Tallahassee, Florida — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to pass a targeted, three-month closure of a bonefish pre-spawning aggregation (PSA) site discovered by Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) scientists in Biscayne National Park (BNP). This action effectively closes a sensitive 1.74-square-mile area to all fishing from March through May over the next five years.

“This aggregation discovery is a milestone in the recovery of this iconic fishery,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “We recognize this site’s importance and are committed to continuing the protection for this significant species.”

The Biscayne Bay PSA site is the first to be scientifically documented in Florida waters and was identified after more than three years of BTT’s research, in collaboration with FWC and BNP scientists. Tracking data show that migrating bonefish return to this patch-reef location year after year, where they form large schools before swimming offshore to spawn in deep water.

“Protecting this site during peak spawning season is critical to the continued recovery of Florida’s bonefish population,” said BTT President and CEO Jim McDuffie. “We thank FWC Commissioners for their leadership and commitment as well as the guides, anglers, partner organizations, and fishing industry leaders for raising their voices in support of this science-based conservation measure.”

BTT remains committed to balancing access to the resource with effective conservation measures. BTT, FWC and BNP will monitor the site and measure the effectiveness of the closure over the next five years, after which time it will be reviewed.

About Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. BTT pursues this mission through science-based conservation, education, and advocacy across Florida, The Bahamas, Belize and Mexico, as well as in coastal states from Texas to Virginia. Learn more at: www.BTT.org.