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 […]
Social Media to the Rescue: Satellite Tag Recovery
Satellite tags are invaluable tools for filling data gaps in billfish research, each worth more than $5000 and capable of transmitting a wealth of information to researchers. But did you know that recovering the tags themselves can yield even more data? In mid-April, we learned one of our satellite tags had washed up on the […]
2024 TBF Lifetime Achievement Awards
The John Rybovich Lifetime Achievement Award This award honors a former TBF board member and pioneer in billfish conservation who founded the Sailfish Conservation Club, the Masters Angling Tournament, the Tournament of Champions, and the Gold Cup. With his brothers, Emil and Tommy, this awardee helped to develop the first offshore sportfishing boat equipped with […]
TBF’s 6-Month Competition Update!
Who’s ready for the six-month update for TBF’s Annual Tag & Release Competition? We can’t believe we’re halfway through this year’s competition already. With our annual fundraiser being right around the corner, it’s time to give everyone a sneak preview on where they stand for the 2023-2024 competition. Listed below are current standings for […]
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 […]
Gala Save the Date!
Yee-haw! It’s about that time to officially mark the calendars for TBF’s Annual Fundraising Gala! This year, we’re dustin’ off the ole’ cowboy boots for a Wild West themed showdown, to be held on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at 6:30 p.m (NEW TIME) at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year’s rootin’ tootin’ […]
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 […]
Youth Magazines are Ready!
Our two youth magazines, Spearfish and Sailfish have arrived and are currently being shipped! Contact us today at [email protected] if you or your school, camp, etc. would like some copies for FREE! If you’re new to TBF, we believe that youth education is crucial, understanding that today’s students are the next generation of ocean stewards. […]
TBF’s Annual Award Ceremony Recap!
Filled with energy, great vibes, and the leaders of the billfishing world, TBF’s Annual Tag & Release Award Ceremony once again highlighted the efforts and talents of the top captains, anglers, and mates from around the globe. From veteran winners to first time finalists, the room was filled with people who dedicated their time and […]
