October 23, 2017
By Jonathan Wright
The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, the leading environmental advocacy and research organization dedicated to the issue of saltwater flats, will be holding it's upcoming 6th annual International Science Symposium in Weston, FL. The BTT, known as the organization that "punches above it's weight" for policy influence -- largely due to the quality of it's scientific research -- will be hosting a collaboration of leaders from both sporting and academic fields who are working towards the preservation and sustainability of near shore saltwater environments.
The Symposium, scheduled for November 10-11, 2017, will be offering an unprecedented depth of experience to help forward understanding and expertise in it's attendees. The Symposium is targeted not only towards the public, but also outdoor professionals such as guides and outfitters, leaders in broader industry who are interested in adopting sustainable practices, and regulatory officials who want to make better decisions going forward..
Seminars will include presentations by leading voices in both sport and science, with planned sessions including
€¢ Andy Mill Tarpon Clinic
€¢ Photography Clinic with Pat Ford
€¢ Adventure Travel Panel
€¢ Light Tackle Techniques for the Flats Clinic with C.A. Richardson
€¢ SUP Fishing Clinic
€¢ Fly Tying Clinics
€¢ Fix Our Water Discussion Panel
€¢ Bonefish Expert Discussion Panel
€¢ Tarpon Expert Discussion Panel
€¢ Permit Expert Discussion Panel
€¢ International Expert Discussion Panel
€¢ Angling Legends Panel
€¢ Art & Film Festival (Friday Evening)
€¢ Bonefish Science Session
€¢ Permit Science Session
€¢ Tarpon Science Session
€¢ Bahamas Initiative
€¢ Keys Initiative
As per the newsletter announcement from BTT, "In addition to learning more about science-based approaches to conservation, Symposium participants will enjoy time with the legends of our sport — top anglers and guides who will be on hand to share their time-tested techniques for catching the iconic gamefish of the flats. Fishing and casting clinics (fly and spin) will be taught by some of the world's top anglers, including Andy Mill, Chico Fernandez, and C.A. Richardson, while other legends will join lively panel discussions. The 2017 Symposium also includes Fly tying and photography clinics, an Art & Film Festival, and a Flats Expo that runs concurrently with other activities, providing opportunities to learn more about fishing and travel-related products and services offered by industry leaders."
"The Symposium concludes on Saturday evening with a banquet honoring conservation leaders, as well as silent and live auctions. Offerings will include bucket-list destination trips, fine art, top-of-the-line spin and fly-fishing gear, and a special 20th Anniversary trip to fish and conduct research with BTT-affiliated scientists."
Through coordinating the 6th Annual Science Symposium, the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust continues to provide a vision for the entire angling industry -- based both in fresh and saltwater -- that is looking to conservation of resource as a means to a sustainable future.
Late registration is still available, for inquires, please contact:
(305) 393-5115 or patriciaabowman@outlook.com
