{"id":9014,"date":"2024-11-14T18:33:19","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T22:33:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/?p=9014"},"modified":"2024-11-14T20:33:00","modified_gmt":"2024-11-15T00:33:00","slug":"guiding-the-bahamas-to-a-brighter-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/2024\/11\/14\/guiding-the-bahamas-to-a-brighter-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Guiding The Bahamas to a Brighter Future"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_9022\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9022\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/8.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9022 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/8.png\" alt=\"Bahamas Water\" width=\"1200\" height=\"812\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/8.png 1200w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/8-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/8-1024x693.png 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/8-768x520.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9022\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo credit: Harrison Hughes<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48413175 BCX0\">Ann M. Albury<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48413175 BCX0\">, Sepp Haukebo, and<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW48413175 BCX0\"> Carlito Turner<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The cerulean blue waters of The Bahamas are world renowned for their expansive saltwater fishing flats. These flats\u2014shallow, sand or seagrass covered nearshore areas\u2014are the ideal habitat for stalking prized fly fishing species, including bonefish, tarpon, permit, cobia, and snook.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Bahamas is known as one of the top destinations globally for saltwater flats fishing. According to research by The Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> The Bahamas is home to the largest flats and bonefish population on the planet. This is why each year, tens of thousands of recreational anglers from around the globe travel to The Bahamas, often referred to as the \u201cbonefish capital of the world\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, in search of the catch of a lifetime. Success is not guaranteed\u2014bonefish are notoriously shy and elusive, meaning landing a bonefish is a formidable challenge for even the most experienced anglers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fortunately, The Bahamas is also home to local professional fly fishing guides that make their living teaching casting techniques, sharing their observations of fish behavior, and a lifetime of knowledge of local waterways and ecosystems, to help seasoned and novice anglers land the catch of their dreams.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9019\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9019\" style=\"width: 540px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/Picture2-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-9019\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/Picture2-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"bonefish\" width=\"540\" height=\"360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture2-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture2-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture2-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9019\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo credit: Harrison Hughes<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fishing Guides: Honored Teachers and Protectors of the Flats<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flats fishing guides spend countless hours on the water observing local flora and fauna. They are also some of the first to witness emerging environmental threats, including illegal sand and limestone mining, unauthorized coastal development, mangrove deforestation, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/2023\/05\/23\/local-knowledge-is-key-to-understanding-climate-impacts-on-fisheries\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the impacts of climate change on fisheries<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With an intimate awareness of The Bahamas and the critical flats, coral reef, and mangrove ecosystems that support both recreational fisheries and local small-scale fisheries, guides are also some of the staunchest advocates for the protection and management of the marine environment. In recognition of this, recently, the Honorable Minister Vaughn Miller of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources appointed 12 veteran guides as wardens for the first time ever.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For guides, playing this critical role is nothing new. For decades, guides have served as unofficial ambassadors for The Bahamas, welcoming avid anglers from around the globe and teaching them about Bahamian history and culture, while also serving their own communities as local leaders, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cL-qQ8ce5MM\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">fighting for civil rights<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, supporting local employment, and acting as conservation stewards.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The recreational flats fishing sector generates an estimated $182 million dollars each year for the nation and supports 8,389 full-time jobs. In particular, throughout the less-populated \u201cfamily islands\u201d of The Bahamas, fishing lodges and local guiding businesses are one of the highest revenue generators for local economies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Despite their importance to Bahamian communities and coastal ecosystems, local guides face many challenges, including climate change, coastal habitat destruction, and access to affordable loans and insurance.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Homecoming: A Bridge Between Islands<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As the scale and scope of threats to the flats increase, opportunities to discuss and develop strategies to address these challenges are few and far between. In September 2024, over 70 flats fishing guides from more than a dozen islands, with over 1,500 years of cumulative guiding experience, met in The Bahamas\u2019 capital city of Nassau for the Second Bahamas National Flats Fishing Guide Homecoming Conclave. The event was organized by The Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association, The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association, Environmental Defense Fund, and Russell Craig &amp; Associates.