In 2026, The Billfish Foundation reaches a moment few conservation organizations ever achieve. Forty years of leadership in billfish science. Forty years of standing up for the ocean. Forty years of proving that conservation backed by data, partnership, and passion can change the future.
To mark this milestone, TBF is launching an initiative as bold as the journey that brought us here. 40 for 40 is not just a celebration of the past. It is a defining commitment to the next forty years of billfish conservation.
Since 1986, The Billfish Foundation has transformed the way billfish are studied and protected. From building the world’s largest billfish tagging database to influencing fisheries management on a global scale, TBF has remained focused on one mission. Protect billfish and the ecosystems they depend on through science-driven conservation.
Now, that mission enters a new era.
What’s 40 for 40?
Forty for 40 is a campaign to deploy forty satellite tags in honor of forty years of impact. Each tag unlocks critical insight into where billfish travel, how they survive, and what they need to thrive in an increasingly complex ocean.
These tags will fuel major research initiatives, including the Marlin Fly Project in Mexico, the Bahamas Project, the Skillie Project off Nantucket, Project Gulf, and the Southern Florida Sailfish Initiative. Together, they represent some of the most important billfish research happening today.
This is not symbolic science. This is real data that shapes policy, strengthens fisheries, and protects the future of billfishing worldwide.
Why It Matters
Every satellite tag does more than track fish; it:
- Drives science that informs international policy
- Helps protect fisheries vital to coastal economies
- Supports local communities through data-backed conservation
- Ensures the sportfishing heritage thrives for generations
This is citizen science in action, and your support makes it possible.
How You Can Be Part of It
Supporters can sponsor a satellite tag here. Each sponsored tag directly powers scientific discovery and places the sponsor at the heart of this historic effort.
Sponsors will be recognized throughout the anniversary year across TBF platforms, events, and publications. More importantly, they will help write the next chapter of billfish conservation.
Join the Celebration
The Billfish Foundation was built by anglers, scientists, captains, partners, and advocates who believed the ocean was worth fighting for. As part of the fortieth anniversary, TBF will be sharing stories, memories, and milestones from the community that made this work possible.
This is a celebration of progress. A statement of confidence. A call to lead.
Forty years of impact. Forty satellite tags. One future worth protecting.
Learn more and get involved here!
