THIS WEEK IN THE BAHAMAS BY ELCOTT COLEBY

(2 – 6 JANUARY 2017)

GOVERNMENT RELEASES FLY FISHING REGULATIONS
It was twenty-three years in the making said industry stakeholders, but on Wednesday of this week, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources the Hon. V. Alfred Gray announced that on Monday, the 9th January, 2017 regulations governing the $500 million fly fishing industry will come into effect, making The Bahamas the last country in the Caribbean to regulate this industry. Mr. Gray discussed an overview of the general regulatory framework for the fly fishing industry at a press conference at the Ministry’s offices.

“The Fly Fishing industry in The Bahamas is said to be worth more than half billion dollars. For more than 20 years, and under several administrations, the men and women involved in the Fly Fishing industry of The Bahamas have been seeking to have this very important industry regulated.

“The Fly Fishing industry worldwide is said to be worth (in revenue terms) over $5 billion, and in The Bahamas it is said to be worth more than $5 million in revenue annually.”

This industry sustains hundreds of jobs on islands such as Andros, Abaco, Acklins, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Bimini, Long Island and Mayaguana.

Regulations require that all persons using the Flats, such as guides, anglers, and do-it-yourselfers (DIY’s) have a license issued by the Department of Marine Resources in New Providence, or by the Family Island Administrators in the Family Islands. All guides are expected to be certified over time by the Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Marine Resources, in conjunction with approved Fly Fishing associations in The Bahamas. Commercial fishing is not allowed on flats and the fish covered under the regulations include Bone fish, Tarpon and Cobia. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE..