Partnering for Billfish Conservation: New Integrated Reporting System (VESL) Simplifies Data Collection
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 app, a major step in simplifying data collection […]
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Victory for Sportfishing: Amendment 15 Withdrawn!
The National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) proposed Amendment 15 has been withdrawn from final review at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), where it was listed under the title “Data Collection and Spatial Area Management.”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 […]
New Tag & Release Category – TBF Legends
For 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. We are excited to announce this newly achievable status and wanted to tease it here first before its official introduction on November 1st, 2025. TBF’s decision […]
TBF 2025 Travel Schedule
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is excited to share upcoming events and fishing tournaments for 2025! These events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow anglers, support billfish conservation, and celebrate the sport we love. Here Are the Next Few Upcoming Events: 🎣 Sailfish Challenge 📅 Date: February 19–23, 2025 📍 Location: Pompano Beach, FL […]
The Book on Travel Fishing
The Book on Travel Fishing is the most comprehensive, global offshore fishing resource ever published. How to, where to, and with who to catch blue marlin, black marlin, white and striped marlin, swordfish, sailfish, spearfish, yellowfin and bluefin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Profiles of more than 70 of the world’s best offshore fishing destinations. With foreword by Ellen […]
2025 TBF Award Ceremony
DATE March 21, 2025 LOCATION West Palm Beach Marriott (1001 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401) EVENT INFORMATION Save the Date for the 2025 Billfish Awards Ceremony! 🎉🏆 The Billfish Foundation is proud to announce the new date and location for this year’s highly anticipated TBF Awards Ceremony! Join us March 21st at the […]
