A recently released analysis of the NMFS Cooperative Tagging Program between January 2006 and December 2015 by Caitlyn Savoia, a graduate student at the University of Miami, documented that during those years the Program received the lowest number of tagged and recaptured reports, which collect valuable scientific data.”  The author lauded the work of TBF’s implementation of its self-entry on-line database for tagged, released and recaptured billfish as well as the outreach done to further engage the sportfishing community.

She applauds TBF’s Tag & Release system for including interactive features that improve efficiency, transparency while making the entry, retrieving and viewing of one’s data easy.  Other features of TBF’s self-entry tagging data site heralded by the researcher include: interactive map with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interface, the ability to upload anglers’ videos and photos, ability to analyze data, interface with Buoyweather and integrated with Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, all of this Savoia acknowledges promotes data collection and participation through innovation and technology. In turn, TBF applauds the work of all our constituents who continue to report and support the program as well as to TBF staff member, Peter Chaibongsai, who is responsible for the program for his tenacity in getting the site activated and to all anglers, captains and mates who use the self-entry site.

The post TBF’s Tagging Program Heralded appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

TBF Welcomes 20echo as a Tag & Release Program Sponsor!

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) proudly announces that 20echo is its newest Tag and Release Program sponsor, joining  Casa Vieja Lodge, Costa Sunglasses, Garmin, King Sailfish Mounts, Pelagic Gear, and Yeti in support of the scientific data collecting program. Begun in 1990, the Program has produced the world’s largest private billfish tagging data resource, which is the organization’s cornerstone science project that shares angler-generated data with scientists to improve billfish science.

TBF’s partnership with 20echo.com will bolster data collect for years to come by giving anglers a fast, on board means to capture weather, oceanic and fish data at the exact spot of a billfish tag, release or recapture, simply by taking a photo. “The data then will be shared with TBF,” said Daniel Miers, 20echo’s founder and developer of the revolutionary new tool, who added  “20echo.com was built with conservation in mind.” Gerard Ramos, CEO of Revelry Labs, the software developing firm, said, “It’s really that simple, take or upload your billfish photo, enter  the tag number if the fish was tagged, in 20echo.com and the angler immediately has the ability to positively impact TBF’s data collection for science and conservation. I’m extremely proud of our team and the technology we’ve created to assist TBF.”

Peter Chaibongsai, TBF’s Director of Science and Policy, said, “We are excited about 20echo’s partnership to assist in billfish data collection that will support conservation via their innovative and interactive tool. No doubt anglers and captains will enjoy using the 20echo services.”

TBF welcomes 20Echo and invites other companies to become a TBF Tag and Release Program sponsor and show your business’s support of billfish conservation! Learn more about TBF’s Tag and Release program by contacting us at 954-938-01050 or by email.

The post TBF Welcomes 20Echo as a Tag & Release Program Sponsor! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) Tag and Release Award winners, the “who’s who” in the billfishing world will be honored during the International Tag and Release Awards Ceremony at Miami’s Jungle Island on February 17, 2017. Earning one of the prestigious awards, produced and donated by King Sailfish Mounts, symbolizes a year of hard work, great fishing and/or boat and fish handling skills plus a commitment to a future with billfishing. Leaders in the sportfishing industry sponsor the Tag and Release Program and Ceremony and include Costa Sunglasses, PELAGIC Gear, Casa Vieja Lodge, Garmin Inc., YETI Coolers, Marina Casa de Campo, International Game Fish Tournament Observers Inc., Makaira Adventures, Sailfish Brewing Company, and 20echo.

 

Youth Division

TOP TAGGING

Ages 8 & Under
Darren Philipps – Guatemala City, Guatemala
Runner-Up: Charles Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA

Ages 11-12
Hefner Appling – Port Aransas, TX USA
Runner-Up: Aidan Burke – Los Angeles, CA USA

Ages 13-15
Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA
Runner-Up: Jamyn Kirkland – Englewood, FL USA

Ages 16-17
Toby Mason – Dampier, WA Australia
Runner-Up: Nuno Abohbot Jr. – Luanda, Angola

 

TOP RELEASE

Ages 8 & Under
Darren Philipps – Guatemala City, Guatemala
Runner-Up: Brown Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA

Ages 9-10
Elise Standing – Virginia Beach, VA USA

Ages 11-12
Ian Perez – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Runner-Up: Cameron Johnson – Davie, FL USA

Ages 13-15
Caetlin O’Brien – Duxbury, MA USA
Runner-Up: Ethan Standing – Virginia Beach, VA

Ages 16-17
Toby Mason – Dampier, WA Australia
Runner-Up: Rory Brown – Mount Pleasant, SC USA

 

Gulf of Mexico Marlin Tagging Competition

Top Overall Tagging Angler – Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA
Top Overall Tagging Captain – Myles Colley – Pensacola, FL USA
Top Tagging Angler – Blue Marlin – Dana Foster – Pensacola, FL USA
Top Tagging Angler – White Marlin – Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA
Top Tagging Captain – Blue Marlin – Myles Colley – Pensacola, FL USA
Top Tagging Captain – White Marlin – Chris Mowad – Pensacola, FL USA
Top Tagging Junior Angler – Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA
Top Tagging Lady Angler – Lisa Foster – Pensacola, FL USA
Top Tagging Boat – Born2Run – Pensacola, FL USA

 

South Florida Sailfish Circuit

Top Release Angler – Jacob Lepera – Boynton Beach, FL USA
Top Release Captain, Private – Doug Covin – Miami, FL USA
Top Release Captain, Charter – Dean Panos – Pembroke Pines, FL USA
Top Release Junior Angler – Shawn MacMullin – Key Largo FL USA
Top Release Lady Angler – CeCe Imbrie – Naples, FL USA
Top Tagging Angler – Shawn MacMullin – Key Largo FL USA
Top Tagging Captain Private – Doug Covin – Miami, FL USA
Top Tagging Captain Charter – Bouncer Smith – Miami, FL USA
Top Tagging Junior Angler – Shawn MacMullin – Key Largo FL USA
Top Tagging Lady Angler – Dawn Samuels – Palm Beach Gardens, FL USA

 

Cape Verde Regional Tag & Release Competition 

Top Tagging Angler – Paul Gerlach – Hobe Sound, FL USA
Top Tagging Captain, Private – Bertrand Bouchard – Port Gentil, Gabon
Top Tagging Captain, Charter – Martin Bates – Auckland New Zealand
Top Release Angler – Arthur Choate – Miami, FL USA
Top Release Captain, Private – Randy Hodgekiss – Orange Beach, AL USA
Top Release Captain, Charter – Zak Conde – San Vicente, Cape Verde
Top Release Junior Angler – Cameron Johnson – Davie, FL USA
Top Release Lady Angler – Amanda Cofer – Carolina Beach, NC USA

 

Hawaii Regional Tag & Release Competition 

Top Tagging Angler – Jada Holt – Kailua-Kona, HI USA
Top Tagging Captain – Gene Vander Hoek – Kailua-Kona, HI USA
Top Tagging Lady Angler – Jada Holt – Kailua-Kona, HI USA
Top Release Angler – Paul Dolinoy – Huntington Beach, CA USA
Top Release Captain – Chris Choy – Kailua-Kona, HI USA

 

Top Tagging Anglers – Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin – Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA
Sailfish – Marco Couto – Luanda, Angola
Swordfish – Richard Gudoian – Key Largo, FL USA
White Marlin – Laurent Sahyoun – Mandelieu, France

 

Top Tagging Anglers – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin – Scott MacGowan – Baynton, Australia
Blue Marlin – Scott MacGowan – Baynton, Australia
Sailfish – Henry Riggs-Miller – Victoria, Seychelles

 

Top Tagging Anglers – Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin – Stephan Kreupl – Oberursel, Germany
Blue Marlin – Christian Hampl – Doral, FL USA
Sailfish – Chris Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA
Spearfish – Julie Crispin – Sewall’s Point, FL USA
Striped Marlin – Kristen Richardson – Baton Rouge, LA USA

 

Top Tagging Captains – Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin – Martin Bates – Auckland, New Zealand
Sailfish – Fin Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA
Swordfish – Nick Stancyzk – Islamorada, FL USA
White Marlin – Christian Benazeth – Auch, France

 

Top Tagging Captains – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, WA Australia
Blue Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, WA Australia
Sailfish – Terrence Farrell – Alyangula, NT Australia
Striped Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, WA Australia

 

Regional Tag & Release Competition
Black Marlin – Tim Richardson – Bangalow, NSW Australia
Blue Marlin – Bobby McGuinness – Golfito, Costa Rica
Sailfish – Ben Horning – Jupiter, FL USA
Spearfish – Gene Vander Hoek – Kailua-Kona, HI USA
Striped Marlin – Wilks Hammock – Pensacola, FL USA

 

Top Release Anglers – Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin – Mike Brauser – Lighthouse Point, FL USA
Sailfish – T. David Lohr – Rockville, VA USA
Spearfish – Gray Ingram – Jupiter, FL USA
White Marlin – Laurent Sahyoun – Mandelieu, France

 

Top Release Anglers – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin – Riley Smith – Exmouth, WA Australia

 

Top Release Anglers – Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin – Barry Alty – Gold Coast, QLD Australia
Blue Marlin – Chris Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA
Sailfish – Jack Duvall – Kemah, TX USA
Striped Marlin – Jack Duvall – Kemah, TX USA

 

Top Release Captains – Atlantic Ocean
Blue Marlin – Zak Conde – San Vicente, Cape Verde
Sailfish – Fin Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA
Spearfish – Ronnie Fields – Lake Park, FL USA
White Marlin – Christian Benazeth – Auch, France

 

Top Release Captains – Indian Ocean
Black Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, WA Australia
Blue Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, WA Australia
Sailfish – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, WA Australia

 

Top Release Captains – Pacific Ocean
Black Marlin – Brett Alty – Gold Coast, QLD Australia
Blue Marlin – Ben Horning – Jupiter, FL USA
Sailfish – Brad Philipps, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Striped Marlin – Benito Agundez – San Ysidro, CA USA

 

Overall Tagging Winners
Top Overall Tagging Angler – Chris Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA
Top Overall Lady Tagging Angler – Laura Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA
Top Overall Youth Tagging Angler – Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA
Top Overall Tagging Captain – Ben Horning – Jupiter, FL USA

 

Overall Release Winners
Top Overall Release Angler – Chris Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA
Top Overall Release Lady Angler – Lisa Everett – Nags Head, NC USA
Top Overall Release Youth Angler – Darren Philipps – Guatemala City, Guatemala
Top Overall Release Captain – Brad Philipps – Guatemala City, Guatemala

 

 

The post 2016 Tag & Release Competition Winners appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) recently submitted comments to the proposed regulations included in Amendment 5b to the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan – regarding the reduction of dusky shark mortality. Learn why the current preferred measures for recreational fishing as written will have direct, and significant, negative impacts on non-shark recreational fisheries.

Read our comments below.

The post TBF SUBMITS COMMENTS ON Amendment 5b – Dusky Sharks appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

On December 12th, The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) submitted official comments on Pacific Bluefin Tuna (PBFT) being potentially listed in the Endangered Species Act. Learn why PBFT potential listing would be more symbolic in nature as a conservation measure and would be a detrimental to the recreational fishing community in the region. A better solution for PBFT would be for the U.S. to lead a campaign to list Pacific Bluefin tuna under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which focuses solely on protecting species at risk from commercial exploitation internationally by prohibiting international sales.

Read our official comments below.

The post TBF Submits Comments On the Pacific Bluefin Fishery appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Members and friends of The Billfish Foundation have a long tradition of generous giving to support the many vital programs furthering the mission of conserving billfish worldwide. Since its founding in 1986, TBF’s achievements have been significant. Our success would not have been possible without the support of countless individuals and organizations. Please take a few moments to review the many ways you can give financially to TBF.

• Membership – TBF has a membership for every budget, from the basic $50 ($20 for youth) to the Chairman’s Club level, starting at $1,000. Be sure to check out the awesome new membership perks and swag coming in 2017 from sponsors Costa and YETI!!

• Matching Programs – ask you employer. Many companies will match charitable contributions made by their employees and their spouses. With a small effort, you might be able to double your gift!

• Memorial and Tribute Gifts – make a difference for billfish as you honor a special person or mark an important event. Or ask friends and family to make a gift in your honor instead of the birthday present you don’t need! TBF regularly receives gifts representing an expression of sympathy, or to celebrate a wedding, anniversary or birthday.

• Gift Memberships – a great way to introduce a fellow angler or family member to the importance of our conservation programs and the benefits of TBF membership.

• Gifts by Cash, Check, Credit Card or Wire – TBF stands ready to make use of your gifts to particular programs of interest to you, such as tagging or research, or to our general operating fund. Gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

• Monthly Giving – if you would like to support the operations of TBF with a monthly donation over and above your regular membership, we would be happy to establish a recurring monthly gift with your credit card. This can make giving to TBF both easy and affordable to your budget. A little bit each month can do so much to save billfish for future generations.

• Stocks and Bonds – your gift of appreciated securities is the opportunity to make a substantial gift while taking a charitable tax deduction and avoiding the capital gains on the amount of the appreciation. TBF has a special account to receive these gifts; check with us for wiring instructions.

• Trusts – there are many types of trusts that will allow you to set aside assets for TBF, either to receive the income from the assets now, or to receive the assets at a later time. TBF would be happy to work with you or your advisor to explain how a trust might meet your needs.

• Bequests – after providing for family and others, remembering TBF in your will is a wonderful way to show your support. A bequest can be a specific amount, a gift of certain securities or other assets, a percentage of your estate or the remainder of your estate after other gifts are fulfilled. TBF can offer language or would be happy to work with you and your advisors to meet your particular wishes. Make a gift that costs you nothing today but helps ensure the future of billfishing.

• Retirement Plan Gifts – naming TBF as a beneficiary of your 401(k) or other retirement account assets will allow the assets to come to TBF without incurring any estate taxes. If you include TBF as a beneficiary of retirement account assets, you only need to update your Designation of Beneficiary Form for your retirement account and there is no need to update your will. Check with your 401(k) or other retirement plan provider to be sure you have completed the proper forms.

• Life Insurance – as with retirement plan assets, your interest in a life insurance policy may be passed on to TBF by completing a Designation of Beneficiary Form. TBF would receive the assets directly and there is no effect on other assets passing through your estate. By discussing you plans in advance with TBF, we can make sure your gift is applied to the programs of most interest to you, or to our general operations if you so desire.

For any questions about membership, memorials, tributes or other current gifts, please contact [email protected] or call Deborah at 800-438-8247, x106. To discuss any other planned gifts, contact [email protected] or call Robert at 800-438-8247, x113.

DONATE NOW!

The post Many Ways to Support TBF! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Take a peek at some of the items we have in store for you to bid on for our live auction at our annual fundraiser, Back to the 80’s! Be sure to bid high, as all the proceeds go to billfish conservation!

For more information on the event and to purchase your tickets or table, click here.

The post Back To the 80’s Live Auction Preview appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

TBF launches free mobile application to easily report and search tag and release data.

 

Over the past 26 years, the sportfishing community has provided The Billfish Foundation (TBF) with over 220,000 tag and release records, making it the largest private billfish database worldwide. The data received helps marine researchers gain insight into migratory patterns, growth rates, habitat usage, and the overall health of billfish stocks around the world. A vast majority of those records used to be received on our traditional cards via post, but with TBF’s online system launch several years ago, there has been an incredible 45% increase in reported data from anglers, captains, and mates since 2014. With a large shift of people moving from desktop users into mobile devices, TBF wanted to make it easier and more convenient for the “mobile” angler (or the angler on-the-go) to continue to participate in the tag & release program.

Engagement is a large part of the success of TBF’s Tag & Release Program. TBF is excited to introduce a new way for anglers to easily report and search tag and release data – TBF’s mobile application. Currently only available for Apple products, search the App Store for “The Billfish Foundation” and download!

The new TBF mobile application will allow the user to more easily and quickly report their tagged fish, and released fish (with no tag), with their device automatically entering the latitude and longitude based on the angler’s location and allowing the user to select if they are  an  angler or captain. It will also allow the user to post a picture with the record, explore recent TBF tag & release data including recaptures, and create/modify their own profile. All of the data entered into the application is sent to TBF’s database and if edits are necessary, you can make them via the application or through our traditional desktop version.

Make sure to download today as it will only be free for the next several weeks, after which all proceeds will be donated back to support billfish conservation. TBF appreciates your support and we look forward to your feedback on this new billfish conservation tool.

 

The post TBF Mobile Application Goes Live! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Tournament season is coming to a close which means opportunities to get out there are getting fewer and the competition is stiff. Here are the current standings for the 2016 Gulf of Mexico Marlin Tagging competition.  All fishing must be completed by October 31, and all tag cards need to be either entered by you (tagbillfish.org) or in the TBF office by November 15, NO EXCEPTIONS! Mail, fax, email, hand delivered, however you prefer is fine with us, but they cannot be late.

Please note, there are still numerous cards to be entered that you may have sent in some time ago. Rest assured, all cards will be entered, but the surest way for your records to be up-to-date is to enter them yourself at www.tagbillfish.org.

