Research

Publications

A key component of TBF’s mission is citizen science-based research. In addition, we work with a team of scientists to further understand billfish species. Our publications include dozens of published works that highlight what TBF has done since 1986.

Publications

History

For decades, captains, anglers, and mates from all across the world have submitted more than 280,000 tag and release records to TBF. Their efforts have made TBF’s Tag & Release Program the largest, privately owned open-source billfish tagging database in existence. The data collected from tag and release reports provides scientists and policy makers with a wealth of invaluable information. Unlike many other fisheries, billfish are not a commercially targeted species, so much of what we know about them comes from the help of the sportfishing community.

Publications

What We Learn

Tag, release, and recapture information from our traditional tagging program provides insight into important biological traits like growth and migration. In addition, our data offers insight into additional factors like fishing effort and socioeconomics. It takes the expertise and dedication of TBF scientists, staff, interns, and fisheries experts to interpret this data and convert it into real, tangible conservation measures.

In addition to conventional tagging programs, satellite tagging studies have given scientists even greater details on billfish life history. By recording temperature, depth, and location in real time, satellite tagging has revealed preferred environmental conditions for billfish. In turn, this information has been used by policymakers in the US to make recommendations to avoid billfish bycatch in long line fisheries. Satellite tagging has also been instrumental in estimating post-release mortality for billfish caught both recreationally and commercially. Studies conducted have clearly demonstrated the conservation benefits of using circle hooks and have been the impetus for mandating the use of circle hooks in all US HMS (Highly Migratory Species) tournaments.

Publications

What We Learn

Tag, release, and recapture information from our traditional tagging program provides insight into important biological traits like growth and migration. In addition, our data offers insight into additional factors like fishing effort and socioeconomics. It takes the expertise and dedication of TBF scientists, staff, interns, and fisheries experts to interpret this data and convert it into real, tangible conservation measures.

In addition to conventional tagging programs, satellite tagging studies have given scientists even greater details on billfish life history. By recording temperature, depth, and location in real time, satellite tagging has revealed preferred environmental conditions for billfish. In turn, this information has been used by policymakers in the US to make recommendations to avoid billfish bycatch in long line fisheries. Satellite tagging has also been instrumental in estimating post-release mortality for billfish caught both recreationally and commercially. Studies conducted have clearly demonstrated the conservation benefits of using circle hooks and have been the impetus for mandating the use of circle hooks in all US HMS (Highly Migratory Species) tournaments.

Publications

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Publications

How it helps

As key stakeholders in the marine realm, effective fisheries management must also account for the needs and impacts of anglers. Working with Southwick Associates, TBF has helped conduct socioeconomic studies on the impacts of sportfishing to highlight the tremendous socioeconomic contributions the industry generates for local economies and most importantly, for conservation.

Publications

How it helps

As key stakeholders in the marine realm, effective fisheries management must also account for the needs and impacts of anglers. Working with Southwick Associates, TBF has helped conduct socioeconomic studies on the impacts of sportfishing to highlight the tremendous socioeconomic contributions the industry generates for local economies and most importantly, for conservation.

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Tag & Release Program

Read TBF REports

Each year, TBF releases a comprehensive report that summarizes all of the tags, releases, and recaptures submitted to us for that year. This document, called the Conservation Record, provides insight into fishing trends, global species hotspots, and in-depth species breakdowns. Each annual report demonstrates how important our volunteer anglers are in our mission of billfish conservation.

Interested in learning more?

TBF collects and utilizes data for advancing responsible fisheries management and billfish conservation, highlighting the importance of the recreational fishing community.
TBF provides a voice for billfish conservation and the recreational fishing community globally.
TBF fosters strong billfish conservation ethics, helping anglers of all generations understand the importance of the recreational sportfishing industry and billfish

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