News

March 7, 2017

AMENDMENT 5B – DUSKY SHARK PROTECTIONS – UPDATE

NMFS released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Amendment 5b to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan in mid- February, 2017. A new Preferred Alternative (A6d) “requires…

March 6, 2017

DEBATE ON BILLFISH CONSERVATION ACT

The 2012 Billfish Conservation Act (BCA) has yet to be implemented and again is under Congressional review to attempt to resolve debated language so no Pacific billfish can be imported…

March 6, 2017

UPDATE ON LONGLINES IN FLORIDA’S EAST COAST CLOSED ZONE

The NMFS has extended the deadline to March 29, 2017 for accepting public comments on the application for an Exempted Fishing Permit. If approved, six pelagic longline vessels will fish for three…

March 6, 2017

The Billfish Foundation’s International Tag & Release Awards – 2016 Award Winners

February 15, 2017

CALL TO ACTION: NO LONGLINES IN CLOSED ZONE

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission also opposes this, read their official comments below. Recently, the NMFS received an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) application from Dr. David Kerstetter, Nova Southeastern…

February 8, 2017

Call to Action: No Longlines In Closed Zone

February 6, 2017

THE CARIBBEAN BILLFISH PROJECT – GOOD FISHERIES MANAGEMENT?

The Caribbean Billfish Project, a $1.95 million exercise supported by the UN and the World Bank, and executed by the Western Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) in Barbados, proposes a…

January 24, 2017

TBF’S TAGGING PROGRAM HERALDED

A recently released analysis of the NMFS Cooperative Tagging Program between January 2006 and December 2015 by Caitlyn Savoia, a graduate student at the University of Miami, documented that during…

January 19, 2017

TBF WELCOMES 20ECHO AS A TAG & RELEASE PROGRAM SPONSOR!

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) proudly announces that 20echo is its newest Tag and Release Program sponsor, joining Casa Vieja Lodge, Costa Sunglasses, Garmin, King Sailfish Mounts, Pelagic Gear, and Yeti in support of the scientific data collecting program.…

January 16, 2017

2016 TAG & RELEASE COMPETITION WINNERS

The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) Tag and Release Award winners, the “who’s who” in the billfishing world will be honored during the International Tag and Release Awards Ceremony at Miami’s Jungle…

January 14, 2017

TBF SUBMITS COMMENTS ON AMENDMENT 5B – DUSKY SHARKS

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) recently submitted comments to the proposed regulations included in Amendment 5b to the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan – regarding the reduction of…

December 13, 2016

TBF SUBMITS COMMENTS ON THE PACIFIC BLUEFIN FISHERY

On December 12th, The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) submitted official comments on Pacific Bluefin Tuna (PBFT) being potentially listed in the Endangered Species Act. Learn why PBFT potential listing would be…

December 5, 2016

The Billfish Foundation’s Annual Gala “Back to the 80s”

TBF’s “Back to the 80’s, When it all Began” 30th Anniversary Gala was a fun success! TBF’s annual party has become THE sportfishing event to attend during the week of…

December 1, 2016

MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT TBF!

Our success would not have been possible without the support of countless individuals and organizations. Please take a few moments to review the many ways you can give financially to…

December 1, 2016

MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT TBF!

Members and friends of The Billfish Foundation have a long tradition of generous giving to support the many vital programs furthering the mission of conserving billfish worldwide. Since its founding…

November 3, 2016

BACK TO THE 80’S LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW

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, Back to the 80’s! Be…

September 13, 2016

TBF MOBILE APPLICATION GOES LIVE!

Over the past 26 years, the sportfishing community has provided The Billfish Foundation (TBF) with over 220,000 tag and release records, making it the largest private billfish database worldwide. The data received helps marine researchers gain insight…

September 13, 2016

Pacific Fishery Management Council (FMC) meets this week

The FMC is accepting public comment on its consideration of harvest specifications under an Exempted Fishing Permit for highly migratory fish caught by longline vessels fishing within the U.S. West…

September 13, 2016

TBF MOBILE APPLICATION GOES LIVE!