As of 9/7/16

The post Updated 2016 Gulf of Mexico Marlin Tagging Competition Standings appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Fall is almost here, and that means the competition year is winding down. Here are the current standings for the 2016 International Tag & Release competition. Those of you in first place, don’t rest too easy, there’s still 2 months of fishing to go, and those of you not yet on the board still have time. All fishing must be completed by October 31, and all tag cards need to be either entered by you (tagbillfish.org) or in the TBF office by November 15, NO EXCEPTIONS! Mail, fax, email, hand delivered, however you prefer is fine with us, but they cannot be late.

Please note, there are still numerous cards to be entered that you may have sent in some time ago. Rest assured, all cards will be entered, but the surest way for your records to be up-to-date is to enter them yourself at www.tagbillfish.org.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Simpson.

 

Overall Release Captain

1. 1. Brad Philipps
2. 2. Ronnie Fields
3. 3. Ben Horning
4. 4. Dean Panos
5. 5. Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro

 

 

Overall Tagging Captain

1. 1. Ben Horning
2. 2. Bobby McGuinness
3. 3. Bomber Farrell
4. 4. Tim Richardson
5. 5. Kurt Williamson

 

 

Overall Release Angler

1. 1. John Duvall
2. 2. Gray Ingram
3. 3. Chris Jessen
4. 4. Laura Jessen
5. 5. Lisa Everett

 

 

Overall Tagging Angler

1. 1. Chris Jessen
2. 2. Christian Hampl
3. 3. Laura Jessen
4. 4. Darryl Schroeder
5. 5. John Duvall

 

Overall Release Lady Angler

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Lisa Everett
3. 3. Amanda Cofer
4. 4. Amy Inamdar
5. 5. Sharon Poulter

 

 

Overall Tagging Lady Angler

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Corinne Heiligbrodt
3. 3. Lynette Robb
4. 4. Martha Macnab
5. 5. Jada Holt

 

 

Overall Release Youth Angler

1. 1. Brown Gaddy
2. 2. Charles Gaddy
3. 3. Chloe Cofer
4. 4. Wil Cunningham
5. 5. Toby Mason

 

 

Overall Tagging Youth Angler

1. 1. Kaleb Richardson
2. 2. Hefner Apling
3. 3. Toby Mason
4. 4. Nuno Abohbot Jr.
5. 5. Cohen Cocke

 

 

Top Tagging Angler- Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Kaleb Richardson
2. 2. Dana Foster
3. 3. Charles Cooke
4. 4. John Paul Bonin
5. 5. Gordo Heldewier

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Marco Couto
2. 2. Cam Nicolson
3. 3. Sergio Santos
4. 4. Nuno Abohbot
5. 5. Ruben Leal

 

 

White Marlin

1. 1. Corinne Heiligbrodt
2. 2. Peter Cherasia
3. 3. Nick Rauco
4. 4. Chris Wood
5. 5. Kaleb Richardson

 

 

Top Release Angler- Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Dana Foster
2. 2. Kevin Paul
3. 3. Jerome Chavet

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Jacob Lepera
2. 2. CeCe Imbrie
3. 3. Jess Kunkel
4. 4. Eric Hull
5. 5. Chris DeLeo

 

 

Top Tagging Captain- Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Myles Colley
2. 2. Tim Richardson
3. 3. Corey Hurst
4. 4. Chris Mowad
5. 5. Sean Young

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Fin Gaddy
2. 2. Bouncer Smith
3. 3. Doug Covin
4. 4. Iain Nicolson
5. 5. Vitor Ros

 

 

White Marlin

1. 1. Rich Barrett
2. 2. Tim Richardson
3. 3. Jimmy Grant
4. 4. Darin Chafin
5. 5. Sean Young

 

 

Swordfish

1. 1. Nick Stanczyk

 

 

 

Top Release Captain- Atlantic

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Mike Standing
2. 2. Miles Colley
3. 3. Tim Richardson
4. 4. Corey Hurst
5. 5. Luiz Roque

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Dean Panos
2. 2. Fin Gaddy
3. 3. Jeff Scott
4. 4. Doug Covin
5. 5. Dennis Endee

 

 

White Marlin

1. 1. Jimmy Grant
2. 2. Dennis Endee
3. 3. Mike Standing
4. 4. Tim Richardson

 

 

 

Top Tagging Angler- Pacific

Black Marlin

1. 1. Stephan Kreupl
2. 2. Lynette Robb

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Christian Hampl
2. 2. Pablo Pebe
3. 3. Chris Jessen
4. 4. Jada Holt
5. 5. Laura Jessen

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Chris Jessen
2. 2. Laura Jessen
3. 3. Darryl Schoeder
4. 4. John Henry David
5. 5. Christian Hampl

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. John Duvall
2. 2. Martha MacNab
3. 3. Kristen Richardson
4. 4. Lynette Robb
5. 5. Brandi Reed

 

Spearfish

1. 1. Julie Crispin

 

 

Top Release Angler- Pacific

Black Marlin

1. 1. Stephan Kreupl
2. 2. Jason Solway
3. 3. Jason Shearwater
4. 4. Barry Alty
5. 5. Sharon Poulter

 

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Christian Hampl
2. 2. Chris Jessen
3. 3. Pablo Pebe
4. 4. Thomas Garmany
5. 5. Barry Alty

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. John Duvall
2. 2. Gray Ingram
3. 3. Chris Jessen
4. 4. Laura Jessen
5. 5. Lisa Everett

 

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. John Duvall
2. 2. Brent Roland
3. 3. Martha Macnab
4. 4. Edward Merriman

 

 

 

Top Tagging Captain- Pacific

Black Marlin

1. 1. Tim Richardson
2. 2. Chris Dwyer
3. 3. Bomber Farrell

 

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Bobby McGuinness
2. 2. Ben Horning
3. 3. Chip Van Mols
4. 4. Skeet Warren
5. 5. Sean Swetman

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Ben Horning
2. 2. Thomas “Tucker” Colquhoun
3. 3. Bomber Farrell
4. 4. Bobby McGuinness
5. 5. Sean Swetman

 

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. Jaime Gonzalez
2. 2. Wilks Hammock
3. 3. Benito Agundez
4. 4. Tony Araiza
5. 5. Chris Dwyer

 

 

Spearfish

1. 1. Brian Toney

 

 

 

Top Release Captain- Pacific

Black Marlin

1. 1. Brett Alty
2. 2. Tim Richardson
3. 3. Laurie Wright

 

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Ben Horning
2. 2. Bobby McGuinness
3. 3. Brad Philipps
4. 4. Brett Alty
5. 5. Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Brad Philipps
2. 2. Ronnie Fields
3. 3. Ben Horning
4. 4. Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro
5. 5. Chris Van Leeuwen

 

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. Benito Agundez
2. 2. William Cesena
3. 3. Ty Valli
4. 4. Tony Araiza
5. 5. Brad Philipps

 

 

 

Top Tagging Angler – Indian

Black Marlin

1. 1. Scott MacGowan
2. 2. Toby Mason
3. 3. Matar Alyabhouni
4. 4. Jo-Ann Riley

 

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Scott MacGowan

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Henry Riggs-Miller
2. 2. Jack Ogden
3. 3. Mike Mason
4. 4. Russell Bartlett
5. 5. Toby Mason

 

 

 

Top Tagging Captain- Indian

Black Marlin

1. 1. Jo-Ann Riley
2. 2. Scott MacGowan
3. 3. Randy Bradley
4. 4. Eddy Lawler
5. 5. Ross Newton

 

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Eddy Lawler
2. 2. Ross Newton
3. 3. Jason Browning
4. 4. Randy Bradley
5. 5. Ken Adcock

 

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Kurt Williamson
2. 2. Rolly Pierre
3. 3. Jourdain (Jeda) Ellens
4. 4. Randy Bradley
5. 5. Perry Rosalie

 

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. Eddy Lawler 

 

 

 

Top Release Captain- Indian

Black Marlin

1. 1. Randy Bradley
2. 2. Jason Browning

 

 

Female Division (Tag)

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Corinne Heiligbrodt
3. 3. Lynette Robb
4. 4. Martha Macnab
5. 5. Jada Holt

 

 

Female Division (Release)

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Lisa Everett
3. 3. Amanda Cofer
4. 4. Amy Inamdar
5. 5. Sharon Poulter

 

 

Youth Division (Tag)

8 and under

1. 1. Sebastian Ortiz Stoessel
2. 2. Charles Gaddy

 

11 – 12

1. 1. Hefner Appling
2. 2. Cohen Cocke
3. 3. Ian Perez
4. 4. Aidan Burke

 

13 – 15

1. 1. Kaleb Richardson
2. 2. Jamyn Kirkland
3. 3. Oliver Hoffman
4. 4. Riley Smith

 

16 – 17

1. 1. Toby Mason
2. 2. Nuno Abohbot Jr.
3. 3. Shawn MacMullin

 

 

 

Youth Division (Release)

8 and under

1. 1. Brown Gaddy
2. 2. Charles Gaddy
3. 3. Chloe Cofer

 

13 – 15

1. 1. Wil Cunningham
2. 2. Ethan Standing

 

16 – 17

1. 1. Toby Mason 

The post Updated Standings for 2016 Annual Tag & Release Competition appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Do you remember where, when, and what you used to catch the first fish that got you “hooked” on fishing? Who were you with and how did that singular experience get you more involved with fishing and conservation? 2016 is year of the Junior Angler for The Billfish Foundation and TBF is developing content for their Junior Angler Program and we would love for you to be a part of it. We want to get a first hand report on your most memorable fishing experience – not necessarily billfish related.

We believe that many in the sportfishing community (and our members especially) have shown great commitment and passion to furthering conservation and would love to honor that with your words. TBF wants to recognize your achievements, dedication to the sport, and the first time you were “hooked” in pursing this lifestyle. The anglers represented in this program will spearhead it and will in turn be acknowledged as a representative of the program to show others why conservation and fishing go hand in hand. The interview will take place over email or phone and photos/videos are needed to share the story. We hope to hear from many of you. Please contact [email protected] to have your story shared.

Please use the hashtag #tbfjr on social media so we can share and recognize you, your family and friends fishing.

The post TBF’s Junior Angler Program appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

This summer’s Gulf of Mexico’s tournament season began “white hot” with good numbers of marlin, including large ones, and bluefin tuna, which presented unexpected excitement for anglers in the region.  Federal fishery regulations prohibit the targeting of bluefin tuna by both the commercial and recreational fisheries in the Gulf, but each category is allowed a limited “incidental” landing quota of the species.  An incidental catch occurs when anglers target another species, marlin or other tunas, and have a bluefin tuna take the bait.  Only recently, thanks to TBF, has the government allocated a quota for bluefin tuna caught by anglers in the Gulf. The quota is small, only 3,306.9 pounds, which can be filled quickly with a few large bluefin tuna.  The first bluefin weighed 647.80 pounds and was caught by Sydney Turner on board the boat You Never Know during the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Memorial Day Tournament; that tuna won the Tuna Category in the tournament.  A second bluefin tuna was caught and weighed in the Gulf of Mexico during the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, an event that did not include bluefin as a qualifying fish in their tuna division.  The fish landed by Trey Thormahlen on board the boat the Bimini Babe weighed 541 pounds.   It will not take but a few more large bluefin to be weighed for the quota to be met and the season closed.  Boats can only keep one trophy size (73” + fork of tail to lower jaw) bluefin a year in the Gulf.

 

The post Incidental Bluefin Tuna Caught by Anglers in Gulf appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

NMFS Adjusts the General Category Daily Retention Limit for June-August 2016 to Five Fish

May 11, 2016

Courtesy of National Marine Fisheries Service

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is adjusting the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) General category daily retention limit from the default limit of one to five large medium or giant BFT (measuring 73″ or greater) per vessel per day/trip for June 1 through August 31, 2016 (the General category does not open until June 1, 2016). The approved gear types for Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels are rod and reel, handline, bandit gear, greenstick, and harpoon.

In deciding the retention limit, NMFS considered the amount of available quota, effects of the action on the fishery, availability of BFT on the fishing grounds, the data collected from the fishery, the effects on the stock and on accomplishing the objectives management plans. This action is intended to provide opportunities to harvest the available U.S. BFT quota without exceeding it; prevent overharvest of the 2016 General category quota; and collect a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes.

Changes applicable to General category permit holders

The daily retention limit adjustment applies to vessels permitted in the commercial Atlantic tunas General category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category while fishing commercially (not-for hire fishing). It is effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as BFT spawning grounds and vessels are not allow to target BFT. Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip, no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed, retained, or landed. For example (and specific to the June through August 2016 limit), whether a vessel fishing under the General category limit takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day, the daily limit of five fish may not be exceeded upon landing.

Current Limits for HMS Angling and Charter/Headboat Vessels

Effective April 23, 2016, through December 31, 2016, the bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limits are the following. For HMS Angling-permitted vessels: 2 school BFT (27 to <47″) + 1 large school/small medium BFT (47 to <73″); for HMS Charter/Headboat-permitted vessels: 3 school BFT + 1 large school/small medium BFT. These limits are effective for all areas except the Gulf of Mexico. The recreational BFT trophy fishery (73″+) is currently open north of 39°18′ (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ) as well as in the Gulf of Mexico with a limit of 1 BFT measuring 73″ or greater/vessel/year. For further information, see notices in library (at left).

NMFS will continue to monitor the BFT fisheries closely. General category, 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.

Please keep informed and up to date on changes to retention limits, quotas and closures through TBF’s news and sign up for our monthly newsletter. For more information please contact Science & Policy Specialist, Michael Kelly at [email protected].

The post General Category Atlantic Bluefin Retention Limit Adjustment appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The South East Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI), coordinated under Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Reef Conservation Program, momentum is driven by a  tax exempt organization 501 (c) (3)  – Friends of Our Florida Reefs (FOFR), founded in 2015. The non-profit makes prominent the words “Our Florida Reefs” as a mantra for its movement to support and enhance the state’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (FDEP CRCP).  Florida Statute 112.3251 identifies such an organization as a citizens’ support group (CSG), which can raise money for its organizational needs, but it also can raise funds to help fill government budget gaps. Helping to fill budget gaps could garner favor with government decision makers.  The non-profit strives to secure protections for the coral reefs offshore from the St. Lucie Inlet south to the northern border of Biscayne National Park.

FOFR established Community Working Groups (CWG or the Groups) that invite citizens to gather and discuss mutual reef issues of concern; the groups have benefit of the state government providing public notices for their meetings. The Groups’ members have identified an array of concerns they believe threaten the reefs, including recreational fishing.  Most all who enjoy Florida’s marine waters embrace the goal of conserving reefs, but the devil will be in the details.  The Groups are drafting management recommendations for the “use and protection of Florida east coast reefs,” which no doubt will include restrictions on recreational fishing, yet recreational fishing interests included in the discussions are extremely limited. Management of recreational fishing should be under the jurisdiction of the state’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Before targeting responsible users of offshore state waters, why didn’t the Groups focus their energy directly on the major threat to the east coast reefs –government discharge of toxic runoff from Lake Okeechobee into the Atlantic Ocean and rivers?  Toxic water, 70,000 gallons per second, poses more harm to Florida’s east coast reefs than recreational fishing or boating.  

The next “all day” Community Working Group meeting is scheduled for June 1 between 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek.  The purpose of this meeting is to continue developing more management recommendations.  All day meetings are not conducive to genuine public inclusion for most people work eight hours a day. TBF will stay on top of this issue and be present at meetings. Stay Tuned and share with your friends.

The post State Flushes Polluted Water onto East Coast Reefs but Coral Reef Initiative targets recreational fishing appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

For Immediate Release   –  May 4, 2016                  

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA –  Today, The Billfish Foundation (TBF), the world’s leading sportfishing conservation organization for marlin, sailfish, spearfish and associated highly migratory fish, is celebrating its 30^th Anniversary and is announcing the winners of its prestigious Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award – Captain Kelvin “Red” Bailey, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Captain Ernie Foster, Hatteras, North Carolina and Bonnie Powell, Brandon, Florida.  The Award is named in honor of the late John Rybovich, a pioneer in billfish conservation and sportfishing vessel design.  Award presentations will be made during TBF’s annual gala, held this year on Friday, November 4, 2016 at the Harbor Beach Marriott resort on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida.

Captain Kelvin “Red” Bailey, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, began sportfishing when famous Captain Tommy Gifford offered him, as a 19 year old, a mate’s job saying “if you’re interested son, you can start tomorrow.” Red started and 52 years later continues to show up tomorrow.  Following his time with Gifford, Red worked for Johnny Harms during which he earned his captain’s license allowing him to take charter clients fishing, including Dr. Lyman and Nancy Spire. Before long, Red worked for the Spires as captain of their Abigail II and their custom built Abigail III, now the oldest local charter boat on the island and owned by Red Bailey. Throughout his career Red encouraged tag and release and the use of single hooks – the Red Bailey lure by Mold Craft contains only one hook. In a Marlin Magazine interview, he noted that in the “early days” he found anglers were “more interested in the skill of sportfishing rather than catching the most fish.” He remains a promoter of the sport in the Caribbean, serving as President of the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Board of Directors, and has said he would like to be remembered as “someone who worked to ensure that sportfishing would be around for future generations to enjoy.”  Today, Red’s son, Kelvin Bailey Jr., is a charter captain and one who gave him a member of the “next generation,” a grandson who will enjoy offshore fishing one day.

