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TrueFlies Announces Support for the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust “Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative”

Boca Grande, Florida – January 27, 2012 – TrueFlies Clothing, a fishing apparel company based out of Boca Grande, Florida is proud to announce their support for the Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative, a program operated by Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT).

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is a group of concerned anglers and guides who want to preserve their way of life. Scientists working to answer questions about these popular and elusive game fish.  It was formed in 1998 by a group of anglers, guides, and scientists in the Florida Keys who wanted to learn more about bonefish and tarpon in order to enhance their dwindling populations. Since then it has grown to include concerned anglers from over 20 countries, researchers from throughout the world, and guides committed to working with BTT in order to educate anglers and gather data while on the water.

The Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative, as the name implies, is dealing with protecting the fragile mangrove habitat that is essential for juvenile Tarpon, and Snook. Since healthy fisheries depend on a strong juvenile population, there is special urgency with regard to maintaining these “Cradles Of Life”. Although Charlotte Harbor has retained much of its mangrove shoreline, there have been significant losses of mangrove wetlands. Perhaps more problematic has been the alteration of freshwater flows into these mangrove wetlands, which negatively impact juvenile Tarpon, Snook, and the fish they feed upon. Fortunately, much of the habitat degradation that has occurred can be corrected, and planning can still occur to prevent further habitat loss.

Dr. Aaron J. Adams, Ph.D., Director Of Operations for BTT, on why the Juvenile Tarpon Habitat Initiative is so important –  “ Juvenile Tarpon and Snook depend upon shallow, backwater habitats for at least the first five years of their lives. Common characteristics include:

  • Mangrove or other fringing vegetation that provides structure and protection from bird predators;
  • A mixture of depths — primarily shallow with some deeper pools for fish to congregate when water levels decrease;
  • Tidal exchange through narrow, shallow passages that keep predatory fish away;
  • Freshwater inflow;
  • Calm backwaters.

Restoration of juvenile Tarpon and Snook habitats will help ensure healthy fisheries for Charlotte Harbor, and the significant contributions of TrueFlies are essential to this effort. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is grateful for the donation of TrueFlies to juvenile tarpon habitat restoration, and to the future of the fishery.” 

Co-owners Michael Lintz, and Capt. Cole Fairbanks, of Boca Grande, Florida, formed TrueFlies Clothing. Conceived on the notion of function, folded into fashion, TrueFlies produces clothing with technical features, while incorporating classic sporting style. The result is a garment made to help one manage the elements on a hot, sun-drenched flat somewhere in the tropics… and look damn good while doing so.

Captain Cole Fairbanks, VP TrueFlies L.L.C., on the decision to support BTT. —

“Mike (Lintz, Pres. TrueFlies L.L.C.) and I feel very strongly that we are obliged to do what we can to help protect the Tarpon, as well as their estuarine home. We owe them that not only as anglers, and charter captain, who have spent countless hours enjoying the pursuit of these magnificent fish, but also as those whose industry is dependent on anglers being able to go into these beautiful wild spaces, and interact with these animals forever!”

For more information on TrueFlies, Please call Capt. Cole Fairbanks, V.P. True Flies L.L.C.  (941) 258-1683, visit our website:   https://www.trueflies.com, or also on Facebook at facebook.com/TrueFlies.

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