Research

TBF aims to promote conservation, improve billfish stocks, and support international sportfishing. But how do we do that? With data collected from the sportfishing community, TBF can utilize that information to help develop conservation measures that benefit billfish stocks and support the recreational fishing industry.

Publications

A key component of TBF’s mission is citizen science based research. Our publications include dozens of published works that highlight what TBF has done since 1986.

Tag & Release

With more than 280,000 reports, The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release Program is the largest private billfish tagging database and the cornerstone of TBF’s conservation and advocacy efforts.

Satellite Tagging

Click here to learn the difference between satellite tags and traditional tags, especially how satellite tags provide real-time information for researchers.

Tag & Release Program

International Competition

Our annual competition quantifies tag and release activities, using angler-reported data in research that supports billfish conservation.

 

2024 Tag & Release Competition Results to be announced in January 2025!

Research

Tag & Release Program

Established in 1990, The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release Program is the largest, open-sourced billfish tagging database and the cornerstone of TBF’s conservation and advocacy efforts. With more than 280,000 tag and release reports, TBF receives thousands of tag and release records annually from across the globe to help provide vital information for billfish conservation.

Proper Tagging Techniques

Interested in learning the proper methods to tag a billfish? Click here to learn the ins and outs of billfish tagging!

Tag & Release Competition

TBF’s annual competition recognizes the top tag and release captains, mates, and anglers across the globe.

Where do I buy tags?

Need tagging equipment? Visit TBF’s online shop. 

Research

Would you like your billfish research highlighted?

If you are interested in having your research featured through TBF, please submit it below for review. 

Research

Publications

If you’re looking for published works, below is a list of several entries either published by or in collaboration with TBF researchers. Our full repository dates all the way back to 1986!

Research

Satellite Tagging

For years, TBF has funded and participated in satellite tagging expeditions where the real-time data provided is priceless. If all goes well, one satellite tag can provide researchers with information on location, migration patterns, habitat range, and vertical movement for up to a year!

Interested in learning more?

TBF fosters strong billfish conservation ethics, helping anglers of all generations understand the importance of the recreational sportfishing industry and billfish
Learn what's happening within TBF as well as in the recreational billfishing industry.
To be able to tag fish, you will need the proper gear. Check out this page to learn more about the essentials for billfish tagging.

Get on Board

Join our Newsletter

Get up to date information on events, news, and research on a constant basis. Submit your email now to join our exclusive newsletter.

Explore Our Socials

Search TBF

Upcoming Events

Important Deadlines

Important Deadlines

No important deadlines at this time. Check back soon.

Latest News