Captain Ernie Foster of Hatteras, North Carolina, grew up on boats fishing in the family’s charter business, the Albatross Fleet.  His father, Capt. Ernal Foster, one might say launched charter fishing in the region in 1937 when he began charging anglers to take them fishing; others laughed.  In the early 1950s when his boat landed a 451 pound blue marlin, the Dare County’s first public relations specialist was present and took photos. When those photos spread worldwide, Hatteras was on the map as a hot spot for offshore fishing.  Ernie’s brother was the first in the region to have clients request the release of a giant blue marlin, which he did. Today, Ernie runs the Albatross III while managing the Albatross Fleet and its 250 charters a year.  Having witnessed significant changes in fishing, in government regulations and changes in the abundance of many fish species, Ernie finds it necessary to take an active role with fishery management issues. And, when some situations pit commercial fishing and recreational fishing against one another in his community, that is when Ernie most likely finds his earlier professional experience as a guidance counselor most useful.  Ernie views his community of Hatteras as a “fishing community” first, for each person there depends on fishing either directly or indirectly – a way of life Foster wants to see continue for all Hatteras residents.

Bonnie Powell of Brandon, Florida started fishing at a young age, including fishing the Tampa Tarpon Tournament year after year.  Once married to her late husband, Captain Billy Powell, they, along with their boys, fished in Bimini, where Bonnie caught a blue marlin that placed in a tournament.  Her fishing skills also have earned her two world records fishing with light tackle.   After joining the International Women’s Fishing Association (IWFA), an organization founded in 1955 by female anglers, Bonnie became very active within the group. A perfect fit for Bonnie, who, like all the other members, loves to fish, practice responsible fishing techniques, support conservation and raise funds for college scholarships.  Bonnie served on IWFA’s Board, as its President (1991 – 1993), was presented its Ann Kunkle Memorial Sportsmanship award in 1999 and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame (2000).  Bonnie now serves as the Executive Secretary of the International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA), once an all male fishing group, where she coordinates participation in an annual light tackle release tournament hosted by member clubs in different locations. ILTTA promotes sportfishing, camaraderie, conservation and good fishing practices. Bonnie also provides radio services for The Masters Angling Tournament, for the Ocean Reef Cup, and for the Stuart Sailfish Club’s Light Tackle Tournament. Bonnie is also known for her delightful “people skills.”

Please join TBF in congratulating winners on their lifetime achievement awards and have fun celebrating TBF’s 30^th anniversary of advancing billfish conservation worldwide.  TBF is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization created in 1986 by anglers to insure healthy stocks of fish and great sportfishing opportunities worldwide.

Contact: [email protected]                                                                                                            (954) 202-9267                                  

 

The post The Billfish Foundation Announces 2016 Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award Winners appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Courtesy of National Marine Fisheries Service

April 20, 2016

Today National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces adjustments to the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) daily retention limits that apply to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category (when fishing recreationally for BFT) effective April 23, 2016, through December 31, 2016, as follows:

In deciding these retention limits, NMFS considered the regulatory determination criteria regarding inseason adjustments, which include available quota, fishery performance in recent years, availability of BFT on the fishing grounds, and the effects of the adjustment on the stock and on accomplishing the objectives of the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and amendments.  These limits should provide opportunities to harvest the available U.S. BFT quota without exceeding it; prevent overharvest of the 2016 quotas; and collect a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes.

Who is Affected?

These daily retention limits apply to vessels permitted in the recreational HMS Angling category and the HMS Charter/Headboat category while fishing recreationally.  The daily retention limits are effective for all areas except for the Gulf of Mexico, which is designated as BFT spawning grounds and where NMFS does not allow targeted fishing for BFT.  Regardless of the duration of a fishing trip (e.g., whether a vessel takes a two-day trip or makes two trips in one day), no more than a single day’s retention limit may be possessed, retained, or landed.

NMFS will continue to monitor the BFT fisheries closely.  General category, 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.  Depending on fishing effort and catch rates, additional retention limit adjustments or fishery closures may be necessary to ensure available quota is not exceeded or to enhance scientific data collection from, and fishing opportunities in, all geographic areas.

NMFS regulations at 50 CFR 635.21(a)(1) require that all BFT that are released be handled in a manner that will maximize survivability, and without removing the fish from the water.  For additional information on safe handling, see the Careful Catch and Release brochure available atwww.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/.

For additional information, go to hmspermits.noaa.gov , the official notice or contact Science & Policy Specialist, Michael Kelly at [email protected] .

Attention: NMFS announced that as of April 10, 2016 the bluefin tuna Trophy Angling Category south area is closed for large medium and giant “trophy” bluefin tuna (73” or greater) in the southern area by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the remainder of 2016. The southern area is the area south of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ), not including the Gulf of Mexico. Any bluefin tuna caught by recreational anglers in the southern area must be released. This applies to all HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels in the southern area. See TBF news for further information.

The post Daily Trip Limit Adjustments for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

You spoke and we listened.

Many of the crews who take part in our competitions told us that they wanted both tagged fish and released fish to count towards their total numbers in each category. Up until now, we counted those separately, but TBF is pleased to announce the introduction of a brand new category in our Annual Tag & Release Competition. Starting this year, we will now give out a captain and an angler award to recognize your total catch for the competition year. So that will include those tagged, as well as those released without a tag, combined. While the data gathered from reporting releases is valuable to the work we do, tagging fish yields an abundance of data that is essential to aid the development of fisheries management policies and we would like to provide an extra incentive for those who go the extra step to tag their fish.

Report your tags and releases at www.tagbillfish.org, and check out the competition rules & eligibility at www.billfish.org/competition.

Photo courtesy of Skeet Warren and Bushwacker Sport Fishing.

The post New Competition Category! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Effective as of 11:30 p.m. (EST), April 10, 2016 the Angling category for large medium and giant “trophy” bluefin tuna (73” or greater) in the southern area (see image below) has been closed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for the remainder of 2016. The southern area is the area south of 39°18’N (off Great Egg Inlet, NJ), not including the Gulf of Mexico. Any bluefin tuna caught by recreational anglers in the southern area must be released. This applies to all HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels in the southern area.

As of 2015, the annual Trophy Angling Category quota of 4.5 mt is divided equally among the north, south and Gulf of Mexico regions for HMS Angling and HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels. Based on reported landings from the NMFS Automated Catch Reporting System and the North Carolina Tagging Program approximately 1.6 mt of trophy sized bluefin have been landed by Angling category southern area trophy bluefin, exceeding the 1.5 mt subquota and therefore warranting the closure of the southern area for trophy bluefin. The possession or landing of any large medium or giant bluefin tuna in the southern area by HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat vessels is now prohibited and any bluefin caught recreationally must be released. NMFS encourages all anglers to practice safe handling procedures. See the HMS Recreational Fishing Compliance Guide and the Careful Catch & Release brochure for more information. REMINDER: Federal Regulations at 50 CFR 635.21(a)(1): Atlantic highly migratory species… that is not retained must be released in a manner that will ensure maximum probability of survival, but without removing the fi­sh from the water.

Northern and Gulf of Mexico areas remain open until the Trophy Angling Category for the respective region is filled and notice is made by NMFS. Only trophy sized bluefin may be landed by anglers in the Gulf of Mexico region. The Angling category for large and medium bluefin (greater than 27” and less than 73”) in the northern area remains open until further notice. The annual Angling category trophy limit of one trophy bluefin per vessel remains in effect for the north and Gulf of Mexico area until reached. Bluefin of all size classes landed by HMS Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels must be reported to NMFS within 24 hours by calling or via the Automated Catch Reporting System or calling 1-888-872-8862. For complete details on HMS recreational fishing regulations see NMFS Permit Shop website and keep updated on any further Angling category closures.

The post Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Trophy Angling Category South Area Closed appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Billfish Foundation regularly represents recreational interests and discusses issues surrounding management of billfish and tuna here in US Atlantic waters. This past month, a number of important topics including regulations for both commercial and recreational fishing, new research findings, potential regulations and research needs were all discussed at two separate meetings; the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Advisory Panel and the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). A diverse group of participants from various sectors (academia, government, commercial and recreational) bring different perspectives, knowledge and experiences to the table, and together are vital in working towards establishing the best management practices for important HMS species.

The ICCAT meetings bring together invited and interested stakeholders to formulate a management/policy strategy for the United States. TBF took part in the Billfish Species Working Group to develop management and research recommendations for the consideration of the US delegation for ICCAT. The group reviewed the status of billfish stocks and the schedule for upcoming assessments and discussed current ICCAT management measures, other possible management measures, and actions from the 2015 Commission meeting.

A couple of the management recommendations were to look at the reporting from the artisanal fleets in the Atlantic and look to prohibit the international trade of overfished billfish stocks. Research recommendations stemmed from looking the socioeconomic importance of billfish from sportfishing, looking at FAD effects on the fishery and most importantly, continually collecting data and doing analysis of billfish life-history. Note that many of the basic life-history parameters of billfish are still poorly understood for all species.

