Extreme Vessel Speed Reduction Rule Withdrawn
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) celebrates the January 15, 2025, announcement of NOAA’s withdrawal of its extreme vessel speed reduction rule aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales (NARW). While the species has faced threats since its near extinction in the 1890s and has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since […]
EM4Fish
The Billfish Foundation and Bluefin Data were recently showcased on EM4Fish, a website that aims to improve fisheries management as emerging technologies enable new methods for acquiring, sharing, analyzing, and utilizing data. As part of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Electronic Monitoring and Reporting Grant Program, Bluefin Data (BFD) and The Billfish Foundation […]
New Proposed Rule: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Electronic Reporting Requirements
NOAA Fisheries is proposing new logbook requirements for vessel owners holding specific HMS permits, including Charter/Headboat, Atlantic Tunas General category, and Swordfish General Commercial permits. Additionally, the proposal includes modifications to reporting options for private recreational vessel owners with HMS Angling permits. For individuals with an HMS Angling permit, the proposed rule mandates that reporting […]
Pacific Bluefin Tuna Recovery
The rejuvenation of Pacific bluefin tuna has surpassed all expectations, achieving a significant milestone in the recovery of the species. International organizations from across the Pacific came together and successfully managed to reverse decades of overfishing, ensuring the survival of this tuna species. The recent stock assessment conducted by the International Scientific Committee for Tuna […]
Marlin Expeditions and TBF: Teamwork Makes Conservation Work
After seeing your first billfish, or even better, catching your first one, anglers quickly recognize the power and beauty of this marine species. At TBF, our team works tirelessly to help anglers also understand the importance of billfish, helping them to embrace conservation efforts to ensure future generations can enjoy the same thrilling fishing experiences […]
Jack Guarisco at Savannah Sportfishing Club
In May 2024, Jack Guarisco, 17, spoke on behalf of TBF at the Savannah Sportfishing Club! Acting as an advocate for TBF, he handed out magazines and stickers to those in attendance and even jumped on the microphone to dive into the history of TBF. He explained the importance of supporting the foundation and how […]
No Protection for Overfished Atlantic Blue Marlin as Protections for Sharks Grow Stronger
The Final Amendment 15 was recently issued by NMFS and fails to provide protections for overfished blue marlin. Instead, the text reflects the government’s lack of understanding of the highly migratory nature of blue marlin, treating them more like residential sailfish. The text even fails to reflect a general understanding of billfishing, insinuating that all […]
Closure of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category in Southern New England Area
The Southern New England Area Trophy Bluefin Tuna Angling Category will be closed from May 2, 2024, 11:30 pm – December 31, 2024. The 2.3-mt subquota has been reached and exceeded based on available landings information from NOAA. All Highly Migratory Species Angling category permitted vessels, as well as Highly Migratory Species charter and headboat […]
Recreational Vessels Temporarily Allowed to Fish in California Conservation Area
As of April 1st, recreational vessels are now permitted to fish for pelagic and non-groundfish species within the Recreational Rockfish Conservation Area, including anchoring overnight. NOAA Fisheries enacted an emergency regulation (89 FR 22352; April 1, 2024) temporarily altering a continuous transit rule for recreational vessels in California. Effective until September 30, 2024, vessels are […]
Russell S. Nelson, Ph.D. Graduate Science Scholastic Grant
The Billfish Foundation’s Russell S. Nelson, Ph.D. Graduate Science Scholastic Grant honors a nationally acclaimed scientist who consulted for TBF for 12 years and served as Director of Florida’s Marine Fisheries Commission for 13 years. With an ability to synthesize science into policy, he could clearly explain the science to non-science thinkers and help to […]
