TBF & BFD Simplify Billfish Reporting
Visit Here for the Full Project Collaboration The Billfish Foundation (TBF) and BFD (formerly Bluefin Data) have teamed up to create an exciting new opportunity for the future of billfish conservation. Together, they’ve integrated BFD’s electronic logbook application, VESL, with TBF’s Tag & Release Program, making it easier than ever for anglers and charter captains […]
New Tag & Release Category – TBF Legends
Starting with the 2025-2026 TBF Annual Tag & Release Competition (November 1st, 2025 – October 31st, 2026), The Billfish Foundation (TBF) will officially implement its brand new “TBF Legends” category moving forward. We are excited to announce this newly achievable status, with the official starting date scheduled for November 1st, 2025. TBF’s decision to introduce […]
Marlin Fly Week
The Marlin Fly Project continues through 2025, with the addition of The Marlin Fly Project Week! Hosted December 6-12, 2025 at Los Locos Mag Bay in San Carlos BCS, Mexico, The Marlin Fly Project Week is a once in a lifetime opportunity for six recreational anglers to contribute directly to the conservation and research of […]
Destin FAD
In 2018, an idea began to emerge in Okaloosa County, Florida which would lead to offshore changes that only a few could imagine at the time. Captain Kelly Windes, a former county commissioner, was suggesting the creation of the first Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Buoy Network in the continental U.S. In 2020 and 2021, that […]
Partnering for Billfish Conservation: New Integrated Reporting System (VESL) Simplifies Data Collection
Visit Our Research Page Here for More Information! The Billfish Foundation (TBF), with funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through their Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program, has partnered with Bluefin Data, LLC (BFD) to enhance billfish conservation efforts. Together, we’ve integrated TBF’s Tag & Release Program into BFD’s VESL electronic logbook […]
International Tagging Initiative
The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) International Tagging Initiative provides vital tagging equipment to regions with little or no billfish data, aiding in the expansion of scientific research and promotion of responsible fishing. Over the years, TBF has supplied kits to Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, helping local anglers contribute valuable data to global billfish […]
NOAA Withdraws Controversial Vessel Speed Reduction Proposal
On January 15, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the withdrawal of its proposed vessel speed reduction rule, which aimed to mitigate vessel strikes on endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW) by restricting speeds for vessels 35 feet and longer. The existing 2008 speed reduction rule for vessels 65 feet and up […]
Annual Tag & Release Ceremony
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is delighted to invite you to our Annual Tag & Release Ceremony on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the West Palm Beach Marriott. This special evening honors the outstanding contributions of anglers, captains, and mates to billfish conservation worldwide. Event Details: Date: Friday, March 21, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 […]
Victory for Sportfishing: Amendment 15 Withdrawn!
The National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) proposed Amendment 15 has been withdrawn from final review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), where it was listed under the title “Data Collection and Spatial Area Management.” A government spokesperson confirmed the amendment will remain on hold until the new administration is fully in place. […]
2025 TBF Artist of the Year – James Ferrara
James moved to South Florida at a young age, and for the past 40 years, his life has been deeply intertwined with the ocean. Growing up in the coastal communities along Florida’s East Coast, he developed a profound love for the marine world and its diverse inhabitants. Before embarking on his photography career, James spent […]
