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.

7/16/2008 | What is a bonefish made of?
Read about cutting edge research of what makes bonefish the speedsters that attracts so many anglers to the flats.


7/15/2008 | How much does that tarpon weigh?
To further improve the condition and survival of tarpon after they have been released, BTU strongly advocates that tarpon are not removed from the water. Here is a new, scientifically valid formula for estimating tarpon weight based o n length and girth.


7/11/2008 | Bonefish Reproduction in The Bahamas
Did you know that we don't know where Caribbean bonefish spawn? That's essential information for effective conservation. BTU is working with one of our Research Partners, Cape Eleuthera Institute, to answer this important question.

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.