FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA – June 8, 2015 – Today, The Billfish Foundation (TBF), the world’s leading sportfishing conservation organization, announced the winners of its prestigious Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award – Captain Randolph “Bouncer” Smith of Miami, Florida and recently retired financial advisor John Jolley of Boynton Beach, Florida.  The Award is named in honor of the late John Rybovich, a pioneer in billfish conservation and sportfishing vessel design.  The presentations will be made during TBF’s annual gala, held this year on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Harbor Beach Marriott resort on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida.

Captain Bouncer Smith, who fishes aboard Bouncer’s Dusky, a 33’ Dusky center console boat, is being honored for decades of support for billfish conservation and providing a voice on the docks for responsible sportfishing techniques and practices.  Bouncer leads by example through release of all his billfish, tagging most of them, which advances billfish science.  Smith began fishing in Michigan and on family vacations to Miami learned how to catch and rig his own ballyhoo for sailfishing. When he moved to South Florida in 1957 he worked on driftboats, became a licensed captain in 1968, fished out of Islamorada for a while, then came to Fort Lauderdale, where he brought kite fishing to popular use and promoted downriggers. In 1978 he began fishing his Dusky and became a leader in the development of light-tackle angling. He has set world records and has been awarded and recognized by many organizations for his commitment to fish conservation and advancing innovative fishing techniques and good sportsmanship. Bouncer is a long-term member of TBF and has deployed over one thousand TBF tags, as well as, had dozens of recaptures.

John W. Jolley, Jr. is being honored for decades of support for sound fish science and science-based solutions to management challenges.  It was through John’s early career days as a biologist for the State of Florida’s Department of Natural Resources Marine Research Laboratory that provided him with an excellent foundation for serving on the Scientific and Statistical Committee for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, as a scientific advisor to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.  John is a long-time member of the West Palm Beach Fishing Club, where he served as president for 30 years and today serves as the Science Advisor.  John is an avid billfish angler and long-term TBF member.

TBF is proud to recognize these two outstanding individuals for their contributions to billfish conservation.

TBF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded in 1986 to conserve billfish populations through research, education and advocacy.  For questions, please contact Ellen Peel, President, TBF, at (954) 202-9267 or via email at [email protected].

 

The post TBF Announces The 2015 Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award Winners appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Today, the National Park Service announced its final General Management Plan (GMP) for Biscayne National Park. Despite commitments made by Biscayne National Park officials to work with stakeholders and the state of Florida to explore less restrictive options, the GMP includes a marine reserve, eliminating fishing and severely restricting boating in over 10,000 acres of the park’s most popular and productive marine waters.

“The recreational boating industry is disheartened by the National Park Service’s decision to implement a marine reserve at Biscayne National Park,” said Nicole Vasilaros, vice president of legal and federal affairs for the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “We understand the importance of protecting our natural resources and the delicate balance needed to ensure that boaters are able to enjoy these public waters. However, the National Park Service has shown little interest in compromise and today’s announcement confirms a lack of desire to include the needs of park users and stakeholders in important decisions such as this.”

For the past several years, a large coalition of partners in the recreational boating and fishing community has submitted comments, attended public meetings and organized discussions with the leadership at the National Park Service in an attempt to balance the critical need for conservation with the need for recreational access to the park’s waters. Numerous fisheries management measures were presented to the National Park Service that would balance resource conservation with maintain public access, including size limits, bag limits, quotas, permits, seasonal closures and gear restrictions.

“Today’s announcement confirms that Biscayne National Park officials never had any real interest in working with stakeholders or the state of Florida to explore compromise plans,” said Mike Leonard, ocean resource policy director for the American Sportfishing Association. “The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, one of the nation’s leading fisheries management agencies, has stated that a marine reserve is far too restrictive, and that other management measures can achieve resource goals while still allowing for public access. The only conclusion that one can draw from this decision is that the public is simply not welcomed at Biscayne National Park.”

“Anglers recognize that the condition of the fisheries resources in Biscayne National Park needs to be addressed, but we also know that once an area is closed, the public will never be allowed back in,” said Jeff Miller, chairman of Coastal Conservation Association Florida’s Government Relations Committee. “These decisions should happen only when clearly supported by science, and when all other management options have failed. By not giving other, less restrictive options a chance, the Park Service has put Florida’s reputation as ‘Fishing Capital of the World’ at stake.”

The post Public Locked Out of Biscayne National Park appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Recreational Saltwater Fishing Coalition Lauds House Legislation

Magnuson-Stevens reauthorization contains major provisions benefitting recreational fishing

Washington (June 2, 2015) – A coalition of organizations representing the saltwater recreational fishing and boating community congratulated the U.S. House of Representatives on its passage of H.R. 1335, a bill to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the primary statute governing the nation’s marine fisheries.

“The House action recognizes the increasing popularity of saltwater recreational fishing, which contributes $70 billion annually to the nation’s economy and supports 454,000 jobs in every type of business from marinas, tackle shops and boat dealerships to restaurants, motels and clothing stores,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation. “While H.R. 1335 isn’t perfect, it goes a long way toward addressing the priorities of the recreational fishing community.”

The House-passed measure, Angers said, reflects many of the recommendations of the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management, also known as the Morris-Deal Commission named after co-chairs Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, and Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boats.

“The Morris-Deal Commission described six priorities for the future of saltwater recreational fisheries management,” said Whit Fosburgh, president of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The House action advances many of these priorities, and we look forward to continuing to advance the interests of the nation’s 11 million saltwater anglers as the Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization process continues moving forward in this Congress.”

Provisions in H.R. 1335 supported by the recreational fishing community include:

• Promoting a more transparent and science-based review of fishery allocations;

• Helping ensure that important fisheries aren’t closed unnecessarily by providing limited exceptions for annual catch limits;

• Improving the accuracy of fish stock information through greater involvement by the states and incorporating data collected by anglers themselves.

In addition, during consideration on the House floor, an amendment by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.) was added that gives NOAA Fisheries the authority to implement management practices better tailored to the nature of recreational fishing.

“Rep. Wittman’s amendment addresses one of the key priorities of the Morris-Deal Commission – adopting a revised approach to saltwater recreational fisheries management,” said Mike Nussman, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. “This provision will promote the consideration of management approaches that fit the interests of recreational anglers, as opposed to the current approach of applying a commercial fisheries management model onto the nation’s 11 million anglers.”

In addition, the recreational fishing community supports the inclusion of an amendment by the lead sponsor of H.R. 1335, Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), to better incorporate data collected by anglers into management.

“America’s saltwater anglers owe a special debt of gratitude to the leadership of House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and the legislation’s prime sponsor, Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska),” noted Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) must also be commended for his leadership in ensuring marine fisheries are fairly allocated to maximize the benefits provided to our nation.”

An amendment offered by Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) to transfer management of Gulf of Mexico red snapper to the five Gulf States was not advanced.  It was withdrawn by the amendment sponsor after Chairman Bishop agreed to full committee action to address the Graves legislation.

“The chief fisheries management officials in all five Gulf states have recognized what every red snapper angler in the Gulf already knows — that Gulf red snapper management is badly in need of an overhaul,” said Patrick Murray, president of Coastal Conservation Association.  “We deeply appreciate Rep. Graves’ leadership in working to transfer Gulf red snapper management to the states, which are best suited to the job.”

“There are numerous positive provisions in H.R. 1335 that will ensure the nation’s anglers have access to healthy and sustainable fisheries,” said Jim D’Onofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. “Recreational fishing is finally receiving long overdue recognition in the nation’s law governing saltwater fishing.”

“We applaud the House for recognizing that recreational fishing has cultural and economic needs that differ from that of the commercial fishing industry,” said Thom Dammrich, president of National Marine Manufacturers Association.  “Passage of this legislation is a big step in the right direction for anglers, for boaters — and for the local businesses that depend on them.”

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The Recreational Saltwater Fishing Coalition includes American Sportfishing Association, The Billfish Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, Center for Coastal Conservation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, International Game Fish Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Recreational Fishing Alliance and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Please keep up to date with any new developments on the MSA, policies and regulations by checking the TBF news section.

The post Anglers Laud MSA Reauthorization appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has announced the closure of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category for giant “trophy” bluefin tuna (measuring 73″ or greater) in the southern area. The closure will begin at 11:30 p.m. local time, this Sunday, June 7, 2015 through the remainder of 2015. Until this time, anglers are still allowed to land a trophy bluefin tuna and are required to report their landings of any trophy bluefin tuan to NMFS with 24 hrs. HMS Angling permit holders within the southern area are still permited to land BFT measuring from 27″ to less than 73″. The Gulf Of Mexico and Northern trophy category will still be open until the limit of 8-9 trophy sized BFT is reached. The southern area is denoted as the Atlantic waters south of Great Egg Inlet, NJ, exluding the Gulf. Please see below for full details from NMFS and keep up to date on any new announcments on the TBF website.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) closes the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category fishery for large medium and giant “trophy” BFT (measuring 73″ or greater) in the southern area effective 11:30 p.m. local time, Sunday, June 7, 2015, through December 31, 2015. The southern area is the area south of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ), outside the Gulf of Mexico.

