Conservation is important to us. We love what we do, and we want to keep doing it. We’re also in the unique position to be able to educate a broad range of anglers and friends of fish, water and wild places, because so many people pass through our lodge doors each year.  Please consider the long term well being of the fishing environments you visit, and if you discover an organization that interests you, please support them as generously as you are able.

Rio Grande, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

5 years ago a group of lodges and agents, who for the past 25 years have been dedicated to protecting the sea trout of the Rio Grande in Tierra del Fuego, commissioned Dr. Jack Stanford and his team of biologists from the University of Montana to conduct a comprehensive study to provide scientific data on:

1. The evolution of the fishery
2. The size and health of the population
3. Potential risks to the population
4. To provide management advice and best practices to optimise the resource
5. To suggest a sustainable river capacity of foreign and local anglers

 After the first three years, and much hard work, the sponsors and the University decided that the study should be handed over to a local team of scientists.

The initiative was taken by local government representatives Secretary of Natural Resources Dr. Nicolas Lucas and Fishing Director Santiago Lesta to continue the study that shed light on this incredible resource.

Today the study team is led by the biologists Miguel Pascual and Miguel Casalinuovo. Both are specialists in the behaviour of anadromous fish, with many years of experience working in Patagonia. Pascual´s field is the ecology, biology and genetics of these fish, whilst Casalinuovo´s focus is the analysis of recreational fishing pressure on the fishery. Together they form a dream team that is starting to dramatically increase our understanding of this remarkable fish.

Here is a brief summary of the study and the huge sea run brown trout of the Rio Grande

This unique population of fish in Tierra del Fuego and their evolution over time is a direct result of the natural conditions and environmental pressures of their surroundings.

Through two years of studies using tagging methodology we can estimate the current population of the Rio Grande to be between 38,000 and 55,000 fish depending on the year. Interestingly, the female:male ratio of fish studied was 3:1. This might be explained by a stronger selective force within females, as a result of them have to produce and carry many eggs, for the enriching ocean food that is the benefit of an anadromous life. In terms of size, the standard range of fish studied is between 340 and 1,020 millimeters with a weight range of between 7 and 33 pounds. Several fish were observed that fell outside of this range.

The big anadromous fish rarely eat in the river and what incites them to take a fly is still in part a mystery. Other studies of Pascual´s team suggest that their marine diet is similar to that of the Magellan Penguin and Chinook salmon. This is significant as it could explain because they travel much further out to sea than previously thought and thus be more protected.

Bahamas Conservation Work

 Conservation is an important part of what we  do.  Spending our time and energy on the flats and in the Bahamas we see areas that need attention and do what we can to empower and fund organizations we feel do a great job.  From tagging bonefish to fundraising we actively participate in organizations we feel are making the world a better place, through education and conservation.  Here are a few organizations we support and hope you will as well.

Bonefish and Tarpon Trust- You may recognize them as the sponsor for the Pirates of the Flats series filmed at Abaco Lodge but this research based organization does more for our shallow water friends than anyone we know.   From education and conservation these guys do it all.  They are responsible for the tagging program we participate in both South Andros and Abaco as well as helping us assemble the data we need to help push through conservation driving legislation here in the Bahamas.

Friends of the Environment – FRIENDS is a local grassroots organization that is focused on preserving and protecting Abaco’s ecosystem.  There is no better voice than those of the locals on the ground and we like supporting those that want to protect and educatie the world we live in.

 Abaco Pathfinders –while not directly related to the conservation side of things.  Pathfinders offers a scholarship program to those that cannot afford to opportunity to leave the islands in search of an education and we are proud to help sponsor them.