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. . .Forever Fish The BillfishFoundation’s SportfishingConservationMagazine Angler Profile: Alex Chouest Regulatory Changes forthe Quest Continues for The Dreamin’ On U.S. Atlantic Conservation Mahi Mahi 1 st Stepfor

2012 Volume 2 Defy Fluid Dynamics 24-Hour Emergency Parts and Service Water can be a powerful force, especially when it has a little help from wind, gravity or the ebb and flow of All the while, Louisiana Cat tides. Fortunately, Louisiana Cat offers a full range of is behind you with: marine engines to help you push back. • 24-hour emergency parts and service Equally important, our technicians and salesmen • Dockside trials comprehend fluid dynamics as well as they understand • Performance analysis reports engine maintenance and service. That means we can help • Preventive maintenance programs you spec the perfect Cat® or MaK marine engine for your • Electronic diagnostics application … whether you’re pushing a barge upstream • Factory trained technicians on the Mississippi, crossing the Atlantic or powering an • Fully equipped facilities on-board generator. • Factory authorized warranty repairs

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LM-229.indd 1 8/20/12 11:15 AM In this issue

Features TBF Team

Ellen Peel President

Andrew Carter Special Counsel for HMS 12 angler profile: 15 Marshall Islands: 21Pacific advocacy: Youth angler Alex Chouest A look at a billfishing club The world’s largest no-take Peter Chaibongsai makes a big spash! and how they’re making a zone created in Australia and Director of Science difference with tagging. how it affects sportfishing and Policy Defy Fluid Dynamics worldwide. Andrew Cox 24-Hour Science and Policy Emergency Specialist Parts and On the Deborah Cummings Service Membership Manager Water can be a powerful force, especially when it has Cover: TBF’s 2012 artist of year, Robert Jones a little help from wind, gravity or the ebb and flow of All the while, Louisiana Cat Michael Hoffman. A look at Chief Operating Officer tides. Fortunately, Louisiana Cat offers a full range of is behind you with: his fascination with fishing marine engines to help you push back. and his transition from city Dr. C. Phillip Goodyear • 24-hour emergency parts and service boy to renowned artist. Scientist Equally important, our technicians and salesmen • Dockside trials Page 8. comprehend fluid dynamics as well as they understand Herbert Nanne • Performance analysis reports Conservation Director, engine maintenance and service. That means we can help • Preventive maintenance programs Central America you spec the perfect Cat® or MaK marine engine for your • Electronic diagnostics Dr. Russell Nelson application … whether you’re pushing a barge upstream • Factory trained technicians Scientist on the Mississippi, crossing the Atlantic or powering an • Fully equipped facilities Jackie Marsolais on-board generator. • Factory authorized warranty repairs Graphic Designer Departments Stop by one of our many locations or go to www.LouisianaCat.com to learn more about our 4 President’s Message 21 Pacific Advocacy Cat and MaK products and services. 5 Welcome Aboard 23 Research 11 Education 24 Captain’s Corner 15 Destination Profile 26 On the Docks 5100 N. Federal Hwy. #200 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 866-843-7440 17 Merchandise 31 In Memoriam 800-438-8247 www.billfish.org

© 2012 Caterpillar All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used www.LouisianaCat.com without permission. www.cat.com www.caterpillar.com To advertise in Billfish, please send inquiries to [email protected] Billfish is owned and operated by The Billfish Foundation. All rights reserved. Copyright 2012. Printed in the USA. 3