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In The Bahamas, a \u201chomecoming\u201d signifies when a former island resident returns home to reunite with friends and family. The Second Bahamas National Flats Fishing Guide Homecoming Conclave paid homage to this concept but offered something unique\u2014an opportunity for flats guides from across the country to meet in-person and deepen relationships with each other. In an archipelagic country with over 700 islands and 2,300 cays, the opportunity to meet guides from other islands of The Bahamas can be rare as interisland travel is costly. The homecoming served as an opportunity to forge new relationships and strengthen camaraderie and the collective guide community.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Guides weren\u2019t the only participants at the homecoming. The opening ceremony also served as an opportunity for guides to hear from and address Bahamian dignitaries and policymakers.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In his keynote speech at the event, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Honorable Philip Davis <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/opm.gov.bs\/prime-minister-davis-flat-fishing-guide-conclave\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">addressed the guides<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and voiced his appreciation for their role as cultural ambassadors and environmental stewards, noting, \u201cflats fishing is a Bahamian cultural legacy that stretches back over a century. You hold the wisdom of generations\u2014an impressive stock of skills and techniques that take years to hone, and decades to master. And even as you share these talents with others, you do so with a profound respect and appreciation for our marine ecosystems.\u201d\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9018\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9018\" style=\"width: 624px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/Picture3-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9018\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/Picture3-1.jpg\" alt=\"presentation at the bahamas\" width=\"624\" height=\"419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture3-1.jpg 624w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture3-1-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9018\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo: Keith Bryan Jr.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister was joined by Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Honorable Jomo Campbell, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources and Member of Parliament representin<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">g Centreville, Honorable Leon Lundy, Minister of State and Member of Parliament representing The Berry Islands, Mangrove Cay and South Andros, and Honorable Leonardo Lightbourne, Member of Parliament representing North Andros. During the opening ceremony, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">two veteran fly fishing guides, Omeko Glinton from Grand Bahama and Stevie McKenzie from Exuma addressed the delegation and advocated for greater government support for the industry and policy interventions to protect the livelihoods of Bahamian guides.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Over the remainder of the two-day event, participants shared their perspectives on challenges and opportunities to sustainably improve the Bahamian recreational fisheries sector, and guides coalesced around regional priorities for securing the future of the sector. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During the closing ceremony, Minister Miller recognized the wealth of knowledge that guides hold and expressed his support for expanding the warden program throughout additional islands of The Bahamas, formally entrusting veteran guides as stewards of the ecosystems that they have protected for decades.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Homecoming marked a pivotal moment for the Bahamian flats guiding industry. It was an opportunity to bring guides together to celebrate a rich history of saltwater fly fishing, and together, to chart a path for the future. The event embodied a common hope across all participants<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u2014<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that the natural resources of The Bahamas and the Bahamian communities that rely on them prosper, supported by a healthy and thriving local guide sector.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As Prime Minister Davis noted in his keynote address, \u201ca sustainable flats fishing industry involves community empowerment as much as it involves environmental conservation.\u201d The task now is to build from the momentum of the Homecoming to ensure that Bahamian guides receive the support they need to continue their path as stewards of the environment and leaders in their communities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9020\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9020\" style=\"width: 624px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/Picture4-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-9020\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/\/Picture4-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bahamas Presentation crowd\" width=\"624\" height=\"359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture4-1.jpg 624w, https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/18\/files\/Picture4-1-300x173.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9020\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo: Keith Bryan Jr.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Ann M. Albury, Sepp Haukebo, and Carlito Turner The cerulean blue waters of The Bahamas are world renowned for their expansive saltwater fishing flats. These flats\u2014shallow, sand or seagrass covered nearshore areas\u2014are the ideal habitat for stalking prized fly fishing species, including bonefish, tarpon, permit, cobia, and snook.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2974,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[55584],"tags":[],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-9014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international-2"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Guiding The Bahamas to a Brighter Future - EDFish<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/edfish\/2024\/11\/14\/guiding-the-bahamas-to-a-brighter-future\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Guiding The Bahamas to a Brighter Future - EDFish\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Ann M. Albury, Sepp Haukebo, and Carlito Turner The cerulean blue waters of The Bahamas are world renowned for their expansive saltwater fishing flats. 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