What Bonefish & Tarpon Trust does

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1997 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, with a staff of approximately 20. Its stated mission is the conservation of bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries, and it serves saltwater fly-fishing communities, partner governments, universities, and the broader public that depends on healthy nearshore and flats ecosystems.

The organization's core programmatic assets are its long-running fisheries research (over 25 years of data, including tagging and population studies) and its habitat-restoration work, most visibly a mangrove planting program that has surpassed 50,000 trees toward a 100,000-tree goal. Research is conducted in collaboration with more than 30 universities, and field operations span Florida, the Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, and Cuba. Six protected conservation zones have been established in the Bahamas, and the organization publishes a quarterly journal with circulation above 15,000 that functions as both an outreach and donor-engagement tool.

Its business model is a diversified nonprofit revenue stack rather than a commercial product. Income is generated through individual memberships priced from $35 to $10,000, donations, a tiered corporate sponsorship program priced from $2,500 to $50,000+, merchandise and sweepstakes, and Florida specialty license plate proceeds. Grants and research partnerships with academic institutions supplement programmatic funding. There is no commercial technology product, no recurring SaaS or licensing revenue, and no AI/ML product surface.

Name

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Legal name

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

Website

https://bonefishtarpontrust.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that conserves bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries through research, habitat restoration, and policy advocacy across Florida, the Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, and Cuba, funded by memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fisheries Conservation Services

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

Keywords

• Fisheries conservation
• Marine habitat restoration
• Angler education programs
• Wildlife nonprofit services
• Fisheries research advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Miami

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual memberships sold at multiple price points from $35 (Basic) to $10,000 (Grand Slam Patron), with benefits including decals, journals, merchandise discounts, and exclusive experiences.
2. Donations: General donations and planned giving options including stock donations, life insurance, retirement plans, real estate, and other asset donations. Tax-deductible under 501(c)3.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Annual corporate sponsorships at five tiers from Chrome ($2,500-$3,999) to Platinum ($50,000+), providing logos, ads, event access, and naming rights.
4. Merchandise and Sweepstakes: Online store selling BTT merchandise. Sweepstakes programs (Ultimate Flats Boat Sweepstakes) offering prizes valued at $49,000+ to drive donations.
5. Specialty License Plates: Florida specialty license plate program where $25 from each plate sold supports BTT's mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that conserves bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries and their flats habitats through applied scientific research, habitat restoration (mangrove and tidal creek), K-12 and angler education, and policy advocacy with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Caribbean governments. The organization funds its mission via individual memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, branded merchandise, and Florida specialty license plate revenue.

Product overview

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust operates as a nonprofit conservation organization offering a portfolio of products and services centered around science-based fisheries conservation. The core offerings include a tiered membership program with benefits ranging from decals to premium merchandise, and the bi-annual Bonefish & Tarpon Journal publication. Digital tools include weight and age calculators for bonefish, tarpon, and permit fish species. The organization provides educational products including CPALMS-certified Flats Ecology Curriculum for K-12 students and conservation education materials for Belize. Fundraising products include specialty Florida license plates and sweepstakes programs. The BTT Online Store offers branded merchandise. All products support BTT's mission to conserve bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries and their habitats through research, stewardship, education, and advocacy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bonefish & Tarpon Journal: Biannual journal publication featuring research and conservation efforts for bonefish, tarpon and permit, along with fishing articles, angler profiles, and photographs.
• Conservation Captains Program

