Bahamas News
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) Expands Research to Enhance Bahamian Fisheries
Group’s fisheries scientists, policy experts, and board leadership are focused on pre-spawning aggregations to protect key nursery habitats and promote biodiversity
BTT scientist Justin Lewis releases a tagged bonefish. Data from tagging provides information such as when and where the fish migrate and the range of their habitat. Tagging does not harm the fish. Photo: BTT
FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA – Following its recent Board of Directors meeting, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to The Bahamas by advancing research into bonefish spawning behaviors, with a focus on the Berry Islands, North Andros, and Grand Bahama. This work seeks to enhance the sustainability of bonefish, tarpon, and permit populations while safeguarding essential habitats that support diverse marine species critical to Bahamian fisheries and reef ecosystems.
The research will include aerial surveys conducted with the expertise of local fishing guides to identify bonefish pre-spawning aggregations (PSAs) across key locations. These PSAs are central to bonefish reproduction, yet they also represent vital areas that support broader marine productivity. By safeguarding these sites, BTT’s efforts extend benefits to a range of coexisting species reliant on healthy coastal habitats, reinforcing the role these ecosystems play in sustaining local communities and contributing to The Bahamas’ marine economy, which studies have shown generates over $169 million from Bonefishing activities and services annually.
Bonefish school by the thousands at a BTT-studied PSA before heading offshore at night to spawn. Photo: Cameron Luck
Rashema Ingraham, BTT Caribbean Program Director, said: “Protecting pre-spawning sites for bonefish is fundamental, but this work has implications beyond just one species. BTT’s research focuses on sustaining the flats fishery and contributes valuable insights into the broader ecological web. Our efforts to secure habitats essential to flats species are equally beneficial to commercial fisheries and reef ecosystems. These interconnected benefits ensure that local communities and the wider Bahamian marine environment are better positioned to face climate and economic pressures.”
As Ingraham explained, tracking bonefish migrations and aggregations helps inform the protection of diverse habitats that support marine biodiversity. BTT is committed to advancing policies that recognize these connections, which are essential to commercial fisheries and other reef-dependent species critical to The Bahamas’ marine health. This work builds on years of experience with Bahamian fishing guides and coastal communities, fostering a cooperative model that integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research.
A dart tag is implanted in a bonefish before release. Tagging provides valuable information about fish movement and does not harm the fish. Photo: BTT
To date, BTT has identified 11 PSA sites in The Bahamas with the help of local fishing guides, who have shared their knowledge and expertise. BTT has successfully advocated for four PSAs to be protected as part of national parks in Grand Bahama, Abaco and Long Island. Previous research has shown that bonefish can travel as far as 70 miles to reach a PSA site, which attracts large numbers of fish from the surrounding areas. After the bonefish spawn offshore around full and new moons, the hatched bonefish larvae drift for 41-71 days before settling in sand- and mud-bottom bays, where they grow into juvenile bonefish.
Justin Lewis, BTT’s Bahamas Initiative Manager, said: “After bonefish congregate at PSA sites in massive schools, they move offshore at night to spawn in deep water. So, identifying PSAs and ensuring that they are adequately protected is vital to conserving the species for the future. Next spring, our focus will be on tracking bonefish spawning movements at the most recently identified PSAs in Grand Bahama. This will provide further insight into spawning behaviors and timing. We’ll also focus on educating the Bahamian public, guides and visiting anglers about the importance of these sites to the sustainability of the fishery.”
BTT’s research aims to foster an ecosystem-wide understanding that supports fisheries management and policy development. By examining the interconnected habitats that support bonefish, tarpon, permit, and other marine life, BTT is contributing valuable knowledge to inform a sustainable approach to Bahamian fisheries—a need amplified by the increasing pressures of climate change and resource demand.
A bonefish pre-spawning aggregation (PSA) in The Bahamas. Photo: Robbie Roem
Vaughn Roberts, BTT Board Member and Senior Executive at Atlantis Paradise Island, said: “BTT’s science-based approach to fisheries conservation places us at the forefront of efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems. Through partnerships and collaborations, BTT is well-placed to work alongside NGOs, government agencies, and the private sector to promote a shared vision of sustainable and resilient fisheries alongside healthy nursery habitats.”
BTT anticipates that its data-driven approach can strengthen policies and projects that foster ecosystem resilience. BTT’s research aligns with international goals to protect and restore biodiversity-rich ecosystems, support Bahamian fisheries and crucial nursery habitats, and offer a potential model for sustainable marine resource management across the Caribbean.
Captain Shervin Tate, a professional bonefish guide from East Grand Bahama, said: “Working alongside BTT has been a game-changer; they listen to what we’re seeing on the water daily. BTT’s approach isn’t just about the science—they make sure that research goes hand-in-hand with what we know from years of guiding. It feels like a true partnership, where the knowledge we’ve built up is valued and used to benefit the fish, the waters, and the communities that depend on them. Together, we’re keeping our industry strong and ensuring future generations experience the same amazing fishing.”
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
