News

April 8, 2021

TBF Recommends Crediting the Closed Zones to 30×30 Goal

As the challenge to mitigate climate change gains momentum worldwide, the recreational fishing community must work to help identify waters for closure. This is especially true in light of the…

April 1, 2021

2020 Conservation Record: Black Marlin

The Billfish Foundation maintains the largest private tag and release database in the world, with 260,000 records by 150,000 anglers. In 2020 alone, TBF anglers and captains tagged, released, or…

March 26, 2021

2020 Conservation Record: Spearfish

The Billfish Foundation maintains the largest private tag and release database in the world, with over 260,000 records by over 150,000 anglers. In 2020 alone, TBF anglers and captains tagged,…

March 2, 2021

Atlantic Bluefin Southern Area Trophy Fishery Closed to Angling

NOAA Fisheries closed the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category for the Southern Area Trophy Fishery on March 1st, 2021. This closure will last all year, ending on December 31st, 2021.…

March 1, 2021

Recreational Fishing Gear, Bottom Trawls & Pelagic Longline Gear Are NOT the Same!!

With the recent Executive Order (EO), recreational fishing gear, bottom trawls, and pelagic longline are viewed the same as all other fishing gear when it comes to designating Marine Protected…

February 25, 2021

2021 Tag & Release Awards Ceremony Recap

The Billfish Foundation’s 2021 Tag & Release Awards Ceremony took place on February 12th on Facebook Live. Like our 2020 Gala, the Awards Ceremony was virtual due to COVID-19. While…

February 1, 2021

Honoring Jack Duvall, Chairman of The Billfish Foundation’s Board of Directors

With sadness and pride The Billfish Foundation (TBF) honors the late John “Jack” P. Duvall, Chairman of its Board of Directors for the second time, who passed away recently. Jack,…

February 1, 2021

NOAA Documents Negative Impacts on Fishing from COVID-19

NOAA Fisheries recently released economic impact figures caused by COVID-19 on the U.S. fishing and seafood industry, including wild harvest, aquaculture, and the recreational charter/for-hire sector. Most recreational charter operations…

January 19, 2021

2021 Tag & Release Virtual Ceremony Information

The 2021 Tag & Release Ceremony presented by King Sailfish Mounts, Dekit, Viking Service Center, Costa Sunglasses and Floy Tag is virtual this year! It will be held via Facebook…

January 18, 2021

Remembering Stephen “Steve” Levi

Stephen “Steve” Levi, a beloved TBF member and passionate angler, unfortunately died in an auto accident on January 8 while in Biloxi, MS. Steve, as he was known, lit up…

January 8, 2021

TBF’s Juvenile Billfish Project Update

At the end of 2019, The Billfish Foundation announced the Juvenile Billfish Project. The Juvenile Billfish Project was created with our friend Dr. Freddy Arocha to fill the massive gap…

January 7, 2021

A Great Man Will Be Missed

Captain Chris Sheeder grew up in Hawaii where the offshore fishing bug bit him hard at age 11 during his first trip, a treat for making good grades. He was…

December 18, 2020

TBF’s Top Contributions of 2020

With the year coming to a close, we thank you for your support, as we reflect on TBF’s key contributions in 2020. To stay up-to-date on all things billfish, become a…

December 17, 2020

Anglers – Aquaculture Might Harm Forage Species & Your Catch

Recreational fishing may get displaced by aquaculture/mariculture if we don’t give current government plans close scrutiny. NOAA/NMFS, federal Fishery Management Councils, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environment Protection…

December 15, 2020

2020 Tag & Release Competition Award Winners

Each year The Billfish Foundation recognizes the best of the best in the billfishing community to acknowledge the significant effort they contribute to our Tag & Release Program and billfish conservation.…

November 25, 2020

Atlantic Bluefin December Subqota Adjustment

NOAA Fisheries transferred 19.5 metric tons (mt) of Atlantic bluefin tuna from the Reserve Category to the General Category. This action will go into effect on December 1st, 2020 and…

November 6, 2020

2019-2020 Tag & Release Competition Ends

The deadline for tagging and releasing billfish for The Billfish Foundation’s 2019-2020 Tag and Release Competition was on October 31st, 2020. All records must received by TBF by the end…

November 5, 2020

A Call to Action

November 5, 2020

TBF Supports Coastal Resilience in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska

