RECREATIONAL HMS ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MID-ATLANTIC TO MAINE

Whether it is billfish, tuna, or sharks, fishing for HMS species means finding blue water far offshore from the dock. Venturing offshore and pursuing big game fish requires larger boats, heavier tackle and presents challenges on the scale of the fish that anglers target. Of course, the bigger boats, specialized equipment, and more fuel needed means offshore anglers pursing species like billfish spend more than the average saltwater angler. For HMS fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic and New England region where fishing grounds can be 30-100 miles offshore and multiday trips are the norm this is especially true. When all

2014 TAG & RELEASE WINNERS!

The tag and release reports are in and the results have finally been tallied. This year was truly a record year for billfish anglers and for TBF’s Tag & Release Program. Below are some of the top anglers and captains from across the world at the apex of this amazing sport. Congratulations to all the winners and we hope to see everyone at our awards ceremony on Friday, February 13 in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island during the 2015 Miami International Boat Show. See below for more information. Winners are asked to RSVP for the event by Monday January 12. 

FINALIZED AMENDMENT 7 MEASURE FOR BLUEFIN TUNA

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released the final regulations for the domestic management of western Atlantic bluefin tuna with Amendment 7 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan.  Anglers in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida will applaud the decision to maintain closed zones and to allocate a portion of the trophy bluefin quota to Gulf anglers. These new regulations were developed to reduce the amount of dead discards, increase accountability and reporting requirements, and ensure regulations are consistent with international management goals. Maximizing fishing opportunity is also a major objective of the amendment to help the

Enchanted Forest Masquerade Ball – TBF’S 2014 Gala Fundraising Dinner

The Enchanted Forest’s Top Event Sponsors “Heroes for the 2014 Gala” Louisiana Cat • Bacardi Dragonfly Boatworks • Cox Maritime Law • Casa de Campo Marina Garmin • One Vanilla • West Coast Fishing Club • Casa Vieja Lodge Harry Gaines Kenai River Fishing • Kenai River Sportfishing Association • JM Lexus C&L Insurance • King Sailfish Release Mounts • Blue Haven Resort & Panoply Charters Top Evening Check Donors Hatteras Blue Marlin Club – $50,000 • Mobile Big Game Fishing Club – $39,000 Costa Sunglasses – $27,823.69 • Orange Beach Billfish Classic – $26,000 Presidential Challenge –

ICCAT HIGHLIGHTS – NOVEMBER 2014 GENOA, ITALY

The 19th Special meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) met November 2014 in Genoa, Italy to consider changes in management and conservation measures for Atlantic highly migratory fish. Forty two of the forty nine member nations gathered for another “bluefin tuna” year. Atlantic bluefin tuna landing quotas for both the western Atlantic and the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean fish were raised based on recent stock assessments that indicated a continuing increase in abundance. The quota for the western stock increased from 1750 metric tons to 2000 metric tons, and the eastern stock increased

GULF & CARIBBEAN FISHERIES INSTITUTE HOLDS 67TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) regularly seeks out and participates in conferences to learn and discuss regional fisheries issues with scientists, policy makers, and local communities. In early November, TBF attended the 67th Gulf & Caribbean Fisheries Institute Conference (GFCI) in Barbados. This annual event provides a perfect forum for scientists, students, government representatives, fishery managers, and conservation organizations from the region to present and discuss their research findings and concerns. Peter Chaibongsai and Roxane De Waegh represented TBF at the conference. De Waegh presented her work on the collection of fisheries data from all stakeholders for scientists and policy

RYBOVICH LIFETIME CONSERVATION AWARDS PRESENTED AT TBF’S ENCHANTED FOREST MASQUERADE BALL

The Billfish Foundation’s most prestigious award, the Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award, is named in honor of the late John Rybovich, a pioneer in billfish conservation and sportfishing vessel design. This year’s winners represent the marine publishing industry, the field of billfish science and an individual advocate and organizer for advancing responsible fishing. C.M. “Rip” Cunningham – of Boston, Massachusetts began 41 years ago as an associate editor with SaltWater Sportsman magazine where he educated anglers not only on fishing and boating techniques and products, but equally on the importance of participating in the fishery conservation and management processes

RESULTS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF BERMUDA’S EEZ

Public Input on the Future of Bermuda’s EEZ In 2013, the Bermudian government began the ongoing process of evaluating options for the future management of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). From September 3rd to October 31st of 2013 public consultation was conducted and the results of this consultation have recently been released by the Sustainable Development Department. The report, The Future of Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone: Outcome of the Public Consultation reflects the diversity of opinions held by stakeholders. Most of all, the report emphasizes the need for the government of Bermuda to identify and evaluate the many important

TAG & RELEASE STANDINGS – 11/1/14

Every year, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) recognizes the captains, mates and anglers (including youth and ladies) who tag and release the most billfish in each of the world’s oceans. The competition is categorized by billfish species, ocean, and whether the fish were tagged or released untagged. Award winners are recognized at TBF’s Annual Tag & Release Awards Ceremony held during the Miami International Boat Show presented by the TBF Tag and Release Sponsors: Bisbee’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fund, Casa Vieja Lodge, Costa Sunglasses, Pelagic, and SIMRAD. The Billfish Foundation’s Annual Tag and Release Ceremony will be held

INTRODUCING THE TBF SOFLO SAILFISH CIRCUIT

Have you ever wondered who the best anglers, captains and crews are here in South Florida? Some boats might have their luck at a two day tournament, but what about every weekend? What about over the entire sailfishing season? With TBF’s SoFlo Sailfish Circuit anglers, captains and crews now have a way to find out! The goal of TBF’s South Florida Sailfish Regional Competition is to engage anglers in the South Florida billfishing scene and increase participation in TBF’s Tag & Release program through the competitive spirit of anglers. The South Florida Sailfish Regional Competition creates a new region