September 12, 2016

UPDATED STANDINGS FOR 2016 ANNUAL TAG & RELEASE COMPETITION

Fall is almost here, and that means the competition year is winding down. Here are the current standings for the 2016 International Tag & Release competition. Those of you in…

September 12, 2016

UPDATED 2016 GULF OF MEXICO MARLIN TAGGING COMPETITION STANDINGS

Tournament season is coming to a close which means opportunities to get out there are getting fewer and the competition is stiff. Here are the current standings for the 2016…

August 8, 2016

Spain Penalizes Its Anglers for Commercial Overfishing

Anglers from Spain are prohibited this year, as are their commercial fishing vessels, from landing Atlantic blue marlin because the nation’s commercial fishing vessels exceeded their 2015 blue marlin quota.…

August 5, 2016

Gulf of Mexico Blue Marlin Satellite Tagging Expedition

TBF’s Gulf of Mexico Blue Marlin Satellite Tagging Expedition, staged out of Port Eads, which is 84.5 miles south of New Orleans, 24 miles south of the southernmost road in…

July 25, 2016

TBF’S JUNIOR ANGLER PROGRAM

Do you remember where, when, and what you used to catch the first fish that got you “hooked” on fishing? Who were you with and how did that singular experience…

April 3, 2025

TBF & BFD Simplify Billfish Reporting

April 3, 2025

New Tag & Release Category – TBF Legends

March 14, 2025

Partnering for Billfish Conservation: New Integrated Reporting System (VESL) Simplifies Data Collection

February 4, 2025

2025 TBF Artist of the Year – James Ferrara

February 4, 2025

New Tag & Release Category – TBF Legends

February 4, 2025

TBF 2025 Travel Schedule

January 15, 2025

Extreme Vessel Speed Reduction Rule Withdrawn

January 14, 2025

2025 TBF Award Ceremony

January 8, 2025

TBF’s First 12 Month SAT tag Recovery

January 5, 2025

GZ Lures Partners with The Billfish Foundation

December 7, 2024

The Skillie Project

December 5, 2024

Support TBF with a Year-End Gift

December 5, 2024

Batch Upload

December 5, 2024

TBF Holiday Gifts

November 12, 2024

2022-2023 Conservation Record is out!

November 12, 2024

2024 TBF Gala Recap

November 12, 2024

Online Holiday Auction (Nov 27th – Dec 2nd)

November 6, 2024

Anglers We Will Miss: Dr. C. Phillip Goodyear

October 7, 2024

Fall 2024 Youth Magazines Are Ready!

October 6, 2024

Fast Approaching: Deadline to Submit Tags and Releases for TBF’s Annual Competition

October 5, 2024

TBF’s PhD Scholar Explores Billfish Biology at Friday Harbor Labs

October 4, 2024

Join TBF’s Captain Program, Exclusive $50 Discount in October!

October 3, 2024

TBF Gala on November 1st!

September 18, 2024

TBF at Pirate’s Cove and MidAtlantic

September 27, 2017

NOVA HALTS LONGLINE RESEARCH

TBF thanks its constituents for their continued support in keeping this issue at the forefront. Join the TBF community today to be part of our efforts on matters like

September 26, 2017

Celebrating the Miami Seaquarium’s Birthday With A Beach Cleanup

Bags of trash collected during Miami Seaquarium’s beach cleanup to commemorate their 62nd anniversary The Billfish Foundation strives to support its local south Florida community and partners with like-minded organizations…

September 19, 2017

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ATLANTIC SWORDFISH VARY BY STOCK

Highly migratory species, including tunas and billfish, travel the world’s oceans and traverse national boundaries. Regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs) work at the international level to manage such species, bringing…

September 18, 2017

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery Closes For September

The Atlantic bluefin tuna General category fishery for large-medium and giant bluefin tuna (73 in. curved fork length or larger) closes September 17, 2017 for the remainder of the month.…

September 1, 2017

TBF Takes Aim At Nova’s Longline Research In Closed Zone

Nova Southeastern University’s longline research in Florida’s east coast closed zone may damage its reputation for community relations and science. An associate professor from the university was granted an exempted…

August 31, 2017

NMFS Introduces Online Reporting System For Fishing Tournaments

An online reporting system will now be available for highly migratory species (HMS) fishing tournaments in the Atlantic Ocean, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced this week. HMS tournament operators…

August 29, 2017

InTheBite Magazine Presents Captain of the Year Award

One of the last billfishing competitions of the summer, the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament concluded this past weekend in Virginia Beach, VA. The tournament hosted 75 teams this year for…