The Billfish Foundation recently endorsed the Conservation of America’s Shoreline Terrain and Aquatic Life (COASTAL) Act and the Opening Federal Financial Sharing to Heighten Opportunities for Renewable Energy (OFFSHORE) Act.…

November 4, 2020

2020 Virtual Gala Recap

The Billfish Foundation’s first ever Virtual Gala ended Friday, October 30th, after weeks of build-up and excitement! Beginning October 16th, TBF supporters joined in to support billfish conservation online with…

September 11, 2020

Atlantic Marlin Fishing Now All Catch & Release Though Year’s End Because 250 Landing Cap Exceeded

September 8, 2020

TBF’s Top Taggers of the Decade

The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release Program is the cornerstone of our conservation and advocacy. We are proud to maintain the largest private tag and release database in the world,…

September 8, 2020

Shark Populations Proving Detrimental to Sailfish Survival

Charter and private recreational fishing captains primarily are conscientious in practicing conservation-smart measures for their business depends on the availability of fish. Most billfishing captains practice catch and release, some…

September 2, 2020

The Billfish Foundation’s 2020 Virtual Gala

Despite COVID-19 and resulting challenges for The Billfish Foundation (TBF), board members and staff invite you to join and support our 2020 VIRTUAL Gala, guaranteed to be casual as you…

April 12, 2018

Member Survey Helps Focus Priority Areas

The Billfish Foundation recently sent a survey to its members in order to better understand the concerns and wants of our constituents. Over 100 responses have been recorded, which TBF…

March 1, 2018

Tag & Release Competition Winners Honored At Ceremony

The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) Tag and Release Award winners, the “Who’s Who” in the billfishing world, were honored during the International Tag and Release Awards Ceremony at Miami’s Jungle Island on February…

February 20, 2018

Awards Ceremony – 2017 Tag & Release Competition

January 13, 2018

TBF’s Letter to Nova Southeastern University

January 10, 2018

Announcing TBF’s 2017 Tag & Release Competition Winners

Each year The Billfish Foundation recognizes the best of the best in the billfishing community to acknowledge the significant effort they contribute to our Tag & Release Program and billfish…

November 17, 2017

Angels & Devils – TBF’s 2017 Fundraising Gala

September 5, 2017

Sailfish Brewery Welcomes TBF At Tag & Release Festival

Members of The Billfish Foundation team spent a full Saturday at the Sailfish Brewing Co. in Fort Pierce, Florida for Labor Day weekend activities. The brewery hosted a Tag &…

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 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…

July 6, 2017

TAG & RELEASE COMPETITION UPDATE!

We may still be highlighting last year’s award winners, but the Tag & Release Competition update as it stands. Don’t forget, these positions will be shifting constantly until the final…

June 20, 2017

THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2017 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

Today, The Billfish Foundation (TBF), the world’s leading sportfishing conservation organization for marlin, sailfish, spearfish and associated highly migratory fish, announces this year’s winners of its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards…

May 11, 2017

TBF ADDING TWO NEW LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Two new lifetime achievement awards have been added to TBF’s annual recognition of excellence in advancing billfish conservation. The first new award is the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Individual Lifetime Achievement…

March 14, 2017

TBF’S 2017 ARTIST OF THE YEAR – DENNIS FRIEL

TBF proudly announces the selection of South Florida native Dennis Friel as its 2017 Artist of the Year. “Combustion” by Dennis Friel Dennis fondly recalls “as a kid growing up…

March 6, 2017

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

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…

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

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…

April 3, 2025

TBF & BFD Simplify Billfish Reporting

April 3, 2025

Destin FAD

March 13, 2025

NOAA Withdraws Controversial Vessel Speed Reduction Proposal

February 7, 2025

Victory for Sportfishing: Amendment 15 Withdrawn!

January 15, 2025

Extreme Vessel Speed Reduction Rule Withdrawn

January 9, 2025

Living Legends of Big Game Fishing by Pat Mansell

January 8, 2025

TBF’s First 12 Month SAT tag Recovery

December 7, 2024

The Skillie Project

November 13, 2024

East Coast Extreme Vessel Speed Reduction Update

November 6, 2024

Anglers We Will Miss: Dr. C. Phillip Goodyear

September 14, 2024

New Proposed Rule: Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Electronic Reporting Requirements

August 12, 2024

Pacific Bluefin Tuna Recovery

August 2, 2024

U.S. Senator Katie Britt Introduces Lulu’s Law in Honor of a Courageous Alabama Teenager

