My name is Ross Boucek–I am the new Keys Initiative Manager for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. First, I want to thank my predecessor, Brooke Black, for setting such a great foundation of work for me to build on. Her knowledge of the Keys flats fishery will be sorely missed at BTT. I grew up in Southwest Florida fishing for snook and tarpon out of Chokoloskee, and still spend a lot of time fishing there. I received my Masters and Doctoral degrees at Florida International University, where my research investigated how, and in what ways, Everglades Restoration actions will impact snook in Everglades National Park. After receiving my Ph.D., I worked for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission as a senior biologist researching animal migrations and where harvest regulation boundaries should be.
Over the coming years, I look forward to working with anglers, guides, fellow scientists, and other stakeholders to make sure that the necessary research is completed, and that this research is effectively applied to improve fishery management and ensure the long-term conservation of the Keys. I will be living in Marathon–feel free to reach out to me at anytime to talk fishing. I have a 1996 green Action Craft Flatsmaster–if you see me on the water, please drop by and introduce yourself. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in the fishing community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Ross Boucek