Products and services

• BTT Membership Program Tiered annual membership program offering eight price points from Basic ($35) to Grand Slam Patron ($10,000) per year, each with incremental benefits including BTT decals, year-long Journal subscription, e-newsletter, and merchandise or partner-brand incentives (Costa, Patagonia, Sage, YETI). Designed for recreational anglers and conservation supporters, all memberships are tax-deductible as BTT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• Bonefish & Tarpon Journal Bi-annual publication featuring BTT's scientific research, conservation efforts, fishing articles, angler and guide profiles, photographs, and catch-and-release guidance for bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Circulation exceeded 15,000 and the Journal is distributed through fly shops, lodges, and direct membership fulfillment.
• BTT Florida Specialty License Plates Specialty Florida license plate featuring tarpon artwork by Derek DeYoung, available to Florida vehicle owners, with $25 from each plate sold supporting BTT's science-based conservation mission.
• Bonefish Weight Calculator Interactive online calculator that allows recreational anglers to estimate bonefish weight from a fork length measurement, based on measurements from 453 bonefish caught in the Florida Keys. Helps anglers avoid unnecessary handling of fish.
• Tarpon Weight and Age Calculators Interactive tools that estimate tarpon weight from fork length and girth measurements (without removing fish from water) and tarpon age from fork length using gender-specific growth charts, based on BTT's published scientific research. Reduces handling time and harm, especially for fish over 40 inches.
• Permit Weight and Age Calculators Interactive tools that estimate permit weight and age from fork length measurements, based on BTT scientific studies. Includes downloadable printable versions for use on the water.
• Flats Ecology Curriculum CPALMS-certified K-12 educational curriculum built by Florida educators and scientists, teaching students about flats fish, habitats, and conservation threats using BTT's latest research. Includes lesson plans, activity booklets, and videos for grades 2-12.
• Belize Conservation Education Materials Educational materials including information booklets, activity booklets, and lesson plans distributed in Belizean schools across grade levels, covering flats habitats, the cultural and economic value of flats fisheries, and best handling practices. Developed with partner Copal Tree Lodge.
• BTT Online Store E-commerce storefront selling BTT-branded apparel, accessories, and conservation-related merchandise. Members receive a 20% discount on orders with a $50 minimum purchase; shipping available within the US and Canada only.
• 2026 Ultimate Flats Boat Sweepstakes Annual fundraising sweepstakes co-developed with Floyd Skiff Co., offering chances to win a fully rigged custom flats skiff and premium prize packages valued at over $49,000, supporting BTT's science-based conservation of bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries and habitats.

Quantifiable outcome

• Catch-and-release regulations implemented for bonefish and tarpon in Florida
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Florida Atlantic University - Harbor Branch Oceanographic InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Aaron Adams serves as both BTT Director of Science and Conservation and Senior Scientist at Harbor Branch. BTT partners with FAU for research projects including bonefish reproductive studies and tarpon research.
• Florida International UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTT funds research on pharmaceutical contaminants effects on South Florida bonefish through Dr. Jennifer Rehage at FIU. Researchers collaborate on habitat and water quality studies.
• Bahamas National TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project and creek restoration initiatives. Collaborates on identification and protection of bonefish spawning sites in the Bahamas.
• Bahamas Ministry of Works and Family Island AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for tidal creek restoration projects in Grand Bahama. Partnership for East Grand Bahama creek restoration work.
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBTT works with FWC on regulations for bonefish, tarpon, permit and barracuda. Collaborates on fishery assessments and policy development for Florida waters.
• Friends of The Environment (Abaco)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project following Hurricane Dorian damage assessment and recovery efforts.
• University of MiamicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly research partner starting in 1997. Collaborated on initial bonefish literature review and continues as collaborating institution for research projects.
• Eckerd CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating institution for fisheries research and conservation studies.
• The Nature ConservancyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner collaborating on habitat protection and restoration initiatives.
• AudubonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in flats research and conservation efforts including the Audubon Flats Study.
• Everglades FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on Everglades restoration and water quality advocacy efforts.
• Florida Keys Fishing Guides AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed bonefish and tarpon catch-and-release guidelines and photography recommendations. Primary guide association partner in Florida Keys.
• Lower Keys Guide AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed bonefish and tarpon catch-and-release guidelines and photography recommendations.
• Abaco Fly Fishing Guides AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahamas guide association partner for bonefish conservation and research initiatives.
• Floyd Skiff Co.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-developer of Ultimate Flats Boat Sweepstakes providing custom skiff as grand prize. Supports BTT conservation mission through fundraising partnership.
• Chittum BoatworkscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Sponsor supporting Florida Keys bonefish research. Renewed sponsorship for bonefish spawning site identification work.
• Yamaha Right WaterscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum sponsor and partner providing outboard motors for sweepstakes and supporting BTT conservation programs.
• YETIcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing merchandise incentives for membership tiers including YETI Tumblers for Conservation Members and above.
• Costa SunglassescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProject Permit co-sponsor and membership benefit provider offering discount codes to BTT members at various tiers.
• PatagoniacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing discount benefits for Grey Ghost Members (25% off) and higher tiers (40% off Patagonia purchases).
• Sage Fly RodscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing fly rod discounts for Permit Patron (25% off), Silver King (50% off), and Grand Slam Patron (free rod) tiers.
• FishpondminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing gear bags and accessories for sweepstakes prizes and membership benefits.
• Simms FishingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing fishing apparel for sweepstakes prizes.
• Bass Pro Shops/Cabela'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor outdoor retailer sponsor supporting BTT mission.
• Mote Marine LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaborator for marine science studies.
• University of FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch university collaborating on fisheries science.
• Amigos de Sian Ka'anminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexican conservation NGO partner for Caribbean research.
• ECOSUR MexicominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMexican research institution collaborating on Belize-Mexico program.
• BREEF (Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahamas environmental education partner.
• Cape Eleuthera InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institute partner in Bahamas conservation work.
• Copal Tree LodgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner in Belize education initiative and conservation materials creation. Supports Belize conservation educational outreach.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Emerging players

