The Hon. Vaughn P. Miller, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, is spearheading a bold new direction for The Bahamas’ fly-fishing industry. While attending ICAST 2025, the world’s largest sport-fishing trade show, Minister Miller met with key partners, including the American Sport-fishing Association (ASA) and U.S. based outfitters and conservation leaders to advance a forward-thinking conservation and business development agenda.
As the Minister responsible for managing The Bahamas’ most valuable natural assets, including the world’s largest flats and bonefish nursery systems, Hon. Miller is leading efforts to enhance the country’s marine resources while creating new economic opportunities for Bahamians.

Minister Miller emphasised the importance of aligning conservation with commerce, noting that strategic partnerships with industry leaders are key to both protecting fragile ecosystems and increasing local business ownership.

“This is about a paradigm shift,” said Minister Miller. “We’re not just preserving the environment — we’re building a sustainable industry that benefits Bahamians first.” Working alongside Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) and its President, Prescott Smith, the Ministry is facilitating a new phase of development that includes:
Restoration and enhancement of nursery systems across the Family Islands Licensing programs for Bahamian fly-fishing guides to strengthen professionalism and open international pathways Introducing outfitter licensing to allow international companies to bring gear into the country, enabling local retailers to meet the demand for rods, reels, weather jackets, wading boots, and more.

Expanding retail access for traveling anglers, who currently take their gear back abroad; a missed revenue opportunity that the Ministry aims to address. These efforts also seek to channel greater international investment into Bahamian conservation, with ASA and U.S.-based companies expressing interest in supporting environmental initiatives through nonprofit partnerships.

ASA leaders expressed their shared commitment to collaboration.

“The Bahamas is adjacent to the United States, and we share common waterways,” said Dan Ferris, Chairman of the ASA Board. “It is important that we work together to protect both the fisheries and the resources because there is a common interest.”

The partnership aims not only to expand economic opportunities through fly-fishing tourism, but also to secure new support for marine conservation efforts through U.S. based organisations working with Bahamian stakeholders.

Minister Miller’s leadership represents a shift in how natural resources are managed — placing Bahamians at the center of conservation, commerce, and decision-making. His Ministry is working hand-in-hand with BFFIA and aligned stakeholders to create a resilient fly-fishing industry grounded in equity, sustainability, and local ownership.

Source: Ministry of the Environment & Natural Resources

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