Domestically at the HMS meetings, the management of bluefin tuna was also a hotly debated topic and many important issues were raised that have significant implications for not just anglers that target for bluefin, but all offshore anglers.

TBF was very active in seeing that recently established regulations for bluefin tuna kept longline fishing out of important closed zones, including the Desoto Canyon, and established additional time-area closures in the Gulf for longline fishing. In both of these zones, there have been high rates of billfish bycatch when they were previously open to longline fishing.

TBF was also active in the discussion of the National Bycatch Reduction Strategy (currently in draft form) to see that more efforts will be taken to reduce billfish bycatch both domestically and internationally. One action taken here in the states that was presented was the Deepwater Horizon Pelagic Longline Project that with restoration funds aims to compensate longline vessels for staying at the docks or switching over to alternative gear (green-stick and buoy gear) as a way to reduce bluefin tuna and billfish bycatch.

Perhaps the most important topic for anglers that was presented was an update to the HMS Recreational Tournament Surveys. In recent years, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has been making strides to quantify the economic important of HMS recreational fishing in the Gulf and Atlantic waters and now NMFS is focusing on HMS tournaments and are planning on distributing surveys to both tournament directors and participants. TBF strongly urges everyone to participate when the survey becomes available as it is only by knowing the full economic importance of HMS recreational fishing that NMFS can better manage HMS recreational fishing in a way that reflects its true significance.

Please keep up with TBF by following our newsletter and checking in at our website for updates.

 

 

 

The post HMS AP & ICCAT updates – March 2016 appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

For the past several years, winners of TBF’s International Tag & Release Competition blue marlin categories have all come out of Cape Verde and it is certainly one of the top places in the Atlantic Ocean to catch one of its top predators. Each year this small chain of islands off the west coast of Africa draw some of the biggest and best names in the sportfishing arena. The number of blue marlin and their sizes in Cape Verde make it a special place, a great fishery and an important place for TBF to recognize.

For 2016, TBF is introducing the Cape Verde Regional Tag & Release Competition that creates another locality in addition to its year long International Tag & Release Competition. Award categories are only for blue and white marlin and only these species will count toward overall award categories. Awards by species and overall will also be split into Private and Charter categories to recognize and give more chances for both kinds of boats to compete.

COMPETITION DATES: November 1 – October 31 of the following year.

DEADLINE: All Tagging Data Report and Release Notification Cards must be received by TBF no later than November 15th, whether via mail or online at www.tagbillfish.org.

ELIGIBILITY: Anglers, captains and mates MUST be a current TBF member to receive an award based on their submitted Tagging Data Report and Release Notification Cards. Regardless of membership, all data from every card is valuable for billfish research and membership is not required if you wish submit your tag & release data from anywhere in the world. You can check your membership status or join TBF by calling (954) 938-0150 ext. 106. If you have registered with our online tag and release database, you can see if your membership is current in your profile page and join or renew at www.billfish.org. Charter captains must have a valid captain’s license and all necessary licenses for a documented charter vessel. Tags must be deployed on the same vessel in order to be counted for charter categories. Overall tag and release categories are calculated as the total number of eligible species reported tagged and or released by a captain or angler.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES: Only blue marlin and white marlin are eligible species and categories. Overall winners will be the angler or captain that tags or releases the greatest number of eligible species combined for the respective category.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cards should be submitted to TBF as soon as possible or entered online at www.tagbillfish.org after tagging or releasing a fish. If you wait until the end of the competition year to send your cards, you run the risk of not having your cards reach TBF by the deadline. TBF also reserves the right to disqualify any participant if circumstances indicate there is reason to question reports.

TAGGING – Captain and Angler Awards are presented to those who tag the most billfish of each species within each category after having met the 5 fish minimum.

RELEASE – Captain and Angler Awards are presented to those who release, without tagging, the most billfish of each species within each category after having met the 5 fish minimum.

CATEGORIES

Tagging Categories

Top Tagging Lady Angler
Top Tagging Angler
Top Tagging Charter Captain
Top Tagging Private Captain
Top Tagging Junior Angler

Release Categories

Top Release Junior Angler
Top Release Angler
Top Release Charter Captain
Top Tagging Private Captain
Top Release Lady Angler

PLEASE NOTE: For the categories listed to the right, fish that are tagged and released are NOT counted in the Release Category. These fish are only counted in the Tagging Category.

PRIVATE VS. CHARTER

Any records submitted for eligible species tagged and or released on a registered charter boat are only eligible for charter captain and charter boat categories. Charter captains must have a valid captain’s license and all necessary licenses for a documented charter vessel. Tag and release must be deployed on the same vessel in order to be counted for charter categories. Any tag or release records for billfish caught during a non-for-hire trip, but on a registered charter boat, are only eligible for charter categories. Proper documentation and proof of charter status must be presented if requested by TBF.

YOUTH

Awards are presented to youth anglers who tag and/or release the most billfish of any species within each age category after having met the minimum of 3 fish. Categories include: ages 8 & younger, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15 and 16-17. (Please note: To enter the competition all youth anglers MUST write in their date of birth next to their name or in the space provided, or if reporting via tagbillfish.org please include date of birth when creating user profile.) Youth anglers must be active TBF members to win.

FEMALE

Awards are presented to the female anglers who tag and release the most billfish.

MATES

TBF recognizes the valuable contribution of mates in both the release and tagging of billfish through TBF’s Mate Recognition Program, a cumulative, on-going program that awards mates with a pair of Costa Sunglasses and a plaque for his or her level of achievement.

Proper Tagging Procedure & Tagging at Tournaments

The post-release survival of billfish is vital and TBF urges that proper tagging procedures are used when tagging any billfish to ensure safe, healthy releases (see TBF’s Tag & Release Program brochure for more information). Improper tag placement, ‘speed tagging’ or using too much force when tagging can result in serious injury or death to the fish. For this reason TBF does not encourage tagging during tournaments. However, if a boat chooses to tag any billfish during a tournament they will be counted toward any applicable regional competition as well as the International Tag & Release Competition. All participants are encouraged to see TBF’s Tag & Release brochure for information on safe handling and proper tagging procedure.

The post Introducing the Cape Verde Regional Tag & Release Competition appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Due to popular demand of our current regional awards in South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, TBF is excited to announce the expansion of our regional competitions to include Cape Verde and the Hawaiian  Islands. These two locations are known to have great marlin fishing and a passionate sportfishing community, where several past award winners come from or have fished.

These competitions will focus on who reports the most total marlin to TBF before the end of the competition season. The season will run concurrently with our overall awards (November 1st – October 31st of the following year) and just like our past regional competitions, those who participate in the regional, will also compete and can receive awards in the overall competition as long as their billfish numbers exceed the minimum amount required for their respective category, and they are active TBF members.  One difference is that the Cape Verde and Hawaiian regions will be further separated into a charter and private boat category.

The Billfish Foundation is proud to honor and recognize the captains, anglers and crews for their effort to tag, release and report their catches every year. These conservation heroes report the most tagged and released billfish annually, and our newest regional competitions will further engage and excite crews, and increase participation in TBF’s Tag & Release program. In creating these additional categories, we acknowledge those who are faced with unique fishery/fishing conditions and celebrate them for their conservation ethic and will be driven by their competitive spirit.

TBF’s regional competition offers several opportunities for participants to be recognized for their outstanding fishing accomplishments, contribution to billfish conservation and a chance to win great prizes including trophies from King Sailfish Mounts, Costa Sunglasses, and much more. To learn more about these regional competitions, eligibility, their varied categories,  and the overall competition check out our website or contact us.

The post Introducing Two New Regional Competitions! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

The Hawaiian Islands are undoubtedly a special place for many reasons. In the eyes of many anglers, it is unique for being the only place in the world where a grander marlin has been caught during every month of the year. After the success of TBF’s regional competitions in the Gulf of Mexico and South Florida, TBF has created the Hawaiian Tag & Release Regional Competition to recognize the great fishing, captains, anglers and crews who fish there. It couldn’t come at a moment sooner after one of the best billfish seasons on record in 2015.

For 2016, TBF is introducing the Hawaiian Islands Regional Marlin Tag & Release Competition that creates another region in addition to its year long International Tag & Release Competition. Award categories are for only black, blue and striped marlin and only these species will count toward overall award categories.

COMPETITION DATES: November 1 – October 31 of the following year.

DEADLINE: All Tagging Data Report and Release Notification Cards must be received by TBF no later than November 15th, whether via mail or online at www.tagbillfish.org.