• Keep Fish Wet: Keep Fish Wet is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to improving the practice of catch-and-release fishing through science-based handling guidelines. Like BTT, it produces angler-facing best-practice materials and toolkits, but operates as an educational initiative rather than a full research and policy organization.

Direct peers

• Trout Unlimited: Trout Unlimited is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring trout and salmon habitats across North America. Like BTT, TU is built around a single iconic sportfish family, uses science-based advocacy to drive habitat and water policy, and runs a membership + chapter-based fundraising model with major corporate partners. The two organizations are the closest structural analogues across freshwater and saltwater flats fishing.
• REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation): REEF is a marine conservation nonprofit that engages volunteer divers in citizen science fish surveys and supports ocean education. Like BTT, REEF relies on grassroots volunteer data collection, education programs, and partnerships with dive/fishing communities, but focuses on reef fish biodiversity rather than flats gamefish.
• The Billfish Foundation: The Billfish Foundation is a nonprofit sportfish conservation organization focused on billfish (marlin, sailfish, swordfish, spearfish) and the recreational fisheries that depend on them. It shares BTT's model of science-based research, tag-and-release programs, policy advocacy, and an angler membership base, but is anchored in offshore pelagic species rather than shallow-water flats.
• Coastal Conservation Association: CCA is a marine recreational fishing conservation nonprofit with state chapters that advocate for fish habitat, water quality, and sound fisheries management. Like BTT, CCA is supported by anglers and corporate sponsors and engages in science-driven policy advocacy, though CCA's scope spans many saltwater species rather than BTT's flats-focused portfolio.
• Wild Salmon Center: Wild Salmon Center is a nonprofit that protects wild salmon and their freshwater habitats across the Pacific Rim using science, policy, and field conservation projects. Like BTT, it operates across multiple countries, works with research institutions, and pursues international policy outcomes, but its focus is Pacific salmon rather than Atlantic/Caribbean flats species.
• International Game Fish Association: IGFA is the global authority on game fish records and a nonprofit conservation organization that promotes ethical angling practices, scientific research, and fisheries sustainability. Like BTT, IGFA supports catch-and-release practices and recreational fishing ethics, but its remit is broader across all game fish worldwide rather than BTP-specific.

Broad incumbents

• Marine Stewardship Council: MSC is a global nonprofit that sets standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. Like BTT, it operates internationally and uses science-based criteria to influence fisheries management, but works through supply-chain certification rather than direct habitat and policy advocacy.
• National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: NMSF is the nonprofit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System, supporting marine protected areas across the US. Like BTT, it engages in science, education, and advocacy for marine habitat conservation, but operates at a broader national MPA scale rather than species-specific flats fisheries.
• Ocean Conservancy: Ocean Conservancy is a major marine conservation nonprofit working on ocean health, fisheries sustainability, and policy at the national and international level. Like BTT, it pursues science-based policy advocacy, but covers a much broader portfolio (plastics, climate, deep-sea fisheries) rather than flats gamefish specifically.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bonetarpontrust
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BonefishTarponTrust
• Facebookfacebook.com/bonefishtarpontrust
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bonefish-and-tarpon-trust
• Instagraminstagram.com/bonefishtarpontrust

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bonefish & Tarpon Trust