Fly Fishing Association Calls for Review of Bonefish Industry Policies and Operations
- NewslineTCI
- 35 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) is raising concerns about the future management of the country's bonefish industry, calling for greater involvement in conservation discussions while questioning aspects of the sector's regulatory and economic framework.
The concerns come after the association learned of upcoming bonefish workshops scheduled by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (DFMRM) in partnership with an international fishing organisation. According to the association, neither its leadership nor membership was invited to participate despite its active involvement in fly fishing development and conservation initiatives across the islands.
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot said the association was surprised to learn of the workshops through contacts within the international fly fishing community rather than through official channels.
Talbot said the workshops address issues that members have devoted their lives to and that the association was never informed they were taking place.
The workshops are scheduled to take place on July 1 in Providenciales and July 6 in South Caicos.
The association said its concerns extend beyond the workshops themselves and touch on broader issues affecting the bonefishery, including conservation practices, licensing, and the economic benefits generated by the industry.
Among the concerns raised by TCFFA is the use of airboats on the country's saltwater flats. The association argues that the vessels can negatively impact shallow-water ecosystems and says similar vessels have been restricted or prohibited in other jurisdictions with established bonefishing industries.
Guides affiliated with the association have also expressed concerns about what they describe as increasing pressure on traditional fishing grounds and the potential long-term effects on bonefish populations and habitat.
The association is additionally calling on authorities to review commercial sport fishing and charter operations operating within the sector.
According to TCFFA, questions remain regarding whether all operators offering bonefishing and related charter services possess the licences, certifications and authorisations required under Turks and Caicos Islands law.
The association has specifically called on the relevant government departments to provide clarity regarding licensing requirements and compliance across the industry.
TCFFA has also raised concerns about the economic structure emerging within parts of the sector.
Association officials say some local guides are being engaged by international tourism operators on an hourly basis while supplying their own boats, equipment and expertise. The organisation argues that greater attention should be given to ensuring that economic benefits derived from the country's bonefish resources remain within local communities.
"The flats belong to the people of these Islands, and so should the livelihoods they generate," the association stated.
The association noted that it has been working with government agencies and educational institutions to develop a guide certification programme for local fly fishing guides. The initiative is supported through a Darwin Plus People & Skills grant and involves collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Invest TCI, and government stakeholders.
TCFFA says it supports conservation measures, including the recent decision to prohibit the netting of bonefish, but believes those directly affected by policy changes should be included in consultations surrounding the future of the fishery.
In a significant development, the association has announced its intention to pursue a judicial review of licensing and regulatory decisions relating to sport fishing and bonefishing activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The proposed action, according to TCFFA, is aimed at examining whether existing licensing and certification frameworks are being applied consistently and in accordance with the law.
The association's concerns had not been publicly addressed at the time of publication.