September 19, 2005
Bonefish Conservation
Third Census Enlists Local Fishing Guides to Track Bonefish Population, Migratory Patterns
VIRGINIA KEY, FL (Sept. 12, 2005) – Rosenstiel School researchers keep counting one of Florida’s most valuable fish. For the third year in a row, Rosenstiel School and the nonprofit conservation organization, Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited, will embark on their third bonefish census to be held in the Florida Keys on Thursday, Sept. 29th. This census aims to determine population trends of one of the area’s most important sports fish.
Last year, 52 teams spread out across 19 zones from Key Biscayne to the Marquesas accumulating bonefish sightings during the one-day survey. Census results were then reported to the Rosenstiel School team, headed by Dr. Jerry Ault, marine biology and fisheries professor. Statistical analyses indicated a population of just over 310,000 bonefish in the Florida Keys fishery.
In ongoing research and two years of population census, the project has helped establish that the 300,00+ bonefish represent the estimate of bonefish of a size targeted for catch-and-release sport fishing on the flats (i.e., greater than 14 inches). This year, the participants will locate additional areas of nursery habitat where juvenile young-of-the-year bonefish in the two-to-12-inch range are found also.
Bonefish sport fishing contributes approximately $1.5 billion annually to the Florida economy, making sport fishing more valuable than commercial fishing in today’s market.
The Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association, the Lower Keys Fishing Guides Association and the Key Largo Fishing Guides Association are offering valuable assistance with boats and manpower to ensure coverage of the areas. Professional guides and knowledgeable flats anglers are welcome to participate.
For additional information or to join the census count effort, contact Sandy Moret (flkeyout@bellsouth.net) at 305.664.5423 or Dr. Jerry Ault (jault@rsmas.miami.edu) at 305.421.4884.
Media Opportunity: Media interested in reporting on this event from the census boats are urged to contact Ivy Kupec, Rosenstiel School Communications Director, at 305.421.4704 by Monday, Sept. 26 to make arrangements.
The Rosenstiel School is part of the University of Miami and since its founding in the 1940s, has grown into one of the world’s premier marine and atmospheric research institutions.
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Contact:
Ivy Kupec, Communications Director
University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
305.421.4704 (office)
305.984.7107 (mobile)
ikupec@rsmas.miami.edu
