Bonefish have been an important natural resource in The Bahamas for as long as there have been people on the islands
The Lucayans relied on bonefish as part of their diet and more recently, bonefish were the focus of a subsistence and artisanal fishery. Today, recreational fishing for bonefish in The Bahamas is a $130 million industry nationally and a major economic driver on some of the out islands such as Andros. Conservation efforts for bonefish in The Bahamas have centered around catch-and-release, and the protection of mangroves and spawning aggregations.
For catch-and-release, scientific research shows that the choices anglers make when targeting bonefish are critical in reducing post-release predation.
Post-release predation can be as high as 40%
Using these science-based best practices will give your bonefish a better chance of survival after release
the future of the fishery is in our hands
behind the recommendations:
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED ON HOW FISH RESPOND TO CAPTURE, HANDLING, AND RELEASE CAN BE USED TO HELP REDUCE THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CATCH-AND-RELEASE, AND ACT AS THE BASIS OF ‘BEST PRACTICES’ SHARED HERE.
learn more about the catch-and-release science on Bahamian bonefish here
The artist:
Jace McKinney
Artist and illustrator Jace McKinney (Born 1983, Nassau, The Bahamas) draws from Campbell's theory of 'The Hero's journey' to illustrate complex, theological and personal narratives in his poetic paintings and sculptures. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, McKinney majored in sculpture with an emphasis on illustration. His Christian faith is integral to his practice and in 2013, McKinney began a new chapter in his career, enrolling in seminary at Andrews University, Michigan. While there are Biblical stories and references in McKinney's work, he is not interested in using iconic religious language, but says "I want the direction of my work to be conscious of the universal perspective and how it can be translated to different types of people".
In 2012, McKinney won the Central Bank of The Bahamas Art competition open category under the theme 'Redefining the Landscape', which he followed with a solo show titled Decoding Salvation. He won the competition again in 2014. The artist's work was selected for National Exhibition 7 at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and was selected to exhibit in the Central Bank of The Bahamas collection exhibition in the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas in 2015. McKinney has illustrated two published children's books: Lenny in da big yard, Natasha Turnquest (2010) and I Can't Sleep, Allie McPhail (2012).
Angling community in action:
Following science-based best practices improves the chances of each bonefish being able to swim away strong and healthy, ready to be caught again another day.
Each time you release a bonefish it is an opportunity to put conservation into action. Help support Bahamian bonefish and advocate for healthy fisheries management from cast to catch:
Share your own interactions guided by these best practices on social media. Follow along with the bonefish season and stay tuned for more stories and calls to action.
