially concerned that the planned changes to the Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act will create more ‘red tape’ and price the Bahamas out of the market.

LINK (via: Tribune 242)

Trouble in Paradise

There are some new rules proposals being put forth by the Bahamian Government that, among other things, could end wading the flats without a guide or any foreign ownership of a lodge.

For a thorough analysis of the rules proposals and the ramifications we strongly urge you to read the three stories and their associated comments via the links below. Then you should immediately send your comments regarding these proposed rules changes to the Bahamian Department of Marine Resources by email @ fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs

The comment period for these proposals ends on Friday!

How to Destroy the Bahamas, A Guide

There is some really frightening proposed legislation floating around the Bahamas and they’ve given us about a week to let our opinions be known. I’ve looked at it and it does not make me happy, and except for a few people, I wouldn’t think most Bahamians would be too happy with it either.

LINK (via: Bonefish on the Brain)

Is Flats Fishing In The Bahamas Over?

I’ve been bonefishing in the Bahamas for some time now. Over a decade anyway. Twice a year, I take groups of ten anglers for guided fishing at a lodge and at least once a year I do a DIY trip. If you’ve been reading Gink and Gasoline for any time at all, you know of my love affair with these beautiful islands, their people and their fish. Today I am wondering if that is all coming to an end.

LINK (via: Gink+Gasoline) 

Proposed Bahamian Fishing Regulations – Is The Sky Falling?

As of this morning I have heard from or personally spoken to many of the non-Bahamian lodge owners (they are worried sick), talked to independent guides, owners of second homes who fish and handfuls of stake holders who provide services (home rental, car rental, groceries, restaurants) seeking their views.  Other than a few independent guides, I can’t find anyone who was part of a consultive process in anything other than a cursory way.

LINK (via: DIY Bonefishing)

The Bahamas - From Space

“The beauty of the Bahamas is surreal; every blue that exists. It almost seems as though a giant cloud hand is rippling through the water.” - Colonel Chris Hadfield from the ISS.

Report says Bahamian fishing business declined 30-50% over the last two years

A March 2010 study on the economic impact made by Flats Fishing in the Bahamas, conducted by a Florida-based researcher, Tony Fedler, found that while the industry and tourists served by it generated $141 million in "total economic benefits to the Bahamian economy annually", the sector was hard-hit by the economic downturn over the past two years.

LINK (Via: The Tribune)



Pirates of the Coast

A little bird told us that this is one you don't want to miss...

For Immediate Release: July 9, 2009

Groundbreaking Fishing Series to Launch on ESPN2

Denver, Colo - Officials from Orion Multimedia, the world's largest producer of outdoor adventure television, announced that their new fly fishing television series, Pirates of the Flats, will debut on ESPN2 January 2010 in partnership with the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust.

Pirates of the Flats follows legendary news anchor Tom Brokaw - who will also narrate the series -- famous actor Michael Keaton, angling icon Lefty Kreh, acclaimed author Thomas McGuane, visionary industry leader Yvon Chouinard, and celebrated photographer R. Valentine Atkinson as they prepare to rendezvous with each other on the famed saltwater flats of the Bahamas. Their quest? The island's legendary bonefish. But these notables are fishing for answers, too. How can we save these last great coastal environments? It's a question that has been the heart of Bonefish and Tarpon Trust's mission since 1998, and is being pursued by some of the world's top scientists from the Cape Eleuthra Institute, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and The Bahamas. The series will answer this question as it documents the cutting-edge research and conservation being performed to preserve these species.

By day we will join our intrepid anglers on the flats as they share their passion for fly fishing and by night we see them as they speak about the future and life with and without these fish. The weeklong journey will inextricably connect our anglers with each other and a cause to serve generations who have yet to know the magic found on the flats impressively revealed through a myriad of HD and Red specialty cameras. By joining our anglers on their remarkable Bahaman foray of discovery, viewers will come to learn why we must act now to save these sirens of the sea who are warning us of perils ahead. Narrated by Tom Brokaw, this series will change the way people see the outdoors.

About ESPN Outdoors: Since its inception in 1980, ESPN Outdoors has strived to inform and entertain anglers, hunters, campers and people of all ages who enjoy the outdoors. ESPN Outdoors is committed to increasing awareness of and participation in outdoor activities, a direction best exemplified by television programming on ESPN2. Each year, ESPN Outdoors stages more than 30 marquee events, including the Bassmaster Classic. ESPN Outdoors is comprised of BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, and a growing array of multimedia platforms, including Bassmaster.com, ESPNOutdoors.com, and programming on ESPN2, in addition to promotions and activities that deliver a clear message of conservation and ethical sportsmanship.

About Bonefish Tarpon Trust: For the last decade, BTT has been pioneering groundbreaking research to help us understand the interdependence between flats fish species, anglers, and economies. BTT's global vision of science-based conservation is leading the way to find long-term solutions to create sustainable fisheries management models that help anglers and political leaders come together to ensure strong fisheries into the future.

ESPN Media Contact: Doug Grassian, ESPN Communications, 407-566-2216

Orion Media Contact: Rhonda Bower, 720-891-4839

BTT Media Contact: Dr. Aaron Adams, 239-283-1622

Slab of the Month: Andros Bone

Davin Ebanks of Fish-Bones took a detour North to Andros to stick this SOTM bone.  I'd raise a Kalik to dat mon! 

Here's vid of horseplay.

 
BIG WIND. BIG FISH. (life is good) from Davin Ebanks on Vimeo.