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+--- Thread: TBF Announces Conservation Report on Billfish Tag and Release Efforts (/showthread.php?tid=291837)
TBF Announces Conservation Report on Billfish Tag and Release Efforts - FishNews - 12-01-2006
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL - Today, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) released its 2006
International Billfish Conservation Record that reports the number of<br />
billfish tagged, released and recaptured during the 2005 calendar year. The<br />
annual report summarizes data on billfish species tagged with conventional<br />
tags in an effort to improve the understanding of the biology and movement<br />
of these large roving marine fish.
"Through our tagging partnership with anglers, TBF becomes a more effective<br />
advocate for the conservation of healthy billfish stocks, angling<br />
opportunities and productive oceans," President Ellen Peel said.
The report recognizes the conservation efforts of anglers, captains and<br />
mates from around the world that have volunteered their time and resources<br />
to tag and release billfish thus providing a glimpses into the lives of<br />
these amazing fish. The purpose of the Conservation Record is to summarize<br />
those efforts and recognize the grassroots conservation effort that is<br />
growing within the angling community.
"Billfish, such as blue marlin, are the eagles of the oceans roaming great<br />
distances in search of food," Dave Bogardus, TBF's science and policy<br />
specialist, said. "Today many billfish species are decreasing in number and<br />
anglers have joined with TBF to try and learn more about why this is<br />
happening."
Data highlights include:
Anglers reported 11,261 billfish catches during the 2005 calendar year.
Anglers reported 29 tags were recaptures.
TBF noted that the longest period at large for a recapture was 2,580<br />
days (seven years) for a blue marlin tagged and recaptured in Puerto Rico.
Anglers noted that sailfish made up the majority of recaptures as<br />
well as the most frequently tagged of all billfish species.
TBF also noted that circle hooks accounted for 49 percent of the<br />
hook type noted on 5,242 tag reports received by TBF. J-hooks accounted for<br />
51 percent.
The Billfish Foundation works worldwide to advance the conservation of<br />
billfish and associated species to improve the health of our oceans and<br />
coastal economies. This year, TBF celebrates its 20th Anniversary of<br />
conservation successes through scientific research, education and advocacy<br />
for responsible management. For more information about TBF, go to:<br />
www.billfish.org