With bonefish counts at their lowest level since 2003, Florida’s considering creating a catch & release rule to protect the fishery. It’s likely the extremely cold winter – which killed plenty of tropical sportfish – had something to do with the low population counts, and it’s nice to see Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission considering action.
Interestingly, we found this interesting little economic tidbit suggesting a bonefish was worth $75,000 over the course of its lifetime:
The census, conducted in collaboration with local fishermen and guides, as well as the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), and the Florida Keys Fishing Guide Associations, is important because bonefish are a major component of Florida’s $5.5 billion sport-fishing industry. Based on past results, Ault estimates each bonefish in Florida is worth about $3,500 per year to the industry or about $75,000 over its lifetime.
Frankly, the Underground could use a few extra bucks, so I’m heading down to Florida, catching a few bonefish, then holding them hostage (I’ll take $50K a head).
See you at the bank, Tom Chandler.
(Hat tip to the Outdoor Pressroom)
I wish that someone would do a similar study of the Atlantic Striped Bass. All the evidence available to the casual observer (read sport fishers) indicates that the species is in serious decline, and the powers that be insist that all is so well that the commercial limits should be increased, at least here in the PRM.
JJP(Quote)
I see your bonefish and raise you an NC mountain trout:
http://www.ncwildlife.org/NewsReleases/081209_North_Carolina_Trout_Anglers_Contribute_Significantly_to_Economy.htm
Andrew(Quote)
Sheesh, with a mere 100,000 or so of these babies we could balance the budget, get the Fed out of the Treasuries business, and still have enough left over for a Big Mac & Fries! Seems our esteemed legislators are overlooking a Good Thing.
There is one tiny thing that puzzles me, though. I thought we were suffering from global warming, not winters so cold so far south that we lose massive amounts of tropical fish. I guess Al Gore was wrong, again? (He just admitted he was wrong on ethanol. Maybe he should give the Nobel back.)
The Chile Doctor (thinking about fishy politics)
The Chile Doctor(Quote)
Chile Doctor, are you serious? I’m guessing this is an inflammatory comment, but I’ll take the bait nonetheless. The term “global warming” does not mean simply warmer temperatures everywhere. Indeed, many warmer climates see colder temperatures as a result of the same processes that are warming things up elsewhere. With a higher average global temperature, it is entirely possible that these would be even colder spells in the tropics, without the ongoing climate change. Do a little research.
Robert Johnson(Quote)
Oopsie; got a live one. Sorry, Robert! I’m humor-impaired; just ask Tom. Yes, I’ve done the thermodynamics. (I’m a prof, teaching physical chem.) And the other research. Just not on bonefish. (grin) You see, I’m also fish-impaired. When fish begin to carry guns, then I’ll get out the tackle and go after them, I suppose…
Tom: Does this mean I have to go sit in the corner in “time out” ?? (hanging head)
The Chile Doctor(Quote)
Global Warming is a load of… If you want to learn the truth about ‘Global Warming’ Google the the search term ‘Lord Monckton Global Warming’ or go to http://www.globalclimatescam.com.
As for the topic at hand I $75k divided by $35k per year is over 21 years. I didn’t know those fish live that long.
Tom Wilson(Quote)
Thanks, but I prefer to do my research where there are fewer tin hats in evidence.
You know, real scientists. And we’re not doing this on my blog. Any more posts are torched.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I’m surprised Bonefish weren’t catch and release already. Are Permit and Tarpon C&R? I’m heading to Key West for work next fall and looking to do some fishing. Can’t imagine someone taking one out of the water to eat or mount when you can get the same thing accomplished with good measurements and a photo. Best part is you or someone else can catch it again.
JayhawkNavy02(Quote)