TBF SUBMITS OFFICIAL COMMENTS FOR DRAFT SWORDFISH AMENDMENT

On May 2, 2013 The Billfish Foundation submitted their official comments for Draft Amendment 8 for swordfish management in the United States as part of the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Management Plan. Draft Amendment 8 proposes the establishment of a new Open-Access Commercial Handgear Permit for Swordfish as a means to increase access to fishery and decrease the amount of unharvested quota. Even though the North Atlantic swordfish stocks are fully recovered, which represents a success story for international fisheries management, the U.S. has failed to catch its allocated quota in recent years. From 2007 to 2011

SUPPORT BUILDING IN AUSTRALIA BY RESPECTED SCIENTISTS

Australia’s proposed network of marine reserves is threatening to close off close to a million square kilometers to anglers, but fortunately, several scientists and organizations have been working to try and stop this from happening. A recent publication by Professor Robert Kearney in the Open Journal of Marine Science has echoed many of the points made by TBF and that the closures of vast marine zones are not logical or necessary for Australia to protect its marine resources. By some estimates, implementing these reserves will mean economic losses totaling in the billions, yet they will do little to protect

WELCOME PELAGIC GEAR AS A NEW TAG & RELEASE SPONSOR!

The Billfish Foundation would like to welcome Pelagic Gear as a new Tag & Release Sponsor! We are excited to have them on board to support and promote TBF’s Tag & Release Program. Pelagic joins Bisbee’s Black and Blue, Costa Sunglasses, and King Sailfish Mounts as Tag & Release Sponsors for 2013. Pelagic Gear has been a sponsor of TBF’s website section “In the Spread” for several years, but reaffirmed and increased their support of TBF’s main conservation program. This partnership works perfectly with Pelagic’s own Ocean Conservancy Project line. This project raises funds for organizations that are

TBF AT MARLINS PARK!

On May 1, nearly 10,000 students from across South Florida learned about weather and billfish at the eighth annual CBS 4 Weather Day. This event took place prior to the Miami Marlins game at Marlins Park. Elementary and middle school students came from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties to the ballpark and took part in a fun-filled, science-focused educational field trip. A number of the local CBS 4 meteorologists and NOAA hurricane experts spoke during the pre-game program designed to teach kids some basic concepts of weather and how these topics relate to living in South Florida

SID JOHNSON MEMORIAL CONSERVATION TROPHY PRESENTED IN TOBAGO

The winner of TBF’s first Sid Johnson Memorial Conservation Trophy was won by team Vesper from Trinidad for releasing the most billfish during the 2012 Southern Caribbean Billfish Circuit. The Vesper team includes boat owner Jerome Mcquilkin, Captain Gerard “Frothy” de Silva; mate Nigel Garcia, three anglers Derick Tardeau, Ayoub Kabli and James Layton. TBF president Ellen Peel presented the trophy to Captain Frothy at the Marlin Madness tournament for the rest of the team was competing in the Bonnier World Championship in Costa Rica. The late Sid Johnson from Trinidad was an early advocate for catch and release

WELCOME BISBEE’S FISH & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND!

The Billfish Foundation would like to welcome Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund as a new Grand Slam Sponsor! We are excited to have them on board and working with them to lead TBF’s Tag & Release Program into the future. Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund (BFWCF) has partnered with The Billfish Foundation, top software developers, database experts, and environmental engineers to evaluate and redesign The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release program, software, and systems so that it may efficiently and effectively report a wide range of data to scientists around the world. With your help we will

CAM V. SIGLER, SR. MEMORIAL

Cam V. Sigler, Sr. age 71, passed away March 20, 2013 following a year- long battle with cancer. Cam was famously recognized as the man in the “Broad Brimmed Hat” and was known for his innovative outdoor products; particularly for the sport of saltwater fly fishing. Seasoned saltwater fly anglers are well acquainted with his acclaimed billfish flies, rods, reels and tackle. In 1968, Cam moved his family to the Pacific Northwest to accept a job with the Eddie Bauer Company. In 1986, he left Eddie Bauer to start his own business, The Cam Sigler Company, which is now

How You Can Help Conserve Billfish

Learn more about how you can help conserve billfish, by fishing responsibly, releasing your catch, and joining TBF!  Become actively involved in TBF’s Tag & Release Program!  Traditional tagging data has provided scientists with half of the data currently available to the scientists who study billfish.  Be a part of this and tag your next billfish.  To order tagging supplies go to our online store. Experience the thrill of releasing a live, healthy billfish to fight another day!  Catch-and-release fishing has become a widely used conservation tool for these magnificent creatures.  Learning how to release your billfish healthy and unharmed

What are billfish?

In General Terms­- The term “Billfish” refers to various predatory fish species typically belonging to the taxonomical family Istiophoridae. Their biological characteristics include a spear-like rostrum or “bill,” which is used for slashing at and stunning prey. The dorsal fin of these species runs along a large part of their body and narrow pelvic fins. Billfish can be found spread throughout the worlds oceans and are defined as highly migratory species but typically reside in tropical or sub-tropical waters.  The prey of these apex predators differs from a variety of small fishes to crustaceans and cephalopods (i.e. squid)

TBF IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

The beautiful Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) is a collection of small islands within the British West Indies is known for its white sand beaches, amazing coral reefs, and great fishing opportunities. TBF staff member, Michael Kelly traveled to these pristine islands earlier this month to meet with many local stakeholders, including local fishermen and business owners from the commercial fishing, sportfishing, and tourism sectors. Unfortunately, the great offshore fishing opportunities may not be available for long. This past March, the TCI government signed an agreement with the South Caicos seafood exporter, Caicos Pride and the south