More than 7 million acres of land, nearshore and marine environments have been added to the Bahamian national park system, much of it prime flats fishing areas in order to protect the resource, increasingly recognized as a vital part of the economy.
Kenred Dorsett, Bahamas minister of the environment and housing, announced the creation of new national parks and protected areas around Acklins, Crooked Island, Great Exuma, Mayaguana, New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Andros — including the Marls and the Joulter Cays, both renowned for their flats fishing.
“We are especially excited about the inclusion of the Joulter Cays, which will provide much needed support to our thriving fly-fishing industry while also protecting the critical wintering habitat of several endangered shorebird species,” said Larry Glinton, president of Bonefish Tarpon…