August 22, 2017

Winner of Florida West Coast Bluewater Series Tags Every Billfish

The 46th Annual Old Salt Loop Billfish Tournament concluded in Clearwater, Florida this past weekend, wrapping up the Florida West Coast Bluewater Series (FWCBS) as it was the third and…

August 15, 2017

Rubio & Nelson Introduce Florida Fisheries Improvement Act

Earlier this month U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) introduced legislation designed to enhance and protect Florida’s fishery resources and those who rely on them. The Florida…

August 11, 2017

Submit Comments on Allowing Longlines in Closed Zones to Florida Elected Officials!

Click here to submit comments to FL Senators Rubio and Nelson. Click here to submit comments to your US & FL House representatives and FL State Senators. Click here to…

August 10, 2017

Hypocrisy – Florida’s $7.6 Billion Dollar Recreational Fishing Industry Slapped by Federal Agency

After the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announced today its approval of the Exempted Fishing Permit that allows longline boats to fish in Florida’s east coast closed zone, Ellen Peel, President…

August 9, 2017

2017 Atlantic Billfish Landings Remain Far Below Allocation

On Tuesday NOAA released preliminary numbers for Atlantic billfish landings in 2017. The estimates show individuals caught (and reported) thus far in 2017, from January 1st through June 30th, for blue…

August 8, 2017

Pacific Bluefin Tuna Will Not Be Listed As Endangered

The National Marine Fisheries Service announced Tuesday that they rejected a petition to list the Pacific bluefin tuna as an endangered species. A long list of environmental organizations combined efforts…

July 27, 2017

Which Way Will New Head of NMFS Sway On Longline Closed Zone?

Appointed in June with support from over 55 commercial fishing companies and organizations, the new Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has a number of pressing issues…

July 20, 2017

Morning Well Spent At Broward Marine Magnet School

Interns from The Billfish Foundation spent Thursday morning at South Broward High School with a group of incoming freshmen who are part of the marine magnet program. These students have…

July 19, 2017

ELECTRONIC MONITORING

As fisheries regulations develop, there is often the need for enforcement of compliance—enforcing gear restrictions, enforcing size limits, enforcing the return of non-target species, and ultimately enforcing the law. Ensuring…

July 11, 2017

Did You Know?

Welcome to our Did You Know blog! Billfish and related species, like tuna and swordfish, are amazing creatures and set themselves apart from other fish. The Billfish Foundation would like…

June 13, 2017

WHAT IS THE PORT STATE MEASURES AGREEMENT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Seafood is big business. Not only is it an industry that exchanges billions of dollars in trade globally, but the sector also trades an abundance of resources that contribute to food…

June 6, 2017

BLUEFIN TUNA HARVEST QUOTA CLOSES FOR THE YEAR IN GULF OF MEXICO

The National Marine Fisheries serviced announced that the recreational bluefin tuna harvest in the Gulf of Mexico has reached its quota and will close June 7, 2017 until the end of the…

May 25, 2017

GULF OF MEXICO QUOTA ADJUSTED AFTER BLUEFIN TUNA LANDING

The quota for bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico has been updated after a large individual was landed in a fishing tournament last week. Katie Gonsoulin pulled in a…

May 24, 2017

ADVANCEMENT OF BILLFISH CONSERVATION ACT – A PARTIAL STEP FORWARD

On May 18, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced Section 396, an amendment to the 2012 Billfish Conservation Act. The bill, initially introduced in February by U.S.…

May 10, 2017

CALL TO ACTION ON FORAGE FISH!

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has begun a Scoping Process to consider allowing giant trawlers to increase their excessive landings of forage species off the Mid-Atlantic region, specifically chub (Tinker)…

April 28, 2017

BLUEFIN TUNA ANGLING CATEGORY ADJUSTMENT

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has adjusted the Atlantic bluefintuna (BFT) daily retention limits that apply to vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling category and the HMS…

March 16, 2017

ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA TROPHY ANGLING CATEGORY SOUTH AREA CLOSING MARCH 20, 2017

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will close the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) Angling category fishery for large medium and giant “trophy” BFT (measuring 73” or greater) in the southern…

