TBF’s 2023 Annual Fundraising Gala
Time is running out! Don’t miss out on this year’s Gatsby, Glitz, and Glamour theme for The Billfish Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser Gala, taking place on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, FL! Join TBF as we celebrate 37 years of dedicated billfish conservation while recognizing the invaluable contributions of […]
TBF Welcomes New Employee, Addie Spain
My name is Addie Spain and I am thrilled to be continuing my time with The Billfish Foundation. I recently graduated from the University of Miami with majors in Marine Affairs and Classical History and a minor in Corporate Sustainability.
Steve C. Levi Memorial Trophy Youth Conservation Award
The Billfish Foundation & Gulf Coast Yacht Group present a new Award for Gulf of Mexico Youth Anglers – the Steve C. Levi Memorial Trophy Youth Conservation Award Following the untimely and tragic death of Steve C. Levi, his daughters, Kristen Dzwonkowski and Chelsea Scruggs donated to The Billfish Foundation (TBF) a gorgeous bronze marlin sculpture of their father’s. It was decided to have the sculpture honoring Steve to become a perpetual trophy, the Steve C. Levi Memorial Trophy, for a youth competition in the Gulf of Mexico. The trophy will continue to be housed in the
Welcome Aboard our Newest Winthrop P. Rockefeller Student Ocean Intern – Racine Prinzo
We would like to introduce our newest Winthrop P. Rockefeller Student Ocean intern, Racine Prinzo! Racine is a passionate ocean enthusiast and dedicated intern at TBF. She is a South Florida native who enjoys spending her free time out on the boat with family and friends. Racine graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and is currently a graduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a master’s degree in marine biology and ecology. With a focus on marine conservation, she is currently conducting research on the effectiveness of speed restriction zones for whales
Pacific Striped Marlin Rebuilding Plan
Western & Central Northern Pacific striped marlin, whose abundance, especially spawning-stock biomass, and size are greatly diminished and retain low priority within the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). This regional fisheries management organization (RFMO) is tasked with the management of this and other highly migratory species. Unfortunately, its interim rebuilding plan for the species which includes goals to be achieved by 2034 has no chance of success. More aggressive conservation and management measures by WCPFC to reduce post-release mortality need to be considered, which can be done with little impact on longlines catching its targeted species
2023 Tag and Release Ceremony Recap
TBF’s Annual Tag and Release Award Ceremony, held in February, was again a high-energy event during which top captains, anglers, and mates were honored for their conservation releases and data collection. In Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom young guns exchanged stories, some meeting in person for the first time, while others were known from media coverage of their individual billfishing exploits. With open bars, hors d’oeuvres, and great mojo throughout the room, each became silent when Costa presented its teaser video of their recent Striped Marlin satellite tagging expedition in Magdalena Bay. The footage included extraordinary imagery where they deployed
TBF Welcomes Willis Custom Yachts as a Grand Slam Level Sponsor
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is excited to announce and welcome aboard Willis Custom Yachts as a new Grand Slam level conservation partner. Willis Custom Yachts is committed to being the premier custom sportfish builder and also a full-service repair facility in the United States. “Willis Custom Yachts and I are proud to be a sponsor of the Billfish Foundation. I have been a professional Boatbuilder and Sportfisherman for some 40 years. I have seen firsthand the leadership in conservation that the Billfish Foundation has pioneered. Our fisheries are stronger and more protected now than in previous generations.
TBF Endorses Fly and Chester Brewer to Serve on Fishery Management Councils
Robert “Fly” Navarro and Chester Brewer are currently seeking approval to serve on Fishery Management Councils (FMC) for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic. Ellen Peel and The Billfish Foundation team fully support this notion, even submitting a letter of endorsement for both nominees to Governor Desantis. As an organization focused on advancing conservation and proper management of billfish, TBF fully recognizes the importance of FMCs and the responsibility each member has to not only understand the fisheries and associated economies but to also work well with the state’s experts and consider all entities involved when making
2022 Tag & Release Competition Winners
Were you selected as a winner for the 2022 season and would like to attend TBF’s International Tag & Release Awards Ceremony? Here’s everything you need to know! Regardless of whether you plan on attending, email us a photograph and short bio at [email protected] to be included with the ceremony! As a reminder, to accept your award, all captains, anglers and mates must be a current member of TBF. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]. See below for the 2022 Winners! With 2022 officially complete, it’s now time for The Billfish
TBF’s Holiday Fundraising Event Starts Today!
Following the overwhelming success of our Virtual Gala in 2020, we knew that we couldn’t return to solely in-person events. That’s why we are excited to announce our annual Holiday Fundraising Event! For 5 days, you’ll have the chance to win incredible prizes while supporting billfish conservation from the comfort of your own home. We hope you’re excited about this annual event, it’s going to be one for the books! The event will kick off on Monday, November 14th with the opening of our Virtual Holiday Auction. You’ll have the opportunity to bid on dozens of incredible items