ELIGIBILITY: Anglers, captains and mates MUST be a current TBF member to receive an award based on their submitted Tagging Data Report and Release Notification Cards. Regardless of membership, all data from every card is valuable for billfish research and membership is not required if you wish submit your tag & release data from anywhere in the world. You can check your membership status or join TBF by calling (954) 938-0150 ext. 106. If you have registered with our online tag and release database, you can see if your membership is current in your profile page and join or renew at www.billfish.org. Charter captains must have a valid captain’s license and all necessary licenses for a documented charter vessel. Tags must be deployed on the same vessel in order to be counted for charter categories. Overall tag and release categories are calculated as the total number of eligible species reported tagged and or released by a captain or angler.

ELIGIBLE SPECIES: Only blue marlin, black marlin and striped marlin are eligible species and categories. Winners will be the angler or captain that tags or releases the greatest number of eligible species combined for the respective category.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Cards should be submitted to TBF as soon as possible or entered online at www.tagbillfish.org after tagging or releasing a fish. If you wait until the end of the competition year to send your cards, you run the risk of not having your cards reach TBF by the deadline. TBF also reserves the right to disqualify any participant if circumstances indicate there is reason to question reports.

TAGGING – Captains and Anglers Awards are presented to those who tag the most billfish of each species within each category after having met the 5 fish minimum with the exception of youth anglers (see Youth rules below).

RELEASE – Captain and Angler Awards are presented to those who release, without tagging, the most billfish of each species within each category after having met the 5 fish minimum with the exception of youth anglers (see youth anglers below).

CATEGORIES

Tagging Categories	Release Categories
Top Tagging Lady Angler	Top Release Lady Angler
Top Tagging Angler	Top Release Angler
Top Tagging Junior Angler Ages 9-10 Ages 11-12 Ages 13-15 Ages 16-17	Top Release Junior Angler Ages 9-10 Ages 11-12 Ages 13-15 Ages 16-17
Top Tagging Private Captain	Top Release Private Captain
Top Tagging Charter Captain	Top Release Charter Captain

 

PLEASE NOTE: For the categories listed to the right, fish that are tagged and released are NOT counted in the Release Category. These fish are only counted in the Tagging Category.

PRIVATE VS. CHARTER

Any records submitted for eligible species tagged and or released on a registered charter boat are only eligible for charter captain and charter boat categories. Charter captains must have a valid captain’s license and all necessary licenses for a documented charter vessel. Tag and release must be deployed on the same vessel in order to be counted for charter categories. Any tag or release records for billfish caught during a non-for-hire trip, but on a registered charter boat, are only eligible for charter categories. Proper documentation and proof of charter status must be presented if requested by TBF.

YOUTH

Awards are presented to youth anglers who tag and/or release the most billfish of any species within each age category after having met the minimum of 3 fish. Categories include: ages 8 & younger, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15 and 16-17. (Please note: To enter the competition all youth anglers MUST write in their date of birth next to their name or in the space provided, or if reporting via tagbillfish.org please include date of birth when creating user profile.) Youth anglers must be active TBF members to win.

FEMALE

Awards are presented to the female anglers who tag and release the most billfish.

MATES

TBF recognizes the valuable contribution of mates in both the release and tagging of billfish through TBF’s Mate Recognition Program, a cumulative, on-going program that awards mates with a pair of Costa Sunglasses and a plaque for his or her level of achievement.

Proper Tagging Procedure & Tagging at Tournaments

The post-release survival of billfish is vital and TBF urges that proper tagging procedures are used when tagging any billfish to ensure safe, healthy releases (see TBF’s Tag & Release Program brochure for more information). Improper tag placement, ‘speed tagging’ or using too much force when tagging can result in serious injury or death to the fish. For this reason TBF does not encourage tagging during tournaments. However, if a boat chooses to tag any billfish during a tournament they will be counted toward any applicable regional competition as well as the International Tag & Release Competition. All participants are encouraged to see TBF’s Tag & Release brochure for information on safe handling and proper tagging procedure.

The post Introducing the Hawaiian Tag & Release Regional Competition! appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Just when it seems that the excitement from last year’s Tag & Release Award Ceremony has begun to wind down, we’ve started ramping up for the 2016 competition. This year we will be debuting a few exciting new things for captains and crews, so keep checking in at http://www.billfish.org/competition for official rules and announcements coming soon!

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 will be recognized at TBF’s Annual Tag & Release Awards Ceremony held during the Miami International Boat Show presented by the TBF Tag and Release Sponsors: Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund, Casa Vieja Lodge, Costa Sunglasses, Garmin, Pelagic, and Yeti.

The “Top Five” in most of the competition categories are highlighted below. This list constitutes the tag and release records received from around the world and either entered online or processed by TBF as of March 30, 2016. Regional competition standings will be updated soon.

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, 2016. 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, 2016.

 

As of 3/30/16

 

OVERALL RELEASE CAPTAIN

1. 1. Brad Philipps
2. 2. Ben Horning
3. 3. Dean Panos
4. 4. Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro
5. 5. Chris Bays

 

OVERALL TAGGING CAPTAIN

1. 1. Ben Horning
2. 2. Doug Covin
3. 3. Randy Bradley
4. 4. Perry Rosalie
5. 5. Rolly Pierre

 

OVERALL RELEASE ANGLER

1. 1. John Duvall
2. 2. Chris Jessen
3. 3. Laura Jessen
4. 4. Bill Pino
5. 5. Paul Poulter

 

OVERALL TAGGING ANGLER

1. 1. John Henry David
2. 2. Laura Jessen
3. 3. Chris Jessen
4. 4. Stephan Kreupl
5. 5. Russell Bartlett

 

OVERALL RELEASE LADY ANGLER

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Sharon Poulter
3. 3. Amanda Cofer
4. 4. CeCe Imbrie
5. 5. Tiffany Day

OVERALL TAGGING LADY ANGLER

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Brandi Reed
3. 3. Dawn Samuels
4. 4. Kumie Saegusa
5. 5. Luena Amaro

 

OVERALL RELEASE YOUTH ANGLER

1. 1. Toby Mason

 

OVERALL TAGGING YOUTH ANGLER

1. 1. Toby Mason
2. 2. Shawn MacMullin
3. 3. Oliver Hoffman
4. 4. Sebastian Ortiz Stoessel
5. 5. Aidan Burke

 

TOP TAGGING ANGLER – ATLANTIC

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Rafael Gomes Ferreira
2. 2. Jean Paul Bonnin
3. 3. Gordo Heldewier
4. 4. Armand Pandjou

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Jose Juncadella
2. 2. Wayne Jenkins
3. 3. Shawn MacMullin
4. 4. Scott Nichols
5. 5. Luis Van Dunem

 

TOP RELEASE ANGLER – ATLANTIC

Sailfish

1. 1. CeCe Imbrie
2. 2. Chris Deleo
3. 3. Charlie Schiffert
4. 4. Sandra MacMillan
5. 5. Eric Hull

 

TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – ATLANTIC

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Stephane Millez
2. 2. Igor Assad
3. 3. Richard Peeples
4. 4. Olivier Bossard

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Doug Covin
2. 2. Sebastian Juncadella
3. 3. Bouncer Smith
4. 4. Iain Nicolson
5. 5. Gary Clifford

 

 

TOP RELEASE CAPTAIN – ATLANTIC

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Myles Colley

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Dean Panos
2. 2. Jeff Scott
3. 3. Doug Covin
4. 4. John Dudas
5. 5. Gene Lebron

 

White Marlin

1. 1. Mike Standing

 

TOP TAGGING ANGLER – PACIFIC

Black Marlin

1. 1. Stephan Kreupl

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Chris Jessen
2. 2. Laura Jessen

 

Sailfish

1. 1. John Henry David
2. 2. Laura Jessen
3. 3. Chris Jessen
4. 4. Thomas Garmany
5. 5. Darryl Schroeder

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. Brandi Reed
2. 2. John Duvall
3. 3. Rico Sakko
4. 4. Oliver Hoffman
5. 5. Kumie Saegusa

 

TOP RELEASE ANGLER – PACIFIC

Black Marlin

1. 1. Jason Shearwater

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Chris Jessen

 

Sailfish

1. 1. John Duvall
2. 2. Chris Jessen
3. 3. Laura Jessen
4. 4. Bill Pino
5. 5. Paul Poulter

 

TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – PACIFIC

Black Marlin

1. 1. Tim Richardson

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Ben Horning
2. 2. Al Gustavson
3. 3. Chris Van Leeuwen

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Ben Horning
2. 2. Thomas “Tucker” Colquhoun
3. 3. Rich Hamilton
4. 4. Ramiro Ortiz
5. 5. Callum Parrott

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. Alex Rogers
2. 2. Julio Coya
3. 3. Jaime Gonzales
4. 4. Bernabe Ruiz

 