July 3, 2024

Marlin Expeditions and TBF: Teamwork Makes Conservation Work

July 2, 2024

Changes to Bluefin Tuna Commercial Handgear Fishery

June 13, 2024

Modifications to Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Limit

June 12, 2024

California Fines San Diego Fishermen in Poaching Bust

May 14, 2024

No Protection for Overfished Atlantic Blue Marlin as Protections for Sharks Grow Stronger

May 13, 2024

Closure of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category in Southern New England Area

April 15, 2024

Recreational Vessels Temporarily Allowed to Fish in California Conservation Area

April 11, 2024

Hudson Canyon Marine Sanctuary Update

March 10, 2024

New Striped Marlin Study

February 15, 2024

NOAA Fisheries Announces Mistakes From Past Recreational Fishing Effort Survey

February 15, 2024

Bluefin Tuna Closure for Angling Category

April 3, 2025

New Tag & Release Category – TBF Legends

April 3, 2025

Marlin Fly Week

March 14, 2025

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

March 13, 2025

International Tagging Initiative

March 13, 2025

Annual Tag & Release Ceremony

November 6, 2024

Anglers We Will Miss: Dr. C. Phillip Goodyear

June 11, 2024

Recapture on Japanese Longliner!

March 10, 2024

New Striped Marlin Study

December 1, 2023

76th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Recap

May 4, 2023

Costa’s Marlin-Fly Project

For years, we have all heard about the amazing fishery and waters in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. From the hookups of doubles, triples, and quads of striped marlin with daily releases…

May 1, 2023

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).…

April 20, 2023

Wind lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico

The proposed sale is part of the leasing project announced by the DOI in 2021 to meet the Biden administration’s goal to deploy thirty gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity…

March 13, 2023

New Report of the Economic Contributions by Recreational Fishing Released

Last week, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) released the 2023 Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts report, an update of previous data in partnership with Southwick Associates. The…

January 21, 2023

Gulf of Mexico Hotspots Mapping Initiative

NOAA and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) are collaborating on a 5-year project to “evaluate the feasibility of bycatch hotspots” via communication networks in the Gulf of Mexico.…

December 6, 2022

Costa Rican Government Supports Sailfish Conservation

A Step in the Right Direction for Sailfish in Costa Rica If you’re expecting to come across sailfish meat in the Costa Rican Canasta Basica, then you’re unfortunately going to…

September 12, 2022

Gulf of Mexico Restoration Plan

Since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, a group of federal representatives have continued to assess and develop recovery strategies for injured…

September 12, 2022

Costa Rica’s Tuna Reform Law – Billfish Impacts Uncertain

As reported recently in the Tico Times, a new Costa Rican tuna law requires all purse seine vessels (none of which are owned by Costa Rican interests) to fish outside of…

August 10, 2022

New Findings on Striped Marlin Migrations

The following was released by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group and the Large Pelagics Research Center: The most comprehensive effort to date to characterize striped marlin (Kajikia audax) movements in the Central North…

August 10, 2022

Estimating Pelagic Longline Bycatch

Over the years, Dr. C. Phillip Goodyear, TBF’s billfish scientist has developed “species distribution models” for highly migratory species that estimate time-varying, three-dimensional distribution of habitat. These models are useful…

June 24, 2022

Fight Against Illegal Fishing by Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA)

Countries are robbed of an estimated $26-50 billion annually due to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). IUU fishing is defined as any fishing operations outside of current regulations…

June 15, 2022

Effects of Circle Hooks on Sharks and Rays – IATTC Review

In March of this year, the 1st Circle Hook Workshop of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) commenced. The goal was to analyze “scientific information regarding different circle hooks sizes…

June 3, 2022

Colombia and Panama Updates – June 2022

Sportfishing Banned in Colombia – Beginning in 2023 The Supreme Court of Colombia recently ruled that sportfishing, even catch and release, amounts to torture, thus prohibiting the sport in marine…

May 17, 2022

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Angling Category Gulf of Mexico Fishery Update

After 11:30 p.m., May 17, 2022, fishermen aboard Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling or HMS Charter/Headboat permitted vessels may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic…

April 18, 2022

Help Reduce Atlantic Shark Depredation

The NMFS has achieved predator-rich relationships with sharks and other species beyond what some scientists describe as “equilibrium.” The result is heavy shark predation of other fish stocks important to…

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