ABSTRACT
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 351 Concern for Conservation within Parks ................................................................ 355 Opportunities for Increased Conservation and Protection .................................... 356 References .............................................................................................................. 358
As discussed in several chapters of this volume, when it comes to the management of bonefi sh and tarpon throughout the world, there is cause for concern. These concerns are really twofold: (1) declines in the abundance of fi sh and (2) loss of quality-fi shing opportunities. Many places that used to be home to healthy populations of bonefi sh and tarpon have seen declines in their abundance and, in some cases, no longer sustain the recreational fi sheries that existed there (Texas Parks and Wildlife 1988; Reiger, 1992; Larmouth, 2002). In some cases, the fi sh populations may still be present, but the level of recreational use, overall amount of boating activity, and local shoreline developments have taken away the opportunity for solitude and a quality-fi shing experience. Most often, both of these concerns are related to growing human populations within the area and an associated increase in fi shing and boating activity. With an increase in human population usually come increased fi shing activity, increased incidental fi sh mortality, increased unreported harvest, habitat degradation, loss of key spawning and nursery areas, and increased direct and indirect ecosystem impacts. Conservation areas that can provide protected habitat for tarpon and bonefi sh and a place where populations of these species can continue to exist are limited. Those areas that do exist should be carefully evaluated and managed to maximize their benefi ts.
