Bahamian Fishers Ecological Knowledge Research Initiative
Ghost Stories - Pioneering Bahamian Guides: Their Knowledge, Their Stories, and Opportunities for Resource Management.
A research project - book - film documentary - PhD Dissertation
"There is no better source of knowledge than elders who have lived for decades in their local environment."
This research initiative aims to gain knowledge pertaining to Bahamian ecosystems from the first professional Bahamian Bonefish Guides. This research initiative has three primary goals:
Documenting the history of the industry, developing habitat maps & assessing fisheries population changes... all though accessing guide knowledge and stories
Documenting local ecological knowledge will aid in preserving Bahamian Natural Resources, empower small-island communities and enhance sustainability of the tourism industry. Efforts to document the lives of these guides, the contributions they have made to the Global Bonefishing Industry, the Bahamas Tourism Industry, and the evolution and history of the FlyFishing Industry, will work to give credit to these pioneers and legends.
Research Project Images
David Pinder Sr. has been guiding since 1958 on Grand Bahamas. He was one of the original guides at the legendary Deep Water Cay lodge on the east end of Grand Bahamas. He is a wealth of knowledge, stories and I am thrilled to have been able to document some of this through Ghost Stories research.
Discussing key fisheries habitats with Shawn Leadon
Mr. Bonefish.... the inspiration for "Ghost Stories".
David Pinder Sr. has been guiding since 1958 on Grand Bahamas. He was one of the original guides at the legendary Deep Water Cay lodge on the east end of Grand Bahamas. He is a wealth of knowledge, stories and I am thrilled to have been able to document some of this through Ghost Stories research.
Costa, R.L. Winston Rod Co., Nautilus reels, World Angling, Fishpond, 12 weight... all supporters of conservation research.
Boxes ready, reels ready... looking for guides to fish on film!
Leaders in reel design and conservation. Look for a custom engraved Bonefish and Tarpon Trust NV 8/9 at the upcoming BTT symposium in Nov. available through the silent auction. Proceeds from this auction item will go directly to support the valuable research initiative working to conserve Bahamian fisheries and history.
Costa, R.L. Winston Rod Co., Nautilus reels, World Angling, Fishpond, 12 weight... all supporters of conservation research.
Bahamian icon, Maitland Lowe shares local knowledge with BTT researcher Thomas Karrow. I am honoured to meet such important people, learn from them and spent time with Bahamian legends!
The lovely streets of Hope Town, Abaco
Long-time Cherokee Sound guide Donnie shares his knowledge of local habitat and changes in the history of the industry with BTT researcher Thomas Karrow
Bahamian icon, Maitland Lowe shares local knowledge with BTT researcher Thomas Karrow. I am honoured to meet such important people, learn from them and spent time with Bahamian legends!
General Images
Research Supporters
Andros
Grand Bahama
Abaco
Bimini
Ghost Stories features a reversal of roles where guides fish and discuss casting, habitat, best handling practices, environmental stresses and more.
Fly boxes ready! Ghost Stories features role reversals where guides finally fish, sharing knowledge on best handing practice, casting, equipment and more.
Leaders in reel design and conservation. Look for a custom engraved Bonefish and Tarpon Trust NV 8/9 at the upcoming BTT symposium in Nov. available through the silent auction. Proceeds from this auction item will go directly to support the valuable research initiative working to conserve Bahamian fisheries and history.
Ghost Stories features a reversal of roles where guides fish and discuss casting, habitat, best handling practices, environmental stresses and more.
Down time from interview research on the flats of Great Exuma. Exuma is stunning and the fishery is great!
Btt representing at the Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma. Sound scientific research leads to more informed policy which in turns leads to better governance and sustainable decision-making
Down time from interview research on the flats of Great Exuma. Exuma is stunning and the fishery is great!
Interviewing legendary Bahamian guide Ansil Saunders in his boat building workshop. Mr. Saunders is an icon and I was thrilled to spend time with him, and learn from him about Bimini Bonefishing
Interviewing Tommy Saunders, brother of Ansil and Ashley Saunders
Interviewing legendary Bahamian guide Ansil Saunders in his boat building workshop. Mr. Saunders is an icon and I was thrilled to spend time with him, and learn from him about Bimini Bonefishing
Exuma
Andros... where it all began for me. My passion for the Bahamas began while fishing years ago with Big Charlie Seymour. I am looking forward to returning to Andros, exploring the whole island, interviewing legendary Charlie Neymour and many other Androsian guides!
Legend Mr. Ralph Moxie, a LONG time guide from Moxie Town
Meeting and interviewing Burnt Ferguson... Ferguson is a name that is synonymous with great guides in central Andros
Andros... where it all began for me. My passion for the Bahamas began while fishing years ago with Big Charlie Seymour. I am looking forward to returning to Andros, exploring the whole island, interviewing legendary Charlie Neymour and many other Androsian guides!
“If we are serious about restoring ecosystem health and ecological integrity, then we must first know what the land was like to begin with.”
Aldo Leopold, American Ecologist
