Flats Conservation in Mexico: BTT Teams Up with Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca Lodges
Written By: Trent Jones
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) is teaming up with Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca, two of Mexico’s top fly-fishing lodges, to push forward science-based conservation efforts that will benefit the region’s precious flats fishery. The plan? A mix of research projects that will guide future conservation decisions and educational programs to promote proper fish handling.
Located on the legendary Ascension and Espiritu Santo bays—just south of Cancún—Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca (@casaplayafishing) are in prime waters for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. This region also happens to be part of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a stunning area filled with mangrove creeks, lagoons, and endless flats.
But it’s not just Mexico and Belize that will benefit from these efforts. BTT’s past research has shown that Florida’s flats fishery is connected to the Yucatán through bonefish larval transport, meaning the impact could be felt across borders.
In the photo, you can see BTT President Jim McDuffie and Andrea Hernández Velasco from Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca signing the partnership agreement in Mexico City on September 25. Big things are on the horizon for flats conservation! To learn more about BTT's ongoing efforts and how you can get involved, visit Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and support the future of our fisheries.