2020 Conservation Record: Black Marlin
The Billfish Foundation maintains the largest private tag and release database in the world, with 260,000 records by 150,000 anglers. In 2020 alone, TBF anglers and captains tagged, released, or recaptured 7,000 billfish and tuna across the world. Of these 7,000 new records, 74 were of black marlin. Black marlin (Istiompax indica) are one of our lesser reported species and are native only to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are one of the largest species of billfish, with records up to 15ft long and 1,600lbs. Information on how to identify a black marlin can be found on our
2020 Conservation Record: Spearfish
The Billfish Foundation maintains the largest private tag and release database in the world, with over 260,000 records by over 150,000 anglers. In 2020 alone, TBF anglers and captains tagged, released, or recaptured 7,000 billfish and tuna across the world. Of these 7,000 new records, 44 were of spearfish. Spearfish are the least represented billfish in the TBF dataset, making every new report that much more important. Thank you to everyone that tagged and released spearfish last year. Click here for information on our Tag and Release Program and here to purchase tagging equipment and other TBF items
Recreational Fishing Gear, Bottom Trawls & Pelagic Longline Gear Are NOT the Same!!
With the recent Executive Order (EO), recreational fishing gear, bottom trawls, and pelagic longline are viewed the same as all other fishing gear when it comes to designating Marine Protected Areas (MPA). The EO, signed by Biden, calls for closing 30% of U.S. ocean waters to fishing, including recreational fishing, by 2030 through the MPAs. This is not the first time such a strategy has been raised, very large marine protected areas in various regulatory (marine monuments, wildlife refuges, sanctuaries, marine reserves, etc) forms have preceded the current initiative. Through the US Ocean Action Policy in 2006, the
Honoring Jack Duvall, Chairman of The Billfish Foundation’s Board of Directors
With sadness and pride The Billfish Foundation (TBF) honors the late John “Jack” P. Duvall, Chairman of its Board of Directors for the second time, who passed away recently. Jack, from Kemah, Texas, joined TBF’s Board on November 1, 2011 after having been an active TBF Chairman’s Club member for years. Jack is survived by his son, John P. Duvall, Jr., who we thank for his service to our nation as a career Marine Officer. Jack and his late wife, Pam, fished together from East Cape, Mexico for over 35 years, making friends and releasing marlin, especially striped
NOAA Documents Negative Impacts on Fishing from COVID-19
NOAA Fisheries recently released economic impact figures caused by COVID-19 on the U.S. fishing and seafood industry, including wild harvest, aquaculture, and the recreational charter/for-hire sector. Most recreational charter operations were completely shut down in most coastal states beginning in mid-March and began a phased re-openings starting in May. NOAA estimated Southeast charter revenues, relative to the preceding 3-year period, fell 72 percent between March through April due to local and state COVID-related closures and protocols. In May-June, as businesses began to re-open, revenue was reported down 4.5 percent. With many tournaments having cancelled, 50 fewer highly migratory species
2021 Tag & Release Virtual Ceremony Information
The 2021 Tag & Release Ceremony presented by King Sailfish Mounts, Dekit, Viking Service Center, Costa Sunglasses and Floy Tag is virtual this year! It will be held via Facebook Live on February 12th at 6 pm EST. To tune in, simply “like” our Facebook page, you will be notified on Facebook when we go live! Our livestream will celebrate the winners of the TBF Tag & Release Awards across the globe and include fun trivia questions and a special Ceremony cocktail recipe to enjoy during the event! To get you excited for the stream, we have fun things
TBF’s Juvenile Billfish Project Update
At the end of 2019, The Billfish Foundation announced the Juvenile Billfish Project. The Juvenile Billfish Project was created with our friend Dr. Freddy Arocha to fill the massive gap in knowledge of the early lives of billfish. Billfish have high mortality rates in their juvenile stages and there is little known about where they breed and spawn. As a result, it is impossible to track and study them using regular tagging methods. The Juvenile Billfish Project asks TBF members worldwide to send in photos and information about their sightings of juvenile billfish. With this information, we hope
2020 Tag & Release Competition Award Winners
Each year The Billfish Foundation recognizes the best of the best in the billfishing community to acknowledge the significant effort they contribute to our Tag & Release Program and billfish conservation. Since its inception in 1990, the program has accrued over 260,000 tag and release records, becoming the largest private billfish tagging database in the world. In the last year alone, TBF has collected over 6,000 records! The information gathered through tag and release efforts is invaluable to increase our understanding and better our management of billfish and preserve the sport we love. This is only possible through the efforts
2019-2020 Tag & Release Competition Ends
The deadline for tagging and releasing billfish for The Billfish Foundation’s 2019-2020 Tag and Release Competition was on October 31st, 2020. All records must received by TBF by the end of day on November 15th, 2020. There are two ways to submit your cards. The best way to ensure your cards are in on time is to submit them yourself at www.tagbillfish.org. If you do not want to do that, cards can be mailed to the address listed on the them. However, because COVID-19 has delayed shipping considerably, we recommend you mail your cards immediately if you intend
2020 Virtual Gala Recap
The Billfish Foundation’s first ever Virtual Gala ended Friday, October 30th, after weeks of build-up and excitement! Beginning October 16th, TBF supporters joined in to support billfish conservation online with our raffle and costume contest. On October 23rd, the real fun began with the opening of our online auction! With items varying from fishing trips to electronics to jewelry and more, there was truly something for everyone. Participants bid all week long to score amazing deals on incredible prizes, all for the great cause of billfish conservation! The excitement came to a head on Friday, October 30th at 6