Reported landings from the NMFS Automated Catch Reporting System and the North Carolina Tagging Program total approximately 2 mt and NMFS has determined that the codified Angling category southern area trophy BFT subquota has been reached and that a closure of the southern area trophy BFT fishery is warranted at this time. Retaining, possessing, or landing large medium or giant BFT south of 39°18′ N. lat. and outside the Gulf of Mexico by persons aboard vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally) must cease at 11:30 p.m. local time on June 7, 2015. The intent of this closure is to prevent any further overharvest of the Angling category southern area trophy BFT subquota. The annual Angling category trophy limit of one large medium or giant BFT per vessel remains in effect for vessels fishing in the northern area and in the Gulf of Mexico area. The Angling category fishery for BFT measuring 27 to less than 73″ is open except in the Gulf of Mexico. Catch-and-release fishing is permissible as described below.

 

NMFS has considered the fact that it is in the process of proposing a rule that would implement and give domestic effect to the 2014 ICCAT recommendation on western Atlantic BFT management, which increased the U.S. BFT quota for 2015 and 2016 by 14 percent from the 2014 level. The domestic subquotas to be proposed in that action would result from application of the allocation process established in Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan to the increased U.S. quota, and would include an increase in the southern trophy BFT quota from the currently codified 1.3 mt to a total of 1.5 mt. However, because current landings exceed both the currently codified and the anticipated proposed quota for the Angling category southern area, closure of the southern area trophy BFT fishery needs to occur regardless of the proposed quota increase.

Who is affected?

This closure applies to vessels permitted in the HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category fishing in the southern area (defined in bold above).

Fishermen may catch and release or tag and release BFT of all sizes, subject to the requirements of HMS catch-and-release and tag-and-release programs. NMFS regulations require that all BFT that are released be handled in a manner that will maximize their survival, and without removing the fish from the water. For additional information on safe handling, see the “Careful Catch and Release” brochure available at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.

This notice is a courtesy to BFT fishery permit holders to help keep you informed about the fishery.  For more information on BFT fishing regulations, including recreational size and retention limits, please go to hmspermits.noaa.gov  or call (978) 281-9260.  Official notice of Federal fishery actions is made through filing such notice with the Office of the Federal Register.

The post Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Southern Trophy Category Closing June 7th appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Billfish Foundation has received several inquiries regarding our annual tag and release competition. In response we have attached our specific rules for the competition. Additionally we have the individual categories and awards explained.

The post Annual Tag and Release Competition Rules and Awards appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Billfish Foundation has received several inquiries regarding our annual tag and release competition. In response we have attached our specific rules for the competition. Additionally we have the individual categories and awards explained.

The post Annual Tag and Release Competition Rules and Awards appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Anglers who are lucky enough to come across any bluefin tuna this year should make sure they know the new regulations this season. The passage of Amendment 7 brings new regulations for HMS Charter/Headboat and HMS Angling permit holders including the possibility for crews in the Gulf of Mexico to retain one trophy sized (>73″) per vessel per year. By allocating a portion of the trophy subquota to the Gulf of Mexico region, any boats holding a valid HMS Charter/Headboat or HMS Angling permit may retain one trophy sized bluefin per vessel per year that are incidentally caught (recreational boats cannot target bluefin in the Gulf of Mexico).

These regulations take effect May 15, 2015 and the Gulf of Mexico trophy category will remain open until the quota (roughly 8-9 fish) is filled. Anglers should be mindful to keep updated for announcements of when the trophy category closes for each region. Recreational retention limits for all other areas (North & South) are detailed below.

The recreational BFT trophy fishery (73″+) is currently open in all areas with a limit of 1 BFT measuring 73″ or greater/vessel/year.

Effective May 15, 2015, the bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limits are increased from the default limit of 1 BFT measuring 27-73″ to the following. For HMS Angling-permitted vessels: 1 school BFT (27 to <47″) + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47- <73″). For HMS Charter/Headboat-permitted vessels: 2 school BFT (27 to <47″) + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47- <73″). These limits are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico.

HMS Charter/Headboat, Harpoon, and Angling category vessel owners are required to report the catch of all  BFT retained or discarded dead, within 24 hours of the landing(s) or end of each trip, by accessing hmspermits.noaa.gov.

The post Bluefin Tuna Rec. Retention Limits appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The most recent Atlantic blue marlin research completed by TBF’s Dr. Phillip Goodyear was published by the American Fisheries Society, the oldest, largest and most influential association of fisheries professionals in the world. Its mission is to improve the conservation and sustainability of fishery resources and aquatic ecosystems by advancing fisheries and aquatic science and promoting the development of fisheries professionals.

Goodyear’s research focused on the effect of fishing on the number of the largest fish in a population using Atlantic blue marlin as an example. Typically, fishing reduces the number of fish that survive to old age which also reduces the average age of fish available to be caught. In most species this also significantly reduces the mean size of the catch which is an important indicator of stock health. However, in earlier research Goodyear discovered that mean size is a poor indicator of population health in fast-growing species like blue marlin. This is a consequence of the fact that the fast growth of young fish reduces the difference between the size of the very old and young fish. Hence the average size can’t change very much when fishing removes most of the old fish from the population. This phenomenon lessens the utility of mean size as a population metric for stock assessments. Still, the abundance of the oldest and very largest fish does decline even in fast growing species, but there has been no statistic to quantify this phenomenon for use in stock monitoring or assessments.

Goodyear’s newest publication developed a new statistical measure (NZ50) to fill this gap, and showed it to be a sensitive indicator of excessive fishing. NZ50 is the smallest number of observations required of a sample (from the catch or population) required to include at least one fish of some particular large size half the time. Think of it as the statistical measure of the number of fish an average angler would have to catch to have a 50-50 chance of catching a “grander” at different population levels. Goodyear’s illustrated the statistic with data from a simulated hypothetical population modeled after Atlantic blue marlin. The results showed NZ50 to be a much more sensitive measure than mean size for judging population status. He concluded that this new statistical measure would be useful for monitoring stock recovery and that it should be routinely included in stock assessments.

Find the article here.

The post Understanding Maximum Size in the Catch: Atlantic Blue Marlin as an Example appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

We are already half way through  the competition that determines who will be the winners at TBF’s annual Tag and Release Award Ceremony in February 2016. Below, we have highlighted the “Top Five” in most of the competition categories. This list constitutes the tag and release records processed by TBF as of May 1, 2015.

Do you know anyone on the list? Are you in the top five and want to be recognized by the who’s who in the billfishing community at our ceremony? Be sure to tag, release, and report your billfish catches before the end of the competition on October 31, 2015. Remember you can submit your records online now at www.tagbillfish.org or you can submit them through the mail. The last date that TBF can receive tag and release cards for this competition year is November 15, 2015.

 

CURRENT STANDINGS AS OF 5-1-15  * denotes a tie

Overall Release Captain (Release means – billfish released with out a tag)

1. Ben Horning
2. Dean Panos
3. Pete Rae
4. Fin Gaddy
5. Mike Day

Overall Tagging Captain

1. Ben Horning
2. Thomas Colquhoun
3. Fin Gaddy
4. Rom Whitaker
5. Doug Covin

Overall Release Angler

1. Tiffany Day
2. Pat McCotter
3. Amanda Cofer
4. Jack Duvall
5. Scott Kozak

Overall Tagging Angler

1. Chris Jessen
2. Laura Jessen
3. Darryl Schroeder
4. Charles Gaddy
5. Lori Schroeder

Overall Release Lady Angler

1. Tiffany Day
2. Amanda Cofer
3. Cece Imbrie
4. Melissa Haight
5. Sharon Poulter

Overall Tagging Lady Angler

1. Laura Jessen
2. Lori Schroeder
3. Dawn Samuels
4. Erica Tavares
5. Kumie Saegusa

Overall Release Youth Angler

1. Brown Gaddy
2. Charles gaddy
3. Shawn MacMullin

Overall Tagging Youth Angler

1. Charles Gaddy
2. Shawn MacMullin
3. Josh Gates
4. Nick Brackmann
5. Kyle Gates

 

Top Tagging Angler – Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. Alexandre Murad
2. Mario Frering*
3. Keith Richardson*
4. Bill Ingram*

Sailfish

1. Charles Gaddy
2. Dawn Samuels
3. Shawn MacMullin
4. Nuno Abohbot
5. Marco Couto

 

Top Release Angler – Atlantic

Sailfish

1. Brown Gaddy
2. Nathan Walker
3. Cody Gavalier
4. Chris Wrenn
5. Junior Baas

 

Top Tagging Captain – Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. Max Morris
2. Terry Brennan
3. Igor Assad
4. Rich Barrett
5. Antonio Amaral

Sailfish

1. Fin Gaddy
2. Rom Whitaker
3. Doug Covin
4. Gary Clliford
5. Bouncer Smith

White Marlin

1. Antonio Amaral

 

Top Release Captain – Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. Eric Mansur, Sr.

