Posted on June 30 2022
From Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and Costa Sunglasses:
From Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and Costa Sunglasses have released a new film highlighting Project Permit, a more than decade-long permit conservation program funded by Costa, with support from the Lower Keys Fishing Guides Association and the March Merkin permit tournament. A Pathway for Permit tells the story of the collaborative efforts of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Costa, and fishing guides to conserve and protect the Florida Keys’ iconic permit fishery, and provide the information resource managers need to better manage the fishery.
“Captured so perfectly in this film, whether catching your first or twentieth permit in the Keys, it’s incredibly memorable, and a feat many anglers spend years trying to achieve,” reflects Joe Gugino, Costa’s Conservation and Community Partnerships Manager. “The whole purpose of Project Permit, and why Costa continues to invest so heavily in conservation partners like BTT, is to guarantee these elusive species don’t become a tale of what was, but rather a thriving, healthy fishery for generations to come.”
The 12-minute film, narrated by angling legend Flip Pallot, features pioneering permit angler Captain Steve Huff and BTT scientist Dr. Ross Boucek, as well as renowned Keys permit guides Captain Will Benson and Captain Brandon Cyr. The film was produced by Dan Diez of Headwake Media, and will premiere online, Wednesday, June 29.
Since its launch in 2011, Project Permit has provided valuable insights into permit movement and habitat, helping to ensure the conservation and protection of the species. Initially, Project Permit started as a way to determine if Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) creation of the Special Permit Zone (SPZ) in 2011 was providing effective management.
In 2015, the project expanded to focus on habitat use and spawning, which informed the 2018 expansion of the SPZ’s permit spawning season closure to include the month of April. Project Permit also identified Western Dry Rocks as the most important spawning site for flats permit in the Lower Keys, and project data informed FWC’s 2021 decision to establish a no-fishing closure at the site to protect vulnerable permit and other species during their spawning season.
“We thank our valued partner Costa for its longstanding support of Project Permit and its leadership in advocating for improved management of the Keys’ permit fishery,” said Jim McDuffie, BTT President and CEO. “We’re also indebted to the many guides who have shared their expertise and donated countless hours on the water to ensure the success of this vitally important project. Its many achievements are a testament to what can be accomplished for conservation when industry partners, the angling community, nonprofit organizations, and resource managers work together for the long-term benefit of our fisheries.”
For more information on Project Permit and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, visit: ww.BTT.org
About Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. BTT pursues this mission across the southeastern US, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea through science-based conservation, education and advocacy.
About Costa Sunglasses
As the first manufacturer of color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lenses, Costa combines superior lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability. Costa has made the highest quality, best-performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983, and now its product portfolio includes optical frames. Costa’s growing cult-brand status ties directly to its purpose to provide high-quality products with a focus on sustainability and conservation as the company works hard to protect the waters it calls home. From the use of sustainable and water-friendly materials to its Kick Plastic initiative, IndiFly Foundation, and meaningful partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.