Bahamas to regulate fly fishing industry
NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The Bahamas Government says as of January 9, the fly fishing industry will be regulated.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the fly fishing industry in the Bahamas is said to be worth more than half a 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,” said Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister V Alfred Gray.
He told a news conference that the industry worldwide is said to be worth more than six billion US dollars “and in the Bahamas it is said to be worth more than five million US dollars in revenue annually”.
Gray told reporters that about six or seven years ago the majority of the guides in the Bahamas formed themselves into a registered body called the ‘Bahamas Fly Fish Association’.
He said two years ago, the Perry Christie Government agreed to the regulation of the fly fishing industry resulting in months of consultations and negotiations with all stakeholders.
“The Flats Fishing sector is an important part of the Bahamas’ tourism product and is responsible for the employment of hundreds of Bahamians. This is particularly true for the islands of Andros, Abaco, Acklins, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Bimini, Long Island and Mayaguana.
“Because this sector was not governed by any form of regulations, those involved in the industry acted as they desired, without any rules or regulations and without any safeguard for conservation and sustainability of the industry. This position we believe could not be continued.”
Gray said the Bahamas was the only country in the Caribbean, the Americas, and other competing jurisdictions, with no law governing fly fishing.
The new regulations require that all persons using the Flats, such as guides, anglers, and do-it-yourselfers (DIY’s) must have a licence ranging in fees from five dollars daily to a weekly fee of US$20. The annual fee will cost US$60.
Gray said that under the new regulations only Bahamian registered vessels will be allowed on the Flats and that only Bahamians will be allowed to act as guides.
He said no commercial fishing will be allowed on the Flats and that the fines and penalties as set out in the regulations will be strictly enforced.