Sailfish

1. Dean Panos
2. Fin Gaddy
3. Rom Whitaker
4. Doug Covin
5. Jeff Scott

 

Top Tagging Angler – Pacific

Sailfish

1. Chris Jessen
2. Laura Jessen
3. Darryl Schoeder
4. Lori Schroeder
5. Scott Kozak

Striped Marlin

1. Robert Hendricks
2. Nick Brackmann
3. Judy Sillis
4. Takeshi Aoyama
5. Steve Angus

 

Top Release Angler – Pacific

Black Marlin

1. Mark Davis

Blue Marlin

1. Pat McCotter
2. Tiffany Day

Sailfish

1. Tiffany Day
2. Amanda Cofer
3. John Duvall
4. Pat McCotter
5. Scott Kozak

Striped Marlin

1. Pat McCotter
2. John Duvall

 

Top Tagging Captain – Pacific

Black Marlin

1. Tim Richardson

Blue Marlin

1. Simon Carosi
2. Skeet Warren
3. Ben Horning

Sailfish

1. Ben Horning
2. Thomas Colquhoun
3. Chris Sheeder
4. David Salazar
5. Cliff Mountain

Striped Marlin

1. Jaime Gonzalez
2. Bernie Sillis
3. Bernabe Ruiz
4. Sean Holden
5. Kazuhhiko Kanari

 

Top Release Captain – Pacific

Black Marlin

1. Tim Dean

Blue Marlin

1. Pete Rae
2. Mike day

Sailfish

1. Ben Horning
2. Mike Day
3. Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro
4. Brad Philipps
5. Zach Hayes

Striped Marlin

1. Eduadro Cesena Burgoin
2. Pete Rae

 

Top Tagging Angler – Indian

Blue Marlin

1. Marcus Longhurst

Sailfish

1. Barry Sulllivan
2. Kane Dysart
3. Jeremy Barnett

 

Top Tagging Captain – Indian

Black Marlin

1. Ross Newton

Blue Marlin

1. Ross Newton
2. Scott Macgowan

Sailfish

1. Terence Farrell
2. Ken Adcock

 

Top Release Captain – Indian

Black Marlin

1. Ross Newton

 

Youth Division (Tag)

8 and under

1. Charles Gaddy
2. Earney White

13 – 15

1. Shawn MacMullin
2. Josh Gates

16 – 17

1. Nick Brackmann

 

Youth Division (Release)

8 and under

1. Brown Gaddy
2. Charles Gaddy

13 – 15

1. Shawn MacMullin

The post Tag & Release Competition Update appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Rostrum: a funny word used by scientists to describe the “upper jaw prolonged into a long stout spear with round cross-section.” To anglers, it’s known as a bill and is what makes marlin, sailfish (Istiophorids) and swordfish such incredible creatures. Fossil records date the first signs of an elongated upper jaw in fish to more than 20 million years ago. The evolution of the bill clearly gave the species a great advantage in catching prey and has led them to be the extremely effective hunters they are today. How exactly the bill is used varies by the species and this unique adaptation has also gotten a few billfish stuck in some curious situations.

Witnessing a bait ball being consumed by a pack of ravenous sailfish is one of the most spectacular scenes in the natural world. Pitching up their sails to corral their prey, lighting up in iridescent colors, they take their turns picking off baits with the accuracy of a heat guided missile. Recent studies conducted off of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, have documented the feeding patterns of Atlantic sailfish preying on schools of sardines to reveal some amazing insights. Researchers concluded that sailfish display a series of actions as part of a distinct feeding pattern. This predation first begins with what is referred to as ‘slashing’, as the sailfish initially approaches the school and thrashes its bill into the school to stun or kill the bait. This is then followed by the sailfish re-approaching the school, honing in on a dead or weakened bait (known as imminent contact), prey contact,  and ‘handling’ of the prey as the sail uses its bill to direct the sardine towards its mouth. The study also recorded sailfish bills slashing bait at some of the highest lateral accelerations of any aquatic vertebrate. Using their dorsal fins for stability, sailfish thrash their heads with such force that they are capable of accelerating their bills underwater at the same rate a person swings a baseball bat through the air! The slashing of the bill happens so rapidly and violently that the sardines have no way to avoid being attacked.

While the term ‘slashing’ evokes thoughts of chaos and calamity, the reality is that sailfish actually exhibit great exactitude and preference towards singling out an individual prey item. In the same study off Isla Mujeres, high speed cameras revealed that once sailfish honed in on an individual prey, they are able to penetrate the bait ball and pick off a single fish so quickly that their bills go undetected by the rest of the fish! Billfish scientists hypothesize that targeting individual fish may be the preferred strategy because it is more energy efficient than slashing, which can require twice the time and effort. Striped marlin in particular are known for demonstrating this behavior. The efficient use of their bill however, is only possible because of rough sandpaper like protrusions on the bill known as denticles. Those of you that have ever made the mistake of billing a fish without gloves on can thank these denticles for the road rash left on your palms.

The term slashing is perhaps best associated with swordfish, which wield a real weapon on their business end. Compared to marlin or sailfish, a swordfish bill is flatter, broader (hence the common name, broadbill) and are much longer in proportion to the length of the fish. These amazing animals certainly do not fail to meet up to their scientific name, Xiphias gladius, as most prey found in swordfish stomachs have large gashes or strike marks from swordfish using their bills to slash, impale and stun prey.

Considering the speeds that a sailfish bill can reach, one has to imagine how much raw power must be behind bigger species like blue marlin or swordfish. There are numerous black and white pictures of bills sticking out of wooden boats and this still happens occasionally today in fiberglass sportfishers (it should also be noted that there have been many instances of marlin or sailfish caught with a broken or deformed bill which may indicate they are still able to effectively catch prey without their bills). Catching small dolphin with bill marks and seeing tuna sprayed into the air is further evidence that big marlin attack with tremendous brute force. Unfortunately for a few billfish, this approach has also gotten them into some trouble.  In March of 2014, one blue marlin made headlines by striking an oil pipe off Angola. The marlin struck with such force it was able to penetrate the heavy, thick outer rubber of the pipe, causing the temporary stoppage of oil production and the losses totaling in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Interestingly, this is not the first time that a billfish in Angolan waters has caused problems for oil producers when in another incident a swordfish became lodged in the structure of an oil rig. Oil production had to be stopped and deep water submersibles had to be used to remove the swordfish from the structure (you’ll be glad to hear it swam away in good health). Perhaps most well-known is the instance of swordfish that “attacked and rammed” the deep water submersible, ALVIN, in 1967. During a dive off of Florida, a swordfish became lodged in the sub shortly after it reached the bottom at 2,000 feet. The 196 lb. swordfish struck with such force and caused enough damage that it even created a leak in the sub! The sub and its operators made it through the ordeal safely, while the swordfish however, ended up as dinner for the crew.

Swordfish are ferocious predators, but it seems doubtful that one would “attack” a giant submersible and see it as a potential meal. Like the other billfish who have gotten their bills stuck, chances are that these fish were pursuing prey who took to these man-made structures for cover. Just like being caught on a hook, it was a big appetite and a bill that got these fish into trouble! The distinctive morphology and evolution of billfish is what makes them amazing predators. The evolution of a pointy spear on the front of a fierce, hard fighting creature is also another reason they are so revered and respected by anglers!

The post Billfish Bill Morphology appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Last month, the Offshore World Championship and The Billfish Foundation announced a partnership to advance billfish science last month. The project, including OWC, The Billfish Foundation, Marina Pez Vela, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), the Presidential Challenge of Central America, Costa Sunglasses, King Sailfish Mounts and the Bonnier Corporation called upon tournament anglers and crews during this year’s event to collect the valuable data. With the incredible volume of sailfish found off Quepos, Costa Rica during the past few seasons, coupled with many of the world’s best offshore anglers fishing the OWC, the opportunity to tag billfish & collect data needed for improved conservation, was a natural fit for all partners.

The tagging project provided 350 tags and a number of tag sticks to angler’s pre- fishing the Offshore World Championship to properly tag billfish and submit their tag reports to the staff of Marina Pez Vela. The tagging contributions made by the OWC anglers will be helpful and will be showcased via TBF’s website and other social media. We hear the first day had a record release number and eager to hear  the tournament results. The total tags have not been tallied yet, but we cannot wait to see them and continue this partnership in the future!