TOP RELEASE CAPTAIN – PACIFIC

Black Marlin

1. 1. Brett Alty
2. 2. Tim Richardson
3. 3. Laurie Wright
4. 4. Blue Marlin
5. 5. Ben Horning

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Brad Philipps
2. 2. Ben Horning
3. 3. Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro
4. 4. Chris Bays
5. 5. Carlos Alverenaga

 

Striped Marlin

1. 1. Ty Valli

 

TOP TAGGING ANGLER  – INDIAN

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Scott MacGowan

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Russell Bartlett
2. 2. Mike Mason
3. 3. Henry Riggs-Miller

 

TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – INDIAN

Black Marlin

1. 1. Randy Bradley
2. 2. Antoine Hoareau

 

Blue Marlin

1. 1. Randy Bradley
2. 2. Jo-Ann Riley
3. 3. Ross Newton
4. 4. Peter Faulkner

 

Sailfish

1. 1. Rolly Pierre
2. 2. Randy Bradley
3. 3. Perry Rosalie
4. 4. Aaron Lyle-Manes
5. 5. Bomber Farrell

 

FEMALE DIVISION (TAG)

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Brandi Reed
3. 3. Dawn Samuels
4. 4. Kumi Saegusa

 

FEMALE DIVISION (RELEASE)

1. 1. Laura Jessen
2. 2. Sharon Poulter
3. 3. Amanda Cofer
4. 4. Cece Imbrie
5. 5. Tiffany Day

 

YOUTH DIVISION (TAG)

8 and under

1. 1. Sebastian Ortiz Stoessel

 

11 – 12

1. 1. Aidan Burke

 

13 – 15

1. 1. Oliver Hoffman

 

16 – 17

1. 1. Toby Mason
2. 2. Shawn MacMullin

 

YOUTH DIVISION (RELEASE)

16-17

1. 1. Toby Mason

 

The post 2016 Tag & Release Competition Update appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL- Anglers, captains and mates worldwide are the vital elements needed to provide The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) Tag and Release program the valuable data required to further billfish science and ensure that fishing opportunities are available for future generations. Without the dedication of these individuals from around the world, what is known about billfish science and the advances in conservation would not be possible today.

Since 1990, TBF has received more than 220,000 billfish tag and release records from anglers and captains around the world. Records are entered into TBF’s Tag & Release Online Database, which has gained in popularity with boat crews and anglers since its introduction in 2014. The records collected via the database will better help marine researchers gain insight into migratory patterns, growth rates, and the overall health of billfish stocks round the world.

On Feb. 11, over 30 award winners along with their family and friends came from across the globe to accept their 2015 International Tag & Release Awards at Miami’s Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom. The ceremony was sponsored by Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund and the awards were presented by King Sailfish Mounts. Sailfish Brewery once again supplied amazing local craft beers. During the cocktail hour guests had the opportunity to mingle and interact with a marmoset, a baby kangaroo, and some beautiful birds. All award winners received sunglasses from TBF Conservation Partner, Costa. Top Overall winners also received a custom Fathom lure and a one-year subscription to FishTrack in addition to their trophies. Guests also had the chance to participate in the raffle, which included products from Costa, Casa Vieja Lodge, Garmin, Pelagic, Yeti, Alutecnos, Buoyweather, Fathom Offshore, Fish Track, Goslings Rum, Troll Pro, and Release Ruler. Every guest received a goody bag filled with items and information from all of our sponsors.

TBF’s Overall Tagging Angler Winner for all species (any combination of blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin, white marlin, sailfish and/or spearfish) was Laurent Sahyoun (Mandelieu, France). Laura Jessen (Sarasota, FL USA) took the honors as the Top Overall Lady Tagging Angler. Kaleb Richardson (Lafayette, LA USA) won the Top Overall Youth Tagging Angler. Top Overall Tagging Captain was Chris Sheeder (Guatemala City, Guatemala).

In the release division, Top Overall Release Angler went to Pat McCotter (Vandemere, NC).  Taking the honors for the third year in a row, Top Overall Release Lady Angler was Tiffany Day (Kitty Hawk, NC, USA).  Brown Gaddy (Manteo, NC USA) won the Top Overall Release Youth Angler and Brad Philipps (Guatemala City, Guatemala) once again kept his title as the Top Overall Release Captain.

The 2016 competition began Nov. 1, 2015 and will run through Oct. 31, 2016.  TBF members from more than 70 countries are invited to participate. ‘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 the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, the South Florida Sailfish and the Gulf of Mexico. This year TBF will be adding additional regional categories (Hawaii, Cape Verde, and Japan) to the 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. In addition, TBF’s Youth Program was created in 2001 and recognizes the conservation ethics and achievements of young anglers. It includes a three fish minimum in five separate age groupings for both tag and release categories.

For more on TBF’s annual Tag & Release program or to see the full list of winners, please visit www.bilfish.org or call 954-938-0150 for Peter Chaibongsai (ext. 107), Michael Kelly (ext. 102) or Adrienne Katz (ext. 115).

The post TBF Tag & Release Ceremony Recap appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

Being a part of the sportfishing community and having an opportunities to work alongside our Tag & Release Program sponsors as well as captains and anglers, to put our initiatives to practice is not only fun but vital to our mission for billfish conservation. This past January, YETI Coolers, Costa Sunglasses, and TBF staff joined TBF board member, Capt. Fin Gaddy in Isla Mujeres for a few days to build on and promote the future of billfish conservation.

If you are unfamiliar, Isla Mujeres, Mexico is one of the best places in the world to catch Atlantic sailfish as huge numbers of sailfish come to the waters off of the Yucatán Peninsula to feed on the massive aggregations of sardines. Captain Fin Gaddy of Qualifier Charters has been coming to this small Mexican Island for close to a decade and was kind enough to host staff members from Costa and TBF along with cameraman, Oliver Rogers (www.oliverrogersphotography.com) to capture Costa and YETI gear in action and of course, tagging dozens of sailfish! Baitballs, good weather, and big numbers of hungry sailfish all cooperated for an opportunity to get some amazing images. The number of fish seen also gave Amanda Sabin and Todd Barker from Costa plenty of practice at tagging after some coaching on proper tagging techniques from TBF staff and first mate, Colin Oxnard (one time TBF intern). After three full days of fishing Capt. Gaddy led the team to tag 38 sailfish and release another 35. Needless to say, there wasn’t a lack of action to get on film!

The time spent looking back at the spread was also a great opportunity for everyone on board to discuss matters surrounding billfishing conservation and continue to build synergy to tackle these issues. The combination of working with industry leaders and the top captains gives us a good pulse on what is happening and just goes to show the shared passion and understanding of a shared responsibility to ensure the future of the resource and the sport.

The beautiful images will help to show how amazing billfish are, spread the conservation message across the globe and visualize the importance of tagging. Of course, the YETI and Costa gear on board certainly helped to get some great shots of everyone tagging in style! Keep an eye out for more images to come and we’re sure you will enjoy them!

The post Costa, YETI and TBF Tagging Trip to Isla Mujeres appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.

We at TBF are proud to present Nick Mayer as our 2016 Artist of the Year. This year marks The Billfish Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, so we wanted a unique work of art to commemorate this milestone. Nick’s beautiful painting, Billfish Slam is featured on the cover of this issue of Billfish. Members joining or renewing for $250 or more will receive a personally signed and numbered edition of Billfish Slam. Each print presented to TBF Chairman’s Club members will also include a beautiful hand-painted remarque.

The son of an artist and a biologist, Nick Mayer has the best of both worlds. He utilized undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology from Brown University as tools to study and help in the conservation of fish. He has done so as an artist, a teacher, a research biologist, and a fly fisherman.

While investigating the effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on sockeye salmon, restoring spawning habitats for steelhead in the Columbia River, studying the nesting habits of sea turtles in Costa Rica, or fishing small streams in the Green Mountains for brook trout, Nick has kept detailed sketchbooks to later use as references in his watercolors.
Close encounters that include falling overboard off a commercial fishing vessel into the Bering Sea followed by a near float plane crash in Northern Labrador inspired Nick to pursue his true calling as an artist. His paintings are not just portraits of fish, they are windows into real experience—his experience.

His works have been exhibited in many esteemed galleries on both the East and West coasts. Nick completed two large outdoor murals; an underwater scene located in the center of Vergennes, Vermont and a privately commissioned creative depiction of the evolution of life. Nick completed the illustration of his first book, Catalina Dive Buddies, a coffee table art book and field guide to the fish of Catalina Island, California.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised in Riverside, Rhode Island, Nick now lives in Lincoln, Vermont with his wife and two sons where he works as a full time professional artist. Nick’s work can be viewed online at nickmayerart.com and Nick can be contacted by phone at 802.349.2733 or email: [email protected].

The post Nick Mayer – TBF’s 2016 Artist of the Year appeared first on The Billfish Foundation.