Bonefish Research
The status of the Florida bonefish stock is not well known and fishery impacts have never been adequately evaluated, but anecdotal information indicates that Florida bonefish stocks are down more than 80% since the 1960s. Florida's marine fisheries are undergoing extensive changes due to a number of factors. The increasing interest in bonefish angling equates to added pressure on the fishery, even though it's principally a catch-and-release species.Although bonefish stocks in most other regions appear stable, most areas lack any data. In other areas, anecdotal information indicates stock declines. Recent reports of large-scale netting of bonefish in some areas are also of concern. More research is needed in all areas with bonefish fisheries.
Also lacking is basic information on bonefish biology, including: where and when do bonefish spawn; where do juvenile bonefish live; what species of bonefish are in the recreational fishery; how far do bonefish migrate; why do bonefish growth rates differ among locations? BTT has funded (and continues to fund) research to address these and other pressing question.
Ongoing Projects
Effects of Catch and Release on Bonefish
Tag-Recapture of Bonefish in the Florida Keys
Summary of Findings
Movements and site fidelity of the bonefish, Albula vulpes in the northern Florida Keys determined by acoustic telemetry.
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A Progress Report on the effect of catch and release fishing on bonefish.
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Cape Eleuthera Institute Flats Ecology Program, Spring 2007 Update.
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Behavior and mortality of caught-and-released bonefish (Albula spp.) in Bahamian waters with implications for a sustainable recreational fishery.
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The ongoing search for juvenile bonefish, Spring 2007 Update.
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Do we need species-specific guidelines for catch-and release recreational angling to effectively conserve diverse fishery resources?
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Feeding habits of bonefish, Albula vulpes, from the waters of the Florida Keys.
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Age, growth, and mortality of bonefish, Albula vulpes, from the waters of the Florida Keys.
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Post-release mortality of bonefish, Albula vulpes, exposed to different handling practices during catch-and-release angling in Eleuthera, The Bahamas.
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Effects of recreational angling on the post-release behavior and predation of bonefish (Albula vulpes): The role of equilibrium status at the time of release.
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