Our goal in 2026 is to commit 40 satellite tags in celebration of TBF’s 40th Anniversary to advance billfish research, support local communities, protect the fisheries, and conserve fish stocks that sustain coastal economies around the globe. Each tag uncovers vital data and drives the next generation of billfish science.
TBF’s Groundswell Projects are regionally focused tagging expeditions that unite the sportfishing industry, including scientists, anglers, and local communities to conserve and protect billfish hotspots worldwide. By combining local knowledge with advanced satellite tagging technology, these initiatives uncover vital data, drive lasting conservation, and support the communities that depend on these fisheries.
Through the 40 for 40 Tags campaign, donors can directly support one of five pioneering Groundswell Projects & Initiatives.
Launched in December 2022 in beautiful Magdalena Bay, Mexico, the Marlin Fly Project marks the first ever successful striped marlin satellite tagging mission recorded on fly tackle.
The largest white marlin study in TBF’s history, The Skillie Project partners with locals off Nantucket to uncover the mysteries behind these annual, larger-than-average, inshore white marlin populations.
In collaboration with Old. No 7, The Bahamas Project is TBF’s first Bahamas tagging mission, helping us determine potential migrational connectivity of white and blue marlin populations along the “Atlantic Marlin Highway.”
A key contributor to TBF’s global tagging efforts, Project Gulf is TBF’s longest running satellite research project, and exists to better understand the movements of the region’s prized blue marlin.
Partnering with Blue Water Movements, the South Florida Sailfish Initiative uses satellite tagging to track Atlantic sailfish, providing critical data to support conservation and fisheries management.
Sponsoring a satellite tag is one of the most impactful ways to support TBF’s research and conservation work during our 40th Anniversary. Each tag plays a crucial role in uncovering migration routes, behavior patterns, and habitat preferences for billfish species around the world. By pledging a minimum of $6,500 (cost of an individual satellite tag), you will help advance TBF toward our goal of committing 40 satellite tags in celebration of TBF’s 40 years of conservation leadership.
Minimum Contribution: $6,500 per tag
Maximum Contribution: No limit
Each satellite tag represents a significant financial and scientific investment. Your support directly funds the purchase, programming, deployment, and data retrieval essential for modern billfish research.
The deployment of your sponsored tag is determined by TBF’s science and conservation priorities, including:
While the final deployment decision rests with TBF, we absolutely welcome and value your recommendations for species and/or regions of interest. We will do our best to align your preferences with available opportunities.
Sponsoring a tag does not guarantee participation in said tagging trip or placement within a Groundswell Project. That being said, community is a cornerstone of TBF’s mission and donors are encouraged to share their interests and/or preferences. TBF will explore all available opportunities for involvement when appropriate and feasible.
Every satellite tag sponsor receives:
Recognition & Visibility
Conservation Status
Community Contribution
1. Complete the Sponsorship Form
Click “Sponsor a 40th Anniversary Tag” on the 40 for 40 campaign page.
2. Select Your Contribution Amount
Minimum donation: $6,500
You may sponsor more than one tag or donate above the minimum.
3. Note Any Deployment Preferences
(Optional) Indicate:
TBF will consider all preferences when planning deployments.
4. Submit Your Donation
Payment can be made securely through the online form or coordinated through TBF staff for corporate contributions.
5. Receive Your Recognition Package
After processing, you will receive:
6. Follow Along With the Journey
Throughout the year, TBF will share:
Every satellite tag tells a story—of migration, discovery, and the people who make conservation possible. By sponsoring a tag, you directly fuel the science, collaboration, and innovation that will conserve and protect billfish for generations to come.
In 2026, we are reflecting on the anglers, scientists, partners, and supporters who have made four decades of progress in billfish conservation possible. This milestone is not only a celebration of our work, but it is a celebration of you.
We invite you to help commemorate this anniversary by sharing your photos, memories, and stories from the past 40 years. Whether it is a favorite release, a moment in the cockpit, a tournament highlight, or a story about how billfishing and conservation have shaped your life, we want to hear it.
Your submissions will help us showcase the community that fuels TBF’s mission and will be featured throughout our anniversary year on our website, social channels, newsletters, and select commemorative materials.
Submit your photos and stories, and together, we will celebrate four decades of billfish science, and conservation.
