ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF FOR-HIRE HMS SECTOR
In recent years, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has taken great steps to recognize the importance of recreational fishing across the nation and their research continues to reveal the substantial benefits that come from healthy recreational fisheries. Surveys conducted by NMFS in 2011 of private HMS angling permit holders revealed that anglers targeting HMS in particular make significant economic contributions because of the high costs of tackle, fuel, and boats required for offshore fishing. It was estimated that private HMS angling permit holders had an economic impact of USD $266 million. However, these estimates were only for private vessels
TBF HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!
Tis the season to think about special gifts for that special angler in your life. We hope you will take a look and enjoy some of the great gift ideas offered by TBF and affiliates. Bring a smile to the face of your loved ones face while supporting billfish conservation! Most of these items are available for purchase at TBF’s online store and don’t forget to see all the other great items for sale there as well! For all other items not available TBF online store, click from the links below
GARMIN JOINS AS NEWEST TAG & RELEASE PROGRAM SPONSOR
For more than 25 years, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. Garmin’s marine product portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability and ease-of-use. “Garmin is excited to partner with The Billfish Foundation as a Tag and Release sponsor. The Foundation’s conservation and advocacy efforts around the globe are invaluable, and its success is thanks in
HEMINGWAY’S HAVANA NIGHT LIVE AUCTION ITEMS
Take a peek at some of the items we have in store for you to bid on for our live auction at our annual fundraiser, Hemingway’s Havana Night! Be sure to bid high, as all the proceeds go to billfish conservation! For more information on the event and to purchase your tickets or table, click
PRIVATE BOATS CAN TRAVEL DIRECT TO CUBA – BUT SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY
The Obama administration recently issued new rules that allow U.S. visitors going to Cuba to travel in their own boat, whether for hire or recreation, direct to Cuba. Some requirements remain that you must satisfy before you set off, though the situation is changing all the time. We will try to keep you up to date. The National Marine Manufacturers Association in the U.S. has taken the lead in exploring options for the industry and boaters. Two visa requirements should be considered for your boat trip to Cuba: Traveler: You still are not legally allowed to travel to
CREDIBLE SCIENTISTS TAKE ON SENSATIONALISTS
It comes as good news to learn of CFOOD, a group of well respected scientists that came together “out of frustration with erroneous stories about fisheries sustainability” to “set the record straight.” Even though many sensational claims about the status of fish have been discredited, they continue to appear in the press as factual. CFOOD’s mission is to identify such reports or claims and provide a quick science-based response. How refreshing it is to know this group of scientists are organized to assess and respond at a time when extreme environmental organizations bombard the public and decision makers with reports
YETI COOLER JOINS AS NEWEST TAG & RELEASE SPONSOR
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is extremely excited to announce and welcome aboard YETI Coolers as a new Tag & Release Program sponsor. A leader in the outdoor recreational industry, YETI joins other top businesses in the sportfishing community as a Tag & Release sponsor including Costa Sunglasses, Pelagic Gear, King Sailfish Mounts, Casa Vieja Lodge, and Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund. The passion and appreciation for the outdoors is something YETI founders, Roy and Ryan Seiders have incorporated into their company. YETI clearly understands the importance of giving back to conservation efforts and TBF is one of many
Congressional Review of Atlantic Shark Depredation
Daily reports and postings of angler-caught fish bitten into or taken whole by sharks, known as depredation, painfully and clearly demonstrates the result of one-sided management, which has produced excessive numbers of sharks off the East, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts. The angler-hooked species taken by sharks range from sheepshead to marlin and […]
Robust Debate & Marine Closures
This past June, Biscayne National Park released its new General Management Plan (GMP) to guide actions over the next 20 years in preserving and protecting the shallow water coral reef ecosystem (only living barrier coral reef system in Continental U.S.), mangrove forest, water bird colonies, fish populations and cultural sites all to insure a high quality visitor experience. (In 2014, the park’s visitor count was 525,714.) The Plan includes, among many actions, one to close over 10,000) acres (5-6% of whole Park) to anglers and commercial fishing in waters of Biscayne Bay in south Florida. Closing out anglers
PANAMA’S SPORTFISHING ECO-TOURISM TRADE COULD BE HURT
Regrettably, the recent La Presna article dated August 16, 2015 that quotes Ivan Flores, Manager of the Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Authority (ARAP), did not focus on the sustainable use of and positive economic returns to Panama generated from its sportfishing eco-tourism trade, which is predominantly a catch and release fishery for highly migratory fish (marlin, sailfish, tunas). Instead, the article attempted to justify restraints on the nation’s lucrative sportfishing eco-tourism trade, based on the stated need “to minimize harm it [sportfishing] causes to the marine biology,” without defining or elaborating on what that means – fish, water quality
