TBF Ambassador Says: Get Involved!

It was a tremendous honor to be awarded the title of Ambassador for TBF at the 2010 Miami International Boat Show. I would like to thank President Ellen Peel and everyone at TBF for recognizing my efforts to spread the word about billfish conservation and the importance of protecting our resources and rights as a fishing community. I pledge to the TBF staff, Board of Directors and all members that I will work tirelessly in my efforts to further our mission. I personally believe that TBF is one of the greatest organizations in our country and am deeply committed to the cause.

I’ve been very busy over the last few years, spreading the word and educating people both here at home and in countries around the globe. Some of my favorite work has taken place in the many elementary schools I have visited. The children of our country are our best hope for the future of sportfishing, healthy fish stocks and clean oceans. I am constantly amazed at how smart these young children are and their eagerness to learn gives me great hope for the future; they seem to “get it” when it comes to the issues facing our global community. I urge all of you to spend some of your time teaching and learning from these amazing young citizens. Whenever possible, get them out on the water and expose them to the joys of fishing; they will learn so many life lessons by experiencing the saltwater lifestyle and you will truly be a positive influence in their lives.

Over the past year, I have travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia three times to promote sportfishing as a viable industry. In March of 2009, I guided my clients Ahmed Shaker and Mohamed Zoheir to the first rod and reel swordfish catches in the history of the Red Sea. There are now several TBF members in Jeddah, learning the importance of tag and release fishing to ensure that billfish stocks will continue to grow in the Red Sea. In April, I had the honor of leading a three day seminar at The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. This university will soon be joining in a corporate partnership with TBF to further billfish research; in October, I will return to further this relationship and will be teaching at K.A.U.S.T. for ten days. In Saudi Arabia, I have seen firsthand that, through the love of fishing and the oceans, we can all work together to achieve common goals regardless of backgrounds. Fishing can bring people of all kinds together in a peaceful, constructive manner to achieve goals that are beneficial to us all.

Here at home, I see a great need for the sportfishing community to unite with one voice; it is often frustrating to see the lack of involvement from the captains and crew that are the core of our industry. As TBF Ambassador, I will be calling on sportfishing crews from around the world to get involved- there is no excuse for any captain or mate not to be an active member of TBF! For a very small financial commitment, you can make a huge difference in the future of your profession. For the first time in the history of our country, the Federal Government is willing to bring the recreational fishing community to the negotiating table, as they begin to realize the huge economic impact we have as an industry. You owe it to yourself to be educated on the issues, as your professional future depends on it; if you choose not to participate, you forfeit your right to complain. I see so many crews here in South Florida who make a very lucrative living off of fishing, yet they do not participate in the process. Without organizations like TBF fighting for your fish and your rights, you would not be able to make a living doing what you love. Stop making excuses and get involved!

I would be remiss if I left out the boat owners responsibilities. I propose that all TBF members that employ crews purchase a $25.00 membership for each of your crew members. Give them the push they need to get involved and inspire them by showing you care. Encourage your crews to spend some of their down time volunteering with TBF. There are countless ways to be involved and I will personally help anyone who is interested find a way to help out. Feel free to contact me through TBF and lets all work together to ensure that we have a say in our future by making our world a happier, healthier place to fish in.

Best regards and tight lines,

Capt. Tony D.