Closing the Loop: Integrating Catch and Release Science, Education, and Habitat into a Conservation Strategy

Catch and release is receiving attention as a recreational fisheries conservation tool, but data are often lacking on: the suitability of target species; location-specific factors (e.g., predator field); likelihood of community support; infrastructure capabilities; availability of suitable habitat. This is especially true in the developing world, where C&R fisheries are appealing because they can be economically valuable with low environmental impact. These areas tend to lack management resources, making many of the fisheries de facto self-regulated. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is a non-profit, science-based organization that works with fishers to strengthen catch and release recreational fisheries through science, education, and conservation. Bonefish, tarpon, and permit support economically valuable recreational fisheries throughout their range, frequently managed as C&R. C&R for these species is valid with appropriate handling techniques, with caveats on the influence of location-specific factors. Mark-recapture suggests that spatial regulations (e.g., habitat protection) in conjunction with C&R will be an effective conservation tool. In the Caribbean, BTT is building a template that uses: education to increase catch and release effectiveness; economic studies to show the fisheries’ importance; special regulation fishing zones; catch and release regulations; use of target species as “Umbrella Species” to leverage their value for broader conservation measures.