December 12, 2014

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…

December 11, 2014

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…

December 10, 2014

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…

November 13, 2014

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).…

April 10, 2014

TBF AT CASA VIEJA LODGE

If you ask any serious offshore angler where the best billfish action in the world is, chances are Casa Vieja Lodge (CVL) and Guatemala are one of the first answers…

March 25, 2014

RECREATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING COMMUNITY CALLS ON CONGRESS TO REVAMP MARINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Washington, D.C. – Congress is currently revising the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act, the law that governs our nation’s marine resources. Recreational saltwater anglers and the sportfishing and boating…

March 24, 2014

PALAU ANNOUNCES A BAN OF ALL COMMERCIAL FISHING

On February 4th, 2014 the president of the Republic of Palau, Tommy Remengesau Jr., announced to the United Nation’s his intention to become the first country to close its entire…

March 10, 2014

BERMUDA’S PREMIER ORDERS EEZ NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN HAMILTON DECLARATION

Photo Credit: Bonnier On March 4th the Premier of Bermuda, Craig Cannonier, ordered that Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) not be included within the Hamilton Declaration, a multi-lateral agreement for…

March 6, 2014

2014 TAG AND RELEASE CEREMONY RECAP

On February 13, 2014 The Billfish Foundation honored conservation achievements at the 2014 Tag and Release Ceremony held at Miami’s Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom in front of a crowd of more than…

December 19, 2013

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR AUSTRALIA

Recreational fishing organizations in Australia are applauding the newly elected Liberal Party’s plans to suspend and reform the management plans for the nation’s network of marine reserves. The newly appointed…

December 5, 2013

2013 ICCAT NEGOTIATIONS PROTECTS U.S. SWORDFISH AND BLUEFIN SHARE

Photo Courtesy of Brian Cota The annual negotiations by member nations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) concluded in late November following intense negotiations over…

November 15, 2013

66TH ANNUAL GULF & CARIBBEAN FISHERIES INSTITUTE

This past November, TBF staff members attended the 66th Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) conference hosted by the Harte Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies of Texas A&M…

October 24, 2013

Bermuda – Potential Marine Reserve Could Stop Fishing in The Blue Marlin Capital

The Billfish Foundation (TBF) wants to make sure anglers in Bermuda are aware of recent developments calling for a no-take marine reserve in Bermudian waters. Organizations such as the PEW…

October 9, 2013

Get Hooked – Why People Love to Fish

July 31, 2013

TBF GOES TO JAPAN!

On July 25-28th, TBF’s Peter Chaibongsai took part in the Japan Game Fish Association’s (JGFA) Japan International Billfish Tournament (JIBT) off of Shimoda, Japan. Located several hundred miles south from…

June 11, 2013

TBF RELEASES STUDY ‘SPORTFISHING IN PANAMA: A NATURAL ECONOMIC GOLD MINE’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A report released today by The Billfish Foundation (TBF) reveals that sportfishing has been a major factor in attracting tourists to Panama providing a valuable fishing-based…

June 6, 2013

THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA’S MARINE RESERVES

This month, Australia is on the brink of establishing the world’s largest network of marine reserves that will cover close to 900,000 square miles including vast zones that would restrict…

June 1, 2013

STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE “OTHER SIDE” OF SPORTFISHING

Going out fishing is great, but did you ever wonder how science is involved with sportfishing? The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) current educational program with LMR tackle, based out of Fort…

May 30, 2013

VICTORY FOR MARLIN IN NEW ZEALAND

A recent decision to prohibit the commercial harvest of marlin in New Zealand waters represents another victory for billfish conservation. Last year a reevaluation of the management of billfish and…

May 21, 2013

Sportfishing Socio-Economic Studies

The Billfish Foundation is a global leader in illustrating the social, economic, and environmental benefits of recreational fishing and fishing tourism activities. By uncovering the economic impact of recreational fishing…

May 8, 2013

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…

April 18, 2013

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…

March 23, 2013

TBF ASSISTS WITH CARIBBEAN BILLFISH WORKSHOP IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Fort Lauderdale, FL – On March 19 and 20, stakeholders and experts from over 11 countries and 10 organizations descended upon south Florida and took part in a workshop to…

March 15, 2013

Australia – Still A Chance for Anglers Opposing Marine Protected Areas

While many environmental groups are praising Australia and claiming victory, all is not said and done for the establishment of Australia’s National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA) and…

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