The post Offshore World Championship partners with TBF appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

We are asking some of the top captains in the world for some of their tricks/tips, and this month, Capt. Chris Sheeder from Casa Vieja Lodge, a Tag & Release Program Sponsor, will talk about hooking up multiples…

There are only a handful of captains that can say they have more than a thousand billfish releases under their belt. For a captain to even come close to reaching those kind of numbers takes certain combination of effort from the crew, great fishing conditions, and a skilled captain to bring them all together. This means making the most of every fish that comes into your spread and always being ready for the next one to show up. At Casa Vieja Lodge, Captain Chris Sheeder (2014 Top Overall Tagging Captain, Top Tagging Captain Pacific Sailfish) has released an amazing 20,000 plus billfish (with more than 5,000 caught on fly! Chris was nice enough to share with our readers some of his tips for hooking and more importantly, releasing multiple fish.

Sheeder, like most captains will tell you, “the best time to be fishing for doubles, triples or quads is when you have one on!” Often times when a billfish shows up in your spread, it’s not alone and perhaps the best teaser you can have in your spread is another billfish. After the first fish is hooked, Sheeder then turns the boat in the direction of whatever side the fish is hooked on and brings in the other teasers. Many captains have a preference for electric teaser reels because of the ability to preset the position of your teasers. With just a push of a button, a captain can bring in the teasers while keeping both hands free to drive and not have a tangled mess of fishing line to get snagged on. After teasers are cleared, Sheeder will pitch baits on the side the boat is circling toward to avoid tangles and try to raise a second, third or fourth fish in large circles until the fish stop biting.

Once multiple fish have been hooked up and the bite shuts off, boat-handling skills are really put to the test and a captain then must prioritize which fish to pursue first. Sheeder does this by thinking of the hooked fish “as a line of fish” and chases them down one by one, “going from the closest fish to the farthest, keeping them all in a line for ease.” Of course, during a fight fish change directions and their position in relation to the boat is constantly changing. However, a hooked fish racing toward the bow can be easily managed with some quick boat maneuvering. “If one gets towards the bow as you are backing up, that one now becomes the first one in the line and starting fish. Always go to the closest fish first, until one happens to get towards your bow and then that becomes priority. If a second fish gets up in front of the bow, just be aggressive toward the first and then drive forward to the second while you throw a bait or whatever in the water. Driving forward to the hook fish as much as possible also allows you to fish as much as possible.”

Tournament winning boats not only have the skill to turn a single bite into a double, triple or quad, but a sound game plan for making sure they release every fish they hook. Hooking multiple fish is always on the mind of anglers, but when the chaos of triple header unfolds a captain needs a proven plan of attack. t is the Think of how many times during a tournament you hear a last minute double or triple come across the radio; it can come down to just that one extra fish. As Sheeder will tell you, “remember; always fish as much as you can while you have one on.”

 

Another Helpful Tagging Tip….

As an extra precaution to secure a tag on the tag applicator, most crews wrap a rubber band around the tag to keep it snug against the tag stopper. Loading a new tag on the applicator can be tricky though once the rubber band gets wet and difficult to grip. The crews down at Casa Vieja Lodge have come up with the simple solution of tying a piece of floss around the rubber band. Simply wrap the floss around the band with a few half hitches and and leave a short thread of floss that can easily be gripped to slide a new tag under the rubber band. This easy fix only takes seconds, but will save valuable time, especially when releasing multiple fish!

 

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Over 100 guests attended the exclusive member’s only The Billfish Foundation (TBF) and International Seakeepers Society joint event to promote  membership and announce a partnership between both organizations to collaborate on billfish conservation.

The event, free for all TBF & SeaKeepers members, was hosted during the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show on Thursday, February 12th on the Golfito Marina Village and Denison Dock. Art work and furniture from Tony Ludovico was prominently featured, appetizers were sponsored by Savvy Graphics, and drinks were sponsored by Sailfish Brewery & ORCA coolers were enjoyed by all.

TBF and Seakeepers will be planning several more member’s only events in south Florida throughout the year so be sure your membership is active to either or both and check back to learn when the next event will be.

 

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Each year, TBF relies on the sportfishing community across the world to report their billfish tag and release information. Since it began in 1990, TBF’s Tag & Release Program anglers, captains and mates worldwide have made this program the largest private billfish tagging database in the world with over 220,000 tag and release records.  This valuable data is needed to further billfish science and ensure that fishing opportunities are available for future generations. Without the dedication of these individuals around the world, what is known about billfish science and the advances in conservation, would not be possible today. To recognize their efforts’, each year TBF’s International Tag & Release Competition rewards captains, anglers, and mates and brings out the best in the sportfishing arena.

On February 13, 2015, TBF honored over 30 winners from around the globe with their 2014 International Tag & Release Awards at Miami’s Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom. Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund (BFWCF) sponsored the 25th annual award ceremony and the awards were presented by King Sailfish Mounts. These two companies are part of TBF’s 2014 Tagging Program sponsors; the others include Costa Sunglasses, Pelagic Gear, Casa Vieja Lodge & Simrad, who all make this program such a success. Sailfish Brewery supplied guests with delicious local craft beers. All award winners received trophies courtesy of King Sailfish Mounts; overall winners also received lures from Fathom Offshore as well as Fishtrack premium memberships. Winners also received sunglasses from TBF Conservation Partner & program sponsor Costa. Guests had the chance to participate in the raffle that included products from ORCA, Fathom Offshore, Troll Pro, Costa, Pelagic, King Sailfish Mounts, FishTrack, Alutecnos, Bluefin USA, Wines for Humanity, and artwork by Yellowfin Unlimited. Every guest received a goody bag filled with items and information from all of TBF sponsors.

2014 was a remarkable year for billfishing and the numbers don’t lie. In both the Atlantic and Pacific, tag and release records for blue marlin were smashed. Famous grounds like Cape Verde, Costa Rica and the Great Barrier Reef produced unbelievable fishing that has not been seen in decades. TBF was also greatly pleased to receive a significant increase in data reported from areas like Western Australia and Western Africa and see billfish conservation growing alongside the sport in other hot-spots. Fortunately for TBF, these record setting boats were on board with TBF and reported their catches from some amazing seasons.

Top Overall Tagging (combined total of all billfish species tagged) Angler was awarded to Keith Brandner and Top Tagging Lady Angler to Sandra MacMillan. Brandner, fishing aboard the “Carol Libby” with Capt. Josh Temple (Top Tagging Captain Pacific Blue Marlin), managed to tag an astonishing 594 Pacific blue marlin, the most ever in a single season. Rivaling their record season was the “Sea Spud” with Top Overall and Top Release Angler Pacific Blue Marlin, Pat McCotter with his Captain, Pete Rae who took home Top Overall Release Captain Pacific Blue Marlin. As in many years past, Guatemala led the pack and was home port for multiple award winners including Top Overall Tagging Captain, Chris Sheeder, Top Overall Release Captain, Chris “Kiwi” Van Leeuwen and Top Overall Release Lady Angler, Tiffany Day. To little surprise, Gray Ingram and Capt. Ronnie Fields on the “Big Oh” fishing out of Cape Verde walked away from the award ceremony with their arms full. In another record breaking season, Ingram and Fields released a total of 404 Atlantic blue marlin for Top Release and Tag Angler and Captain (Atlantic blue marlin) respectively.

It is never too early to instill the conservation ethic in a child. Youth anglers are the future of the sport and in 2001, TBF began its Youth Program. Rounding out top overall categories were Top Overall Release Youth Angler, Gregory Benn and Top Overall Tagging Youth Angler, Shawn MacMullin. As a youth angler, Benn even managed to tally the most white marlin releases than any other adult for Top Release Angler Atlantic White Marlin.

For 2014 we also introduced our first Gulf of Mexico regional award. This recognizes those anglers and crews in the Gulf, who tag the most marlin during the season (May 1 – September 31st). This inaugural competition counted tags for both blue marlin and white marlin in the Gulf of Mexico (West of the 82 W Longitude) and awards were given to captains, anglers, and boats. Tags submitted to TBF are automatically counted towards this competition, but only TBF members have the opportunity to win.  This year Top Tagging Captain for blue marlin belongs to Al Roper who fished on “Michi” and the Top Tagging Captain for white marlin was Don Trasher on “Business Interruption. The Top Overall Tagging Captain came from the Top Overall Tagging boat, Jimmy Crochet on on “Conundrum.”

The 2015 competition began Nov.1, 2014 and will wrap up on Oct. 31, 20145.  TBF members from more than 70 countries are invited to participate and ‘Tag Data Reports’ and ‘Release Notifications’ can be submitted to TBF using either the traditional hard copies or reported online at www.tagbillfish.org. Separate categories currently exist for each the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans with additional categories being considered for the 2015 competition. To be eligible to receive an award active TBF members must have tagged and/or released five or more of a species to qualify.  Youth anglers are only required a three fish minimum for both tag and release categories. For complete rules, categories and more on TBF’s annual Tag & Release program please visit www.bilfish.org or call 954-938-0150 for Peter Chaibongsai (ext. 107) or Michael Kelly (ext. 102).

