June 7, 2007

New Bonefish, Tarpon Research Center to improve Florida fisheries

Virginia Key, FL (June 6, 2007) -- Florida’s precious bonefish and tarpon are soon to benefit from a new science-based Bonefish and Tarpon Research Center (BTRC), thanks to funding from the Wildlife Foundation of Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, and Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited Inc.

Due to become operational on July 1, the new research center will be housed at the Rosenstiel School and will conduct science-based research that supports fishery management and help to safeguard the current and long-term health of bonefish and tarpon, both of which are very important to the Florida recreational saltwater fishing industry.

Bonefish are one of Florida’s most valuable fish, accounting for approximately $1 billion annually to the Florida economy via sportsfishing revenue.  Likewise, tarpon plays prominently in the $5.5 billion regional draw that sportsfishing brings to the state.  In fact, sportsfishing now surpasses the citrus industry in state revenues.

“The Bonefish and Tarpon Research Center will help focus scientific efforts in critical areas of applied research to support management decision making for the sustainability of these magnificent sportfish” said Dr. Jerry Ault, a Rosenstiel School professor of marine biology and fisheries and book editor of Biology and Management of the World Tarpon and Bonefish Fisheries.  Ault will direct the new research center in collaboration with the various partners. 

Under a three-year collective agreement, funds the partners raise will be pooled to create a larger, more effective financial base to conduct research and have broader management impact.  A related goal is to create public awareness through educational and outreach programs.

Initial plans call for the new research center to develop comprehensive regional research priorities at three levels with its principal focus in Florida but also the southeastern United States (North Carolina to Texas), and internationally.  Funds to support the BTRC will be raised through a variety of individual efforts by each of the partners as well as outreach and marketing programs by the BTRC.  These funds will then be distributed in the form of grants issued by the BTRC, overseen by a grant approval committee made up of a representative from each of the partners. Bonefish and Tarpon Unlimited (BTU) will chair the committee and manage the grant process.

BTU is a membership-based organization committed to the preservation and enhancement of bonefish and tarpon fisheries worldwide through research, education and regulation.  BTU currently provides full or partial funding for 10 bonefish and tarpon research projects.

The Rosenstiel School is part of the University of Miami and, since its founding in the 1940s, has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.  Within it, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute provides timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's fish and wildlife resources through effective research and technical knowledge.

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Media Contact:
Annie Reisewitz/ UM Media Relations
305-284-1601
a.reisewitz@miami.edu