From July 15th to 18th, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) proudly participated in the 2025 ICAST Conference, the world’s largest sportfishing trade show, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Representing TBF were Peter Chaibongsai, Director of Conservation Programs, and TJ Morrell, Science and Education Specialist, who used this opportunity to meet with a wide range of partners, sponsors, and stakeholders across the sportfishing and marine conservation community.

Each year, ICAST provides TBF with an opportunity to connect directly with our community — from long-standing collaborators to prospective new allies. As a leading platform for launching ideas and building relationships within the fishing industry, the conference offers a vital setting for discussing TBF’s mission and refining strategies that will carry billfish conservation into the future. This year was no exception.

TBF used the 2025 event to reflect on current successes while setting the stage for future growth, especially with 2026 being TBF’s milestone 40th anniversary. Meetings with current partners allowed us to share insights into our organizational plans for next year and beyond, including expanded data collection, advocacy priorities, community engagement, and our very exciting Groundswell Projects. With big plans to continue expanding our satellite tag research projects, ICAST was a great opportunity to highlight the successes of the Marlin Fly Project, Skillie Project, and The Bahamas Project, while looking forward to upcoming endeavors such as Project Gulf and more.

Equally important, we met with a number of potential new partners from across the sportfishing, media, and marine technology sectors. By emphasizing our dual mission — advancing science-based conservation efforts while defending angler access and rights — we sparked meaningful conversations about collaborative projects, innovative tagging technologies, and educational outreach. It’s this blend of science, policy, and passionate stakeholder engagement that continues to set TBF apart as a leader in ocean conservation. 

TBF is grateful for the opportunity to join ICAST once again and extends sincere thanks to all who took the time to meet, share ideas, and work with TBF toward a common goal. As we look ahead to 2026, TBF is more committed than ever to protecting billfish species, supporting sustainable fisheries, and serving the angling community.

We look forward to continuing these conversations — and turning shared goals into action — in the months ahead.