TBF would like to once again thank our 2014 Tagging Program sponsors: Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund, Costa Sunglasses, Pelagic Gear, King Sailfish Mounts, Casa Vieja Lodge & Simrad. Their constant support proves their commitment to conservation.

 Click here to see entire gallery

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No doubt, as the political debate increases over pros and cons of the United States normalizing relations with Cuba, anglers want to move forward to fish in Cuban waters. While taking your own boat remains ILLEGAL, Americans can book a fishing trip in Cuba so long as the anglers are part of permitted groups fishing within one of 12 authorized categories, but local boats must be used. This past year, permitted American groups fished the Hemingway International Billfish Tournament at the Hemingway International Yacht Club of Cuba, which has 2339 members from 63 countries and has friendly relations with more than 600 yacht clubs. Last year’s 64th Ernest Hemingway International Billfish Tournament (EHIBFT) had 22 teams participate from the United States, Sweden, France, England, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Latvia, Spain, Russia and Cuba, which tagged and released, in four days of fishing, twenty blue marlin and six white marlin. Club members have been tagging and releasing since 1996 and were also taught the importance of using non-offset circle hooks. TBF has 544 tag reports from Cuban anglers and 116 recapture reports. Commodore Escrich says he “looks forward to the day when U.S. anglers can bring their sportfishing vessels to Cuba legally and fish the tournament.”

TBF desires to further tagging research in Cuba and would like to distribute more dart tags to anglers to generate recapture data for inclusion in the stock assessments conducted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT.) Just recently, the Chairman of ICCAT‘s Enhanced Research Program for Billfish, Dr. David Die, from Miami, visited Cuba to discuss possible billfish research options. Other fish scientists are eager to further billfish research with Cuban scientists and universities. Deploying 10 to 15 satellite tags on marlin within a few days would provide greater insight into the movement trajectories and the vertical use of the marine habitat by billfish around Cuba. Tagging is just one method for collecting scientific data, but many other fisheries research collaborations will likely be presented soon to Cuban scientists.

The close proximity of the U.S. and Cuba to one another, as well as the Bahamas, essentially means we share a large marine ecosystem in the management and conservation of highly migratory marlin and tuna. These fish enter, exit and cross national and international boundaries with no regard for political lines or any governmental measures. Harmonizing management and conservation strategies, or at least making them compatible between the three nations, could help improve the status of the species and fishing.

A quick search on the internet reflects Cuba has charter boats available for a variety of sportfishing, including fishing for marlin, bonefish and tarpon. As stated earlier, the Club’s successful 2014 tounrament indicates marlin fishing can be good. However, with the nation’s longline boats continuing to fish the local waters, billfish abundance could be scarce at times.

While the Cuban government does not yet recognize the economic benefits that can flow from a sportfishing eco-tourism trade for billfish, a study documenting the potential could prove very persuasive in getting some future protections for billfish. The economic positives would outweigh the economic returns from longline vessels. A live released marlin can draw lots of tourists, which is compatible with sustaining marine resources and generating economic growth. TBF has shared with Commodore Escrich it’s earlier commissioned socio-economic studies for billfishing in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and the survey in Colombia. Tourism projections for Cuba indicate very high numbers, some of which will be billfish anglers willing to spend money for the opportunity to tag and release a large marlin.

The Cuban commercial fishing industry remains dynamic after transitions from the days of Russian support through cheap fuel for distant-water longline, purse seine and trawler fleets. But in the early 1990,s when the Soviet Union fell apart, support ended, which prompted the Cuban government to reorganize its commercial fishing industry. The initial efforts proved inefficient, but the next attempt remains in place today and decentralizes much of the day to day operations to fishing industry associations. With the economic restraints under which Cuba now operates, the primary value of fish, including billfish, remains as a consumable commodity sold in markets. Until the potential economic benefits are identified that can flow from sportfishing eco-tourism in a primarily catch and release fishery, the conservation of billfish may be viewed at this time by the government as a conservation luxury they cannot afford.

U.S. environmental organizations, including the U.S. based Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), are on the island working with locals. Keep in mind this is the same environmental organization pushing for significant management changes for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico, which are not supportive of recreational fishing. Hopefully, the international nature of the highly migratory billfish will keep their management primarily at the international level and before ICCAT, thus, not subject to as many influences from extreme environmental organizations.

It is speculated that the growth in tourism to Cuba from the U.S. will be huge, which raises the question whether the nation’s infrastructure, especially for visiting boats, is capable of handling the surge. A delegation including NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) officials completed two trips to Cuba last year, during which “we were able to assess some of the existing infrastructure and establish some key contacts that we hope will be of value to our members. When the time is appropriate, we will work to prepare the recreational boating industry for any opportunities that may arise,” says Julie Balzano of NMMA. As reported, in a January 2015 issue of Soundings Trade Only Today, Daily News for Marine Professionals, by Richard Graves and Associates, marina consultants, “Although there are only 15 marinas with 789 slips, there are plans to add 23 more marinas with more than 5,000 slips.” Earlier in the same publication it was reported that Bill Lane of Caterpillar, Inc. had said to the Wall Street Journal that “Cuba needs everything we make in the United States,” and he added that “the company hopes to soon install a dealership in Cuba that can sell agricultural, construction and mining equipment.” Hopefully marine services will become available before long.

When the “gates open”, we want U.S. boaters and anglers to be prepared to meet legal requirements for bringing their own boat into Cuban waters. In addition boat owners will need knowledge of secure dockage, fishing licenses, fuel, vessel permits if needed, as well as an understanding of whether their vessel insurance will remain in place while there. Being prepared will make for a positive and efficient boating and angling experience in Cuba one day. TBF will continue to share information with our members as the Cuban sportfishing eco-tourism evolution grows. To learn more about obtaining a permit to travel to Cuba: https://licensing.ofac.treas.gov/Apply/Introduction.aspx.

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Rigging Kite Baits

By Capt. Scott Leon from Sandman Fishing team

There are two approaches to rigging kite baits that both have their positives and negatives making the choice ultimately up to each boat.

The “traditional” or “back rig” way to rig a kite bait was with a rubber band through the back or “shoulder” of the bait holding the hook in an upright position on the back of the bait.  This type of rigging minimizes the chances of the hook doubling back into the bait and optimizes the exposure of the hook while feeding the fish.  This style of rigging also makes if easier for the angler to keep the bait in the water during windy conditions.

The issue that many crews run into with this style of rigging is proper presentation of the bait while fighting a fish.  The back rig creates a plainer-like action with the bait and anglers are constantly pulling the bait out of the kite clip.  The angler now has to clear that line which minimizes additional hookups as well as fishing time.

To combat that problem, crews have switched from the “traditional” style of rigging to what is called “nose” rigging.  Here, the hook is kept on the nose of the bait by threading the rubber band through the hard part of the nose.  Many captains believe that constant movement creates more bites.  “Nose” rigging allows the bait to be pulled in a natural way while moving.  This is extremely helpful while maneuvering on a fish because this style of rigging allows the angler to keep their bait under the kite with ease no matter how short or long the fight goes on.

As good as “nose” rigging sounds, there are many captains that refuse to rig baits that way. One reason is the chances of the hook doubling back into the bait increases tremendously, which guarantees that the angler will miss the fish when the bait gets bit.  Another issue many anglers have is the difficulty of keeping the bait in the water during rough sea conditions.  Crews are forced to use heavier weights to keep the bait in position for a bite and without a perfected feeding technique, the heavy lead can hit the fish and scare off before it eats the bait.

Which style of rigging do you use? Whatever approach you use we’d love to hear why and in what condition you use them in (recreationally and/or for tournaments).

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Family Fun Fest at Biscayne Bay National Park

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is always looking for new avenues to engage the public on its programs, especially young people.  TBF had a unique opportunity to educate over 400 children and adults about the Tag & Release program during Biscayne Bay National Park’s Family Fun Fest on February 8^th. The event gave TBF a venue to show how citizen sciencedrives the program and contributes to science and conservation.

At the TBF station, participants learned about billfish through photos and larval fish samples. Following a brief discussion on the importance of the tagging program for billfish conservation, they were armed with a Billfish Foundation tag card and they went out “fishing” (wandering) through the park in search of “billfish”. When they encountered a “billfish” (a person with a special t-shirt, a flag, GPS unit), they were able to “catch” the fish by interviewing it: what kind of fish are you, how much do you weigh, how long are you, what is your tag number and what is your current GPS location? Participants recorded all of this data on the Tag card and returned to the TBF station where the data was processed and plotted on Google Earth. Participants saw exactly on the map where their “fish” was caught, as well as all previous locations where that same fish was caught. The combined data created a map showing how the “fish” moved around the park.

For real world applications, TBF displayed real recapture tracks, even some from Biscayne Bay, showing how far these fish can travel and grow.  The public was amazed to learn about billfish, the program, and that they now know more about these biologically and economically important fish for south Florida. To learn more about TBF’s education programs or to have TBF come to an event please contact us at [email protected].

