Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited was developed for a simple reason – to support research, education, and conservation of bonefish and tarpon. At BTU’s inception in 1998, little data existed on bonefish and tarpon, two of the world’s most popular saltwater gamefish.

BTU is made up of recreational anglers, guides, and marine industry leaders dedicated to increasing our knowledge of bonefish and tarpon biology so we may better manage these species and ensure the fisheries for future generations.

BTU’S MISSION STATEMENT
• To support education, conservation, and research to help understand, nurture and enhance healthy Bonefish and Tarpon populations.
• To nurture and enhance the Bonefish population, initially in the Florida Keys, eventually expanding our horizons globally.
• Serving as a repository for information and knowledge related to the life cycle, behavior and well being of the species.
• Supporting research and gathering information related to the condition of these fisheries, as well as their behavior and life cycles.
• Providing educational material to the public and fishermen.
• Working with regulatory authorities and the public to insure that the laws protecting these species are enforced.
• Interacting with government agencies to assist in the management and regulations related to Bonefish and Tarpon.

BTU has been in existence since 1998, and has been involved in a considerable amount of research and conservation efforts. The knowledge gained since BTU’s inception now puts BTU in a position to better guide the research that is needed to ensure the long-term conservation of bonefish and tarpon. To this end, BTU has created a Research Framework that summarizes what is known about the biology and fisheries of bonefish and tarpon, and shows the Research Priorities that must be addressed to gain a sufficient understanding for management and conservation. This Framework will serve as the guide to BTU’s support of research, education, and conservation. To view the Research Frameworks for Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit, visit the BTU Framework.

THE BONEFISH AND TARPON RESEARCH CENTER (BTRC)
The Wildlife Foundation of Florida (WFF) has announced the formation of a new collaborative marine research effort, the Bonefish and Tarpon Research Center (BTRC). Partners in the program, which gets underway on July 1, 2007, are the WFF, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Miami, and Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited, Inc. Download the Press Release.

4/28/2008 | Long-distance bonefish, part two
A second bonefish that was tagged in the Florida Keys was recaptured on Andros, The Bahamas.


4/25/2008 | Frontiers Travel - longstanding support of BTU
Frontiers Travel (www.frontierstravel.com) continues to support BTU’s efforts. Nearly since BTU’s inception, Frontiers has been a major contributor to BTU.


4/25/2008 | Stu Apte's fishing memoirs now in print
Stu Apte is a Founding Member of BTU, and has long been an energetic supporter of BTU's mission. Now available in a hardcover edition with 154 photographs, Stu Apte’s Of Wind and Tides is the book anglers and adventure-lovers have been waiting for.

NEED A GUIDE?
Many fishing clubs are active in conservation and education, which are among BTU’s main goals. Many fishing clubs also have members who are avid bonefish, tarpon, and permit anglers. This is the perfect opportunity for these clubs to collaborate with BTU toward bonefish and tarpon research, conservation, and education. Read more about how your fishing club can become a BTU affiliate chapter.

MEMBERSHIP & DONATIONS
We’re making great progress in learning more about bonefish and tarpon, with 2007 promising to be the best year yet. The research we are supporting is essential to the conservation of bonefish and tarpon, but we need your help. Much of the funding to support this groundbreaking research comes from you. Your membership donations are the backbone to this effort.