Caribbean Bonefish Research Program

Background and Justification

• The Caribbean Bonefish Research Program is designed to provide urgently needed information on bonefish throughout the Caribbean.  Without sufficient information on bonefish biology, effective management and conservation of the fisheries are not possible.

• Recent research has revealed large gaps in our knowledge about bonefish, and has revealed that many of our assumptions about bonefish were not valid.  We need to fill the information gaps and correct the assumptions to ensure healthy bonefish fisheries.

• This research program is a three-to-five year collaborative, voluntary program that will involve participation by fishing lodges, guides, and anglers.

Research Components

This research program has three components: fin clips for genetics; tagging to estimate movements and to estimate population size; and a growth rate study to determine growth rates. These components are described below.

Fin clips for genetics

We once thought there was only one species of bonefish on the flats of the Caribbean. Recent research has shown that three species of bonefish occur in the shallows of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, these species cannot be identified based on appearance. We need to conduct genetic tests to determine the species.  Collections of small clips of fin tissue are needed for genetic testing. Genetic samples can also be used to estimate the degree to which bonefish populations in different locations are connected.  Each participating lodge is expected to collect at least 100 fin clips. Individual anglers can also participate in the fin clip program by requesting ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) a fin clip kit for their next bonefish trip.

Tagging for estimating bonefish movements

Tagging and recapture of tagged bonefish provides information on movements that is essential for management, such as what geographical area should be used for management, and to what extent do different populations mix. Each lodge is expected to tag at least 2,000 bonefish.

Growth Study

In 1995, research to determine growth rate was conducted on Florida Keys bonefish. Until recently, it was assumed that all bonefish grew at the same rate. Recent research, however, has indicated that bonefish in the Caribbean have a slower growth rate than in the Florida Keys: a 23 inch (fork length) Caribbean bonefish = 16 years old, but a 23 inch Florida Keys bonefish = 6 years old.

Information on the age structure of bonefish populations is important for management – there need to be sufficient numbers of fish of all ages to support a healthy fishery. For example, a population dominated by old fish may indicate low survival of juveniles, which would require management action. Changes in growth rate might also indicate environmental changes important to conservation. We hope to collect growth data from 100 bonefish per lodge.

Participating Lodges

Belize River Lodge, Belize

El Pescador, Belize

Permit Alley Anglers, Belize

Andros South, Bahamas

Abaco Lodge, Bahamas

Abaco Fly Fishing Guides Association, Bahamas

Flamingo Cay, Bahamas

Cienega de Zapata National Park, Cuba

Los Roques, Venezuela

More lodges will be added. To inquire about adding your lodge to the program please contact us ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).