Aitutaki Bonefish

[Butch Leone]

Hey guys. I need some help down here on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. I am in an uphill fight for the conservation of our bonefish in our lagoon due to netting. There are nets being used to target and kill bonefish that are over 500 yards long. I am trying to get some economic viability of bonefish to economies in regard to tourism and the figure of what a bonefish is worth caught and released. I am often saddened to see a world record bonefish in the local market for $10. We still have trophy sized bonefish here but I would like to see that population remain and even increase. If anyone has some dollar values or if you know someone that does please let me know. I am putting together something for the Cook Island Tourism and their representative here on Aitutaki. Thanks for all your help.

[Marshrunner]

Try these two sites:

http://www.tarbone.org

http://www.ceibahamas.org/

Dick Brown

[hatidua]

There was a recent article, can't recall if it was online or in print, that figured what a bonefish was worth to the Florida economy and it was many thousands of dollars per fish. I'll try to find the article and either send it to you or post it here.