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.”
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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