The Billfish Foundation (TBF) announces that Peter Chaibongsai, Director of Conservation Programs, will assume the responsibilities of President effective January 1, 2027, succeeding long-time President Ellen Peel.
Chaibongsai has worked at TBF for the past 20 years and has played a leading role in managing the Foundation’s Tag & Release Program, scientific research, fisheries advocacy, education initiatives, and the expansion of satellite tagging through its Groundswell Projects.
“I have great confidence that Peter will take TBF into new realms of opportunity. He will get the job done, for he understands the organization, mission, and the billfishing community,” said Peel. “He will advance Founder Winthrop P. Rockefeller’s vision and legacy to conserve billfish and, in doing so, he will help ensure that billfishing opportunities remain available for at least another 40 years. Peter will bring new energy, vision, and opportunities to TBF.”
Peel’s more than 30-year tenure as President saw TBF develop into a recognized leader in billfish research and conservation, with her strong emphasis on advocacy to improve fisheries management. The relationships she developed throughout the recreational fishing and scientific communities have helped shape TBF and its work around the world.
As President, Chaibongsai will focus on science and research as the foundation for conservation, while working to ensure that the sportfishing community has healthy billfish populations and opportunities to fish for generations to come.
“I am incredibly honored to lead TBF,” said Chaibongsai. “Ellen dedicated more than three decades to building this organization, and I will be following in the footsteps of an extraordinary leader. My goal is to continue advancing the work she established, strengthen our science and research, and ensure that TBF remains focused on its ultimate purpose: conserving billfish and protecting the fishing opportunities that connect our community to these fish.”
A central priority will be expanding TBF’s research programs, particularly satellite tagging, which TBF pioneered in 1994, and other emerging research areas. These efforts will improve understanding billfish movements, habitat use, migration, and population connectivity across the world’s oceans.
“Science will remain at the heart of TBF,” said Chaibongsai. “Governments often give limited priority to billfish research, so TBF and the sportfishing community have an important role to play in filling those gaps. Anglers, captains, boat owners and mates are already on the water and can make valuable contributions to science while helping us learn more about these fish.”
Chaibongsai will also focus on strengthening the partnerships and support needed to advance TBF’s work and engaging younger generations in conservation.
“TBF has spent the past 40 years building a strong foundation for billfish conservation,” said Chaibongsai. “My goal is to use that foundation to advance our science, strengthen conservation, and make sure our community can continue to enjoy these incredible fish for generations to come.”