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Very much like NASCAR or a professional sports team, large investment opportunities and top notch fishing skills are heading offshore with the creation and launching of the Offshore Fishing League (OFL). The OFL is the world’s first professional big-game sportfishing competition.

“OFL investors see the sport, with over 45 million U.S. anglers, ready for prime time,” said Carlos Suito, CEO, “watching tough battles on the high seas, adrenaline-pumping action by the anglers working with the captain and team members while fighting large blue marlin to the boat, where they must be tagged and successfully released.” The equipment sponsors and repair experts for electronics, rods, lures, line, props and engines will have to be ready for action themselves—with 10 tournaments in eight locations spread over 5,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, something is bound to break even on multi-million dollar battlewagons. These glistening machines must be kept in top condition, for otherwise one missed tournament can mean the difference of winning and losing. By the end of each season, one team will survive and earn the title of OFL World Champion.

The Offshore Fishing League concept was unveiled in November at an elaborate launch party at the top of Hyatt Pier 66 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Serving as Commissioner of the OFL is the world-renowned sportfishing captain Peter B. Wright, who is assisted by a cadre of the sport’s top names including Legendary Captains Ron Hamlin, Bark Garnsey and Charles Perry, as well as Capt. George Sawley. Sam White serves the league as Championship Director and will coordinate all tournament competition.
Investment and sponsorship opportunities abound with this new high profile league. A team owner may be a boat owner or he or she may not even be an angler, who certainly doesn’t have to leave shore.

Just like in football where Jerry Jones does not take the field except for trophy and ring presentations, the same is expected in the OFL with many teams. Success is dependent upon each team member on board, just as in the Americas Cup competition, completing assigned tasks in an exacting and orchestrated manner and at times quickly, just like pit crews perform for auto racing. The engine and equipment experts must also be kept readily available on shore should a serious need arise.

The OFL has captured the attention of NBC Sports Network, which will air the 2015 OFL season to more than 85 million homes. The telecasting on NBCSN presents a new platform for sponsors and advertisers to reach the vast number of fishing enthusiasts and fans including a complementary online fan zone.

Unique OFL angling rules will encourage the use of lighter line classes to increase the point value resulting in accurate, real-world demonstration of skills by the captains and anglers. No doubt success will be achieved with finding the right balance. The average boat length will likely exceed 60 feet; the OFL fleet will be an impressive sight fishing the tournament circuit.

With a strong commitment to fish conservation, the Offshore Fishing League will feature a 100-percent tag and release format. A portion of the League’s proceeds will be donated to The Billfish Foundation to help ensure great sportfishing with healthy billfish stocks. “The OFL will be an advocate for billfish conservation,” said Suito. “Our goal is to share the best passionate and responsible sportfishing performed by the world’s best teams for the rest of the world to watch.” The OFL will work closely with The Billfish Foundation to best insure conservation and responsible fishing practices are followed. For more information please visit www.ofl.com.

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Whether it is billfish, tuna, or sharks, fishing for HMS species means finding blue water far offshore from the dock. Venturing offshore and pursuing big game fish requires larger boats, heavier tackle and presents challenges on the scale of the fish that anglers target. Of course, the bigger boats, specialized equipment, and more fuel needed means offshore anglers pursing species like billfish spend more than the average saltwater angler. For HMS fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region where fishing grounds can be 30-100 miles offshore and multiday trips are the norm this is especially true. When all of the expenses of an offshore trip are added up, offshore anglers can be a significant economic driver in some regions. While it is certainly not news to charter captains or boat owners that offshore anglers spend a lot of money to catch HMS species, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has just released the economic impacts of HMS anglers in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions that highlights the importance of offshore anglers. It is important to recognize that this study only analyzed the expenditures of private boat owners, excluding charter boats and additional offshore anglers and only reveals a portion of the true impact that recreational HMS fishing have in the region.

In 2011, NMFS surveyed close to 3,800 HMS Angling Permit holders registered in coastal states from Maine to North Carolina via mail and email. Permit holders were asked questions about fishing related purchases such as boats and tackle (deemed durable goods) as well as additional expenses associated with their last trip offshore (fuel, food, hotel, travel expenses etc.). From the results of the survey, NMFS estimates that in 2011, HMS Angling Permit holders spent $23.2 million on trip expenses and $151 million on durable goods. These expenditures are estimated to have a total economic output of $266 million, generate $153 million (value added outputs), and $96 million in salaries for the more than 1,800 jobs created by recreational HMS fishing from Maine to North Carolina. This may seem like a low value, but it is important to recognize that only HMS Permit Holders were surveyed for this study. Therefore, these results only reflect the economic contribution of private vessel owners because only the vessel owner is required to purchase a HMS permit. The estimate from this study does not include out the expenditure of other offshore anglers who do not own a vessel (i.e. guests on board), but still spend money on trip expenses, as well as the HMS for-hire (charter) sector. Taking this into account, recreational HMS fisheries make a far greater economic contribution than is reflected in this study.

HMS Permit Holders Expenditures in Mid-Atlantic to Maine in 2011

• $151 million on boats, tackle and other durable goods
• Total economic output of $266 million
• Generates $96 million in salaries and more than 1,800 jobs

Billfishing in Mid-Atlantic to Maine in 2011

• Private boat owners spent $4.6 million over 5,123 days (average of $900/day)
• Spent on average $10,092 in 2011- average saltwater angler for all other saltwater species spent $1,312

Billfishermen will also be interested to learn that this study has quantified the fact that billfish anglers are indeed a “dedicated following of specialized anglers.” More than half of all fishing trips made by billfish anglers are in pursuit of HMS species unlike anglers targeting tuna or sharks (other HMS) for which HMS trips make up less than a third of all fishing trips. Permit holders pursuing billfish are estimated to have spent $4.6 million over 5,123 days, spending on average more money ($900/day) on durable goods than anglers targeting tuna or sharks. While the total economic output of HMS anglers in the region is only a small fraction of what was generated by all other saltwater anglers in the region, HMS anglers on average spent more than ten times the amount of that spent by anglers targeting all other marine species in 2011.

It’s not exactly news to billfishermen that going after swordfish, sailfish or marlin is inherently expensive, but what use is this information? Socioeconomic studies like this are an invaluable tool for showing the importance of sportfishing and establishing policy that favors recreational anglers. The average congressmen may not have even seen a billfish before, never mind be familiar with the offshore fishing industry. One thing all policy makers understand are dollars and cents. As is put forth in the Magnuson Stevens Act (the guiding legislation for US fisheries) obtaining the maximum economic benefits is an important factor to be taken into account and used to weigh management options. The Billfish Foundation (TBF) has utilized socioeconomic studies in places like Costa Rica, Los Cabos, and Panama. This data was vital in helping these governments recognizing the tremendous benefits coming from sportfishing which was crucial in helping to establish closed areas for longlines and purse seiners and giving visiting anglers an even better fishing experience.

This important data is a tool for anglers and policy makers to promote sportfishing by allowing more access and opportunities for anglers to pursue HMS species. Currently, comments for the Recreational Fishing Policy are being submitted and groups like the Center for Coastal Conservation, an alliance of sportfishing groups to which TBF is a member, are advocating for using economic valuation to determine the best management practices. This vital socioeconomic information is just one way groups like TBF can help ensure that the important contributions of anglers are not overlooked, but recognized and promoted as the sustainable, economic engine that it is. Currently, TBF is working with other parties to obtain funding for a socioeconomic study of offshore, sportfishing in the Gulf of Mexico, another important offshore fishery. For more information on the Mid-Atlantic HMS study or to inquire about the GOM study, please contact TBF at [email protected]. The complete Mid-Atlantic study can be found online, here.

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The tag and release reports are in and the results have finally been tallied. This year was truly a record year for billfish anglers and for TBF’s Tag & Release Program. Below are some of the top anglers and captains from across the world at the apex of this amazing sport. Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see everyone at our awards ceremony on Friday, February 13 in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island during the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. See below for more information. Winners are asked to RSVP for the event by Monday January 12. 

Every year, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) recognizes the captains, mates and anglers (including youth and ladies) who tag and release the most billfish in each of the world’s oceans. The competition is categorized by billfish species, ocean, and whether the fish were tagged or released untagged.  Award winners are recognized at TBF’s Annual Tag & Release Awards Ceremony held during the Miami International Boat Show presented by the TBF’s 2014 Tag and Release Sponsors: Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund, Casa Vieja Lodge, Costa Sunglasses, PELAGIC, King Sailfish Mounts and SIMRAD.

The Billfish Foundation’s Annual Tag and Release Ceremony will be held Friday, February 13, 2015, in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island. The evening will kick off at 6:30 PM with cocktails followed by the award presentation and dinner. Proceeds benefit TBF’s tag and release program. Get your tickets for the 2015 Tag & Release Award Ceremony here.

Please note that for all anglers, captains and mates to receive their awards they must be current TBF members. You can join or renew your memberships online. 

