If you spend any time at all reading fly fishing news and blogs, you’ve no doubt seen the coverage this week of the draconian changes being discussed in the Bahamas with regard to regulation of the fly fishing industry there.
The rule changes are sweeping and at first (and second) glance appear almost punitive when it comes to the non-native angler.
The overwhelming majority of fly fishers, spending hundreds of thousands in tourist dollars annually, are non-Bahamian and would be notably impacted by the ‘proposed regulations’.
As fly fishers we stand with those who are ready and willing to pay to help special locales conserve, protect, and sustain their fisheries. The draft regs go far beyond though, dis-allowing foreign-owned lodges and boats, ending unguided fishing and requiring daily permits (20-30 bucks per day) to fish, with your permit subject to refusal or revocation without cause.
Ouch.
The Straight Poop
In a press release on 18 June, the Bahamian government, specifically the Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. V. Alfred Gray announced the draft regulation. The measures are being proposed to ostensibly…
…to ensure that the marine environment, upon which the fishery is based, is protected and that the sustainability of the fishing industry is preserved for future generations of The Bahamas and visitors alike.
The actual regulations are posted here; it’s a fairly short read as far as regulations and legislation go.
American Fly Fishers’ Response
There’s been a fair amount of original ink spilled pixels posted in the form of original commentary on the issue; probably the best coverage has come via Rod Hamilton at DIYbonefishing – his are the first two links in the list below.
DIYbonefishing – good comment discussions on both posts
New Fly Fishing Regulations Proposed for the Bahamas (19 June)
Proposed Bahamian Fishing Regulations – Is the Sky Falling (21 June)
Gink and Gasoline
Is Flats Fishing in the Bahamas Over? (22 June)
Bonefish on the Brain
How to Destroy the Bahamas, A Guide (21 June)
Midcurrent
Bahamas Flat Fishing Proposal Creates Alarm
The 9-Day Comment Period and Offering Your Two Cents
One of the more interesting aspects of this story is the published intent to have the law in place by September; the regulation draft was just announced on the 17th and the open comment period will close on Friday the 26th. That’s a whopping 9 days to accept public comment.
If you’ve ever pondered a fly fishing run to the famous lodges and flats of the Bahamas, take a minute and fire a message off.
Email the Department of Marine Resources at fisheries@bahamas.gov.bs.
Letters to the Editor at the Nassau Guardian and Tribune 242 would also likely be quite helpful for those of you with a knack for turning a phrase.
Access – and regs – matter.
