Bonefish Decline Examined

Susan Cocking of the Miami Herald looks at bonefish and the species is declining.

A decline in prey like shrimp and crabs is not the main cause of the drop in bonefish populations in Florida Bay, according to a one-year study conducted by Audubon Florida and funded by the nonprofit Bonefish Tarpon Trust.
The study by researchers Pete Frezza, Shawn Liston, Jerry Lorenz and Michelle Robinson suggests other factors — the diversion and quality of freshwater delivered to Florida Bay; toxins in bottom sediments; pollutants from farms and yards; increased boating pressure; mercury contamination; and ocean acidification — might share the blame for the decline of a sport fish that pumps $427 million annually into the Florida Keys economy.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/16/3453183/several-factors-suggested-for.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/06/16/3453183/several-factors-suggested-for.html