Top Overall Tag & Release Winners

Overall Release Captain – Chris Van Leeuwen

Overall Tagging Captain- Chris Sheeder

Overall Release Angler – Pat McCotter

Overall Tagging Angler – Keith Brandner

Overall Release Lady Angler – Tiffany Sisolak

Overall Tagging Lady Angler – Sandra MacMillan

Overall Release Youth Angler – Gregory Benn

Overall Tagging Youth Angler  Shawn MacMullin

Top Tagging Angler- Atlantic Ocean

Blue Marlin – Gray Ingram

Sailfish – Kasey Swan

Swordfish – Matt Bierley

White Marlin – Laurent Sahyoun

Top Release Angler- Atlantic Ocean

Blue Marlin – Gray Ingram

Sailfish – Gray Ingram

White Marlin – Gregory Benn

Top Tagging Captain- Atlantic Ocean

Blue Marlin – Ronnie Fields

Sailfish – Fin Gaddy

Swordfish – Mark Pagano

White Marlin – Christian Benazeth

Top Release Captain- Atlantic Ocean

Blue Marlin - Ronnie Fields

Sailfish – Dean Panos

White Marlin – John Mumford

Top Tagging Angler- Pacific Ocean

Black Marlin – Brady Wild

Blue Marlin – Keith Brandner

Sailfish – Darryl Schroeder

Striped Marlin – Robert Hendricks

Top Release Angler- Pacific Ocean

Black Marlin – Barry Alty

Blue Marlin – Pat McCotter

Sailfish – Bill Easum

Striped Marlin – John “Jack” Duvall

Swordfish –  John Gregory

Top Tagging Captain- Pacific Ocean

Black Marlin – Tim Richardson

Blue Marlin – Josh Temple

Sailfish – Chris Sheeder

Spearfish-  Gene Vander Hoek

Striped Marlin – Jaime Gonzalez

Top Release Captain- Pacific Ocean

Black Marlin – Brett Alty

Blue Marlin – Pete Rae

Sailfish – Chris Van Leeuwen

Striped Marlin – Chris Bays

Swordfish – John Gregory

Top Tagging Angler – Indian Ocean

Black Marlin – Scott MacGowan

Sailfish – Jo-Ann Riley

Top Release Angler – Indian Ocean

 Black Marlin – Murray Teasdale

Sailfish – Henry Riggs-Miller

Top Tagging Captain- Indian Ocean

Black Marlin – Eddy Lawler

Blue Marlin – Eddy Lawler

Sailfish – Jourdain Ellens

Striped Marlin – Eddy Lawler

Top Release Captain – Indian Ocean

Black Marlin – Eddy Lawler

Blue Marlin – Ross Newton

Sailfish – Rolly Pierre

Youth Tag Divisions

8 and Under
Charles Gaddy & Kyler Swan (TIE)
Runner-up – Caden Alexander

9-10
Aidan Burke
Runner-up – Kasey Ray Swan

11-12
William Stark

Runner-up Kaleb Richardson

13-15
Shawn MacMullin
Runner-up – Bo Ingram

16-17
Nick Brackmann

Youth Release Divisions

8 & Under
Brown Gaddy

11-12
Jonathan Gaskill

13 – 15
Bo Ingram
Runner-up- Shawn MacMullin

16-17
Gregory Benn
Runner-up Curtis Englert

GOM Marlin Tagging Competition

Top Tagging Captain Blue Marlin
Al Roper- Michi

Top Tagging Captain White Marlin
Don Thrasher – Business Interruption

Top Overall Tagging Captain
Jimmy Crochet – Conundrum

Top Overall Tagging Boat
Conundrum – Capt. Jimmy Crochet

The post 2014 Tag & Release Winners! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

“Anglers are the ones who can truly make a difference for the future of our billfish species. They’re the ones out there, every day, in all kinds of conditions and climates, catching and releasing fish, watching their patterns, noting their movements. Imagine how much data about highly migratory fish species we could study if we could gather every tournament anglers’ catch reports during the Quest for the Crest tournament series?” asked Amanda Perryman, marketing manager with Costa Sunglasses.

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) and Costa wanted to find out the answer to that question together. So they created the Release Report Challenge, asking teams competing in each Quest for the Crest tournament to return their completed Release Report cards with information about each catch to TBF for a chance to win a Costa/TBF prize pack.

The prize pack includes: Costa sunglasses and gear, a Costa-branded YETI cooler, a TBF complete tagging kit and more. Each release reported counts as one entry, with the prize pack winner announced after each tournament leg. One grand prize winner will be selected at the awards ceremony of the Final Sail Tournament in April to win an all-expense paid trip to Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala.

Teams will receive their Release Report Challenge cards when they pick up their tournament packs prior to each event. Costa and TBF representatives will be on hand at each event to hand out more cards, as needed. Qualifying fish species include sailfish, white marlin, spearfish and blue marlin. Teams only have to report information about the catch on the card – they don’t actually have to place a tag into the released fish.

“There are typically more than 50 teams competing across the Quest for the Crest series, with thousands of billfish caught during that time,” said Peter Chaibongsai, director of science and policy for TBF. “Working together with the anglers, captains and crews, we’d like to capture the data they’re finding from each catch – including weather conditions, bait used, fish size, and overall health. The information we gather together will uncover critical understanding about billfish stocks and their habitats in and around South Florida, so we can inform sound policy to protect them for generations to come.”

All fish releases reported throughout the Quest for the Crest series also qualify anglers for TBF’s SoFlo Sailfish Regional competition, as well as its annual international Tag and Release competition. For more information, visit www.billfish.org.

The Quest for the Crest tournament series includes:
Operation Sailfish, December 10 – 14, 2014
www.bluewatermovements.com/operation_sailfish

Sailfish 400, January 14 – 18, 2015
www.bluewatermovements.com/sailfish_400

Sailfish Challenge, February 5 – 8, 2015
www.bluewatermovements.com/sailfish_challenge

Final Sail, April 15 – 19, 2015
www.bluewatermovements.com/final_sail

The post Costa/TBF Release Report Challenge appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released the final regulations for the domestic management of western Atlantic bluefin tuna with Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan.  Anglers in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida will applaud the decision to maintain closed zones and to allocate a portion of the trophy bluefin quota to Gulf anglers. These new regulations were developed to reduce the amount of dead discards, increase accountability and reporting requirements, and ensure regulations are consistent with international management goals. Maximizing fishing opportunity is also a major objective of the amendment to help the US maintain its quota of bluefin, which if not utilized, could be allocated to other countries with less stringent regulations or regards for conservation.

In January of 2014, TBF submitted comments opposing alternatives that would allow longlines access to closed zones and pushed for longer closure periods in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Mid-Atlantic. Not only would this achieve the goal of reducing bluefin dead discards, but it would also have a significant impact on reducing dead billfish discards. Since the establishment of these closed zones in 2000, billfish discards have been reduced by as much as 74%. Opening these areas back up for longlines would certainly be a step in the wrong direction for the conservation benefits gained would be lost. It could also spell the loss of the tremendous socioeconomic benefits generated by sportfishing in the region.

In its final decision, NMFS chose several alternatives that will have both good and bad outcomes for anglers. In the Gulf of Mexico Gear Restricted Areas (which encompasses the waters in and around the Desoto Canyon) closed zones were slightly altered from the original proposal and will prohibit pelagic longlines from making sets during the peak of the bluefin spawning season in April-May. Longlines will still be prohibited in the closed area off of Florida as well. However, in the Cape Hatteras Gear Restricted Area (which was also slightly modified after public comment) only longline vessels that meet certain criteria will be granted conditional access to fish the area from December to April, but the area will be closed to vessels that do not qualify.

All longline vessels are now required to retain all legal sized bluefin to increase accountability and provide incentive for reducing catches of bluefin. This will also be achieved through the establishment of individual bluefin quota (IBQ) program, that will limit the number of bluefin that can be retained (a ‘catch cap’) at the vessel and fleet level. Once the quota for a vessel or fleet is reached, the longline fishery is to be closed by NMFS, but permitted vessels will be allowed to switch to more selective fishing gear such as green stick. These accountability measures will also be complimented by the adoption of more rigorous requirements for reporting catches, landings, and the mandatory use of vessel monitoring systems.

The reallocation of bluefin quota amongst the various sectors was also a highly contested issue. Previously, the trophy subquota allocated 1.4 metric tons to the Northern category (waters north of Egg Harbor, NJ) and 2.8 metric tons to the Southern subquota (which includes the Gulf of Mexico). Many anglers in the South and Gulf of Mexico were frustrated with having little chance to retain bluefin given the short period of time they have before the Southern category closes in April. In its comments, TBF advocated for greater opportunity for anglers in the Gulf of Mexico to retain any bluefin that are incidentally caught by redistributing the recreational, trophy bluefin subquota. TBF comments suggested quotas of 50% for the South, 33% for the North, and 17% for the Gulf of Mexico. Ultimately, NMFS chose an alternative that will divide the trophy subquota evenly amongst each region, meaning roughly 8 trophy sized bluefin can be retained by recreational anglers annually in each sector.

Over the past decade, implementation of the rebuilding plan for bluefin at the international management level has allowed for Western Atlantic bluefin stocks to rebound from historically low levels to a healthier state. This year the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) decided to increase the total allowable catch for western bluefin from 1,750 to 2,000 metric tons. Stock assessments estimate that the spawning stock biomass has increased by as much as 70% since 1998, which many scientists attribute to more stringent regulations, particularly measures taken by the US to reduce catches of juvenile tuna and more selective fishing practices. However, much debate and uncertainty still surrounds these assessments and the US is taking steps for the stock to continue to grow. The new regulations put forth by Amendment 7 will ensure that the US continues its best management practices while maintaining opportunities for anglers to pursue bluefin, one of the most iconic fish in the sea.

For complete details and more information including compliance guides and impact statements, please see the NMFS website.

The post Finalized Amendment 7 Measure for Bluefin Tuna appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The 19th Special meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) met November 2014 in Genoa, Italy to consider changes in management and conservation measures for Atlantic highly migratory fish. Forty two of the forty nine member nations gathered for another “bluefin tuna” year.

Atlantic bluefin tuna landing quotas for both the western Atlantic and the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean fish were raised based on recent stock assessments that indicated a continuing increase in abundance. The quota for the western stock increased from 1750 metric tons to 2000 metric tons, and the eastern stock increased by 20% a year for three years. The increases will still allow the stocks to continue growing based on the most recent stock assessments.

Atlantic white marlin and blue marlin were not on the agenda this year, but in the Compliance Committee the United States pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago had significantly exceeded their authorized landing’s limit in their commercial fishery for both species. This violation will generate a Letter of Concern from ICCAT to the government of Trinidad and Tobago. Hopefully anglers in Trinidad and Tobago will bring attention of the excesses in killing marlin to government authorities higher than its fishery minister. Likely the fishing and landings are being made by a distant-water-fishing nation that has permission to fish under the flag and name of Trinidad and Tobago and possibly in the nations waters. Marlin are far too valuable to island nations for sportfishing eco-tourism than to allow distant-water-fishing nations to kill them in the island nation’s name. Such transgressions give tourism in Trinidad and Tobago a bad image; certainly traveling anglers will seek other destinations

The fleets of distant-water-fishing nations have the capability to fish great expanses of water even following fish, whereas most island fishers and anglers do not have such means. The result is that local individuals and businesses lose.

Curacao, another Caribbean island nation, made news by coming on board as an ICCAT member. Its representative shared words of optimism about the nation’s commitment to managing its fishery in the most sustainable manner, fulfilling all rules and applying control mechanism. No mention of the value of sportfishing to the nation was mention, but perhaps anglers and related sportfishing eco-tourism businesses will encourage their government to include a sportfishing delegate on the nation’s ICCAT delegations in the future. Hopefully joining ICCAT is not an indication that the nation has or will enter agreements with distant-water-fishing nations to fish under Curacao’s fly and allow the transgressions of killing excessive numbers of marlin to take place as has occurred under the flag of Trinidad and Tobago.

Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) received some attention during the meeting with delegations agreeing to establish an ad hoc Working Group on FADs. Each nation is now required to submit an annual Management Plan for the use of FADs if fishing with purse seine gear or from a baitboat for bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tunas. By 2016 all entangling FADs, which can entangle sharks, turtles and other non-targeted species, must be changed to non-entangling FADs. All nations are encouraged to advance research on the use of FADs. No limits were set. The impact commercial fishing will make on fish stocks by fishing of FADs is a story yet to be fully understood.

 

The post ICCAT Highlights – November 2014 Genoa, Italy appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) regularly seeks out and participates in conferences to learn and discuss regional fisheries issues with scientists, policy makers, and local communities. In early November, TBF attended the 67th Gulf & Caribbean Fisheries Institute Conference (GFCI) in Barbados. This annual event provides a perfect forum for scientists, students, government representatives, fishery managers, and conservation organizations from the region to present and discuss their research findings and concerns.

Peter Chaibongsai and Roxane De Waegh represented TBF at the conference. De Waegh presented her work on the collection of fisheries data from all stakeholders for scientists and policy makers in the region. De Waegh spoke on the importance of incorporating all users, like recreational and small-scale fishermen, to collect vital fisheries data and be a part of the decision making process. The paper highlighted the importance of all resource users involved in both the post and pre harvest fishing industry sectors, in hopes of obtaining a baseline of statistical catch data. Without a baseline composed of actual numbers, policy makers and fisheries managers have no way to manage their resources efficiently. De Waegh’s paper also discussed TBF encouragement of active regional participation in fisheries management issues for all users.

During the conference, Chaibongsai and De Waegh had the opportunity to speak with the government officials from numerous nations like Colombia, Japan, Netherland Antilles, and Panama, as well as non-profit organization representatives, research institutions and regional fishermen. TBF’s Chaibongsai said, “This conference consistently provides TBF with a good venue to discuss current and future problems with a multitude of stakeholders in the region.”

The conference again provided an excellent opportunity for TBF to network with a wide variety of interests in the beautiful and culturally diverse Gulf and Caribbean Basin. TBF is looking forward to attend the next conference in Panama in 2015. To learn more about this event go to: http://www.gcfi.org/index.php.

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Did you know that removing a billfish from the water not only causes unnecessary harm to the fish, but in the Atlantic it is illegal to remove any highly migratory fish from the water that is  not harvested. Learn how to ensure safe, healthy billfish release and  still get great pictures of your catch without harming the fish.

Keep Them in the Water and Keep Them Alive

Can you remember the first billfish you caught? For those lucky enough to have caught a marlin, sailfish, or swordfish, the memory of the first billfish is perhaps one of the most coveted experiences for any angler. For most, it’s a memory full of the smell of diesel, spray of the water, and sore arms pumping as the captain backs down on a lit up fish, greyhounding and fighting with all its might. Although a memory that will last forever, many anglers want a photo with their first billfish. Pulling billfish out of the water is illegal in U.S. Atlantic waters unless the fish is going to be harvested. Unfortunately, more and more photos of people holding up sailfish or small marlin or stretching them across the covering boards are posted on websites, sent via social media and published in fishing magazines.

Removing billfish from the water puts additional stress on their body after the initial stress caused by the fight. Contact with the fish removes the slime that protects it from parasites and infections. Just like a person whose immune system is weakened after a hectic or traumatic experience, billfish are more susceptible to infections or diseases when stressed. A billfish’s skeleton is designed for buoyant conditions of the ocean, so when removed from the water the skeleton and internal organs come under the strain of gravity, which can cause serious harm to the fish. While some research is complete on the effects non-offset circle hooks have in reducing billfish post release mortality, less research is complete on assessing effects of fight times and other fishing stressors. In studies by students at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) 22 pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were deployed on white marlin caught using circle hooks. As part of the study, blood samples were taken from the fish requiring removal of the marlin from the water. Data from the PSATs indicated that 21% of those white marlin died immediately after release. In a separate, similar study also conducted by VIMS, 30 white marlin were tagged withoutbeing removed from the water and resulted in only 2% post release mortality. It was hypothesized that the significantly different mortality rates could be due to the additional stress put on the white marlin when removed from the water. It’s also interesting to note that the white marlin that did not survive, did not experience the longest fight times. Researchers hypothesize that a short fight time before being removed from the water for blood samples may be equivalent to a human sprinting for as long and hard as possible, then being forced to hold their breath! Results from PSATs studies also show that it can take billfish as long as 14 days to recover and resume normal behavior.

 

It is well known that stress caused by fight time makes a fish more vulnerable to predation and commercial fishing pressure. Anglers should strive to keep the billfish from getting injured, especially when deploying a $4,000 PSAT, to gather valuable data. The scientists took every precaution during the research to ensure the survival of the fish, but even so some died, perhaps due to the additional stress from being hauled aboard a boat, being deprived of oxygen and having blood taken.

For anglers, the condition of the hooked billfish should be a priority. Injury can be mitigated by using non-offset, circle hooks with all natural baits, proper hook removal, and using tackle to match the size of your query. Taking the time to rig baits, spectacular boat handling, and world-class angling is all null if the fish is pulled from the water and injured.

If an angler wants a photo with his or her fish, TBF recommends safe handling practices be followed. Once the fish is alongside the boat, keep it in gear with the fish’s lower jaw in the water to ensure oxygenated water passes over the gills. Then the angler can lean over the gunnel while someone snaps photos. Taking the time to ensure a safe release is the mark of a real sportsman, not just the number of flags flying from outriggers, or pictures on a wall. The next time someone wants to pull a billfish out of the water for a photo, ask that person if the photo is worth the life of the fish. A photo may be worth a thousand words, but it is not worth killing a billfish.

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