LM-229.indd 1 8/20/12 11:15 AM Presidents Message TBF Trustees

Chair Bill Gooch

Vice Chair Sandra MacMillan

Treasurer Fin Gaddy

Secretary I hope you are enjoying a wonderful clubs and fishing teams buy tables and Joan Vernon fishing season; we received many great enjoy a great time with friends; you still fishing reports from around the world have time to get a group together and Luis L. Bacardi and have enjoyed visiting many of you at purchase a table. John Brownlee tournaments. We are truly grateful to the Gary Carter tournaments, individuals and clubs that On a more serious note, TBF needs your Gary J. Chouest work so hard to produce great events and assistance by signing up for our TBF Keith English raise much needed funds for The Billfish E’News on our website to grow our voices Chris Fischer Foundation (TBF)! to counter the extreme environmental Norm Isaccs organizations. These groups generate Elaine “Lainey” Jones Seasons will soon be changing around campaigns to persuade governments to John Richardson the world with a very important one in close hundreds of thousands of square Mobile Big Game Fishing Club the United States starting soon – college miles in their offshore waters to all fishing, Scott Delaney football season! If you want your favorite including recreational catch and release Mark O’Brien college team to win TBF’s Collegiate fishing for billfish and tuna. Several recent Chase Offield Billfish National Championship, be sure campaigns have generated more than Orange Beach Billfish Classic you and your friends cheering for the same 150,000 comments from environmentalists, Scott Cooper team are signed up on TBF’s website so greatly outnumbering all sportfishing Tim Simpson each of your tagged billfish add points to submissions and other fishing interests your teams’ score board. The winning team combined. You don’t have to be a TBF emeritus will be announced at our annual dinner member to sign up, but obviously we hope Francisco Rangel Castelazo on October 26th. Even if you didn’t catch you will join. Try to get each member of Paxson Offield any billfish, you can still sign up and your your fishing club, your fishing team, and Don Tyson team will get some points for each person sportfishing related businesses to sign Ralph “Agie” Vicente that joins TBF and registers to win TBF’s up and “get involved and do your part Jack Willits Collegiate Billfish National Championship. for conservation.” We can also keep you You can also win a pair of Costa sunglasses up to date on TBF activities shared on Founding Chairman in the monthly drawings! To top it all off, our Facebook page if you click “Like”. Winthrop P. Rockefeller you could win two tickets to the National I realize we all would rather be fishing, 1948-2006 Championship game! The more you do, but we must do our part to take the time the better the chances are to win these to respond to TBF’s “Call to Action” President great prizes! Drawing for the winning alerts. It appears that fishing access and Ellen M. Peel, J.D. LL.M. name will also be on Friday, October 26, individual livelihoods or company profits 2012, at our annual fundraising gala. were not taken into account in the closure campaigns run by environmentalists; they You can purchase tickets or a whole table do not admit there is a human element in for 10 individuals to our gala – A Night fishery conservation and management. in Atlantis – online at www.billfish.org. I hope each of you sign up for the This is the most fun event held during the Collegiate Billfish National Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, with music, Championship and our TBF E’News, an open bar and great deals in the silent and then join us on Friday, auction and live auction from which great October 26, 2012 for a fun night TBF works worldwide items will go home with the top bidders – in“Atlantis.” advancing the jewelry, fishing trips, sculpture, fishing conservation gear and lots more. Many sportfishing of billfish and associated species, Go Fish, to improve the status of the fish, the health of the oceans, fishing opportunities and related economies. Welcome Aboard, Tim Simpson!

TBF is proud to welcome aboard Tim Simpson to its Board of Directors. For over 30 years, Tim has played an instrumental part in the development of the sportfishing industry in Australia. In his 8th year as the general manager and editor of BlueWater Boats & Sportfishing magazine, he has worked tirelessly to make the magazine not only a leader in Australia, but a respected sportfishing publication around the world. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to flip through one, you would agree completely!

Tim states “the pursuit of fishing knowledge has taken me the length and breadth of Australia. From catching barramundi in the remote creeks of the Top End to battling monster black marlin off Lizard Island, I have caught nearly every popular species in Australia.” Tim’s enthusiasm for sportfishing and conservation is tough to rival.

Tim is one of Australia’s most successful tag and release anglers with over 580 marlin, shark, tuna and other gamefish tagged and released. In 1988, he was the national Tag & Release Champion in the Bi-Centennial fishing competition and it did not take him long to become a respected angler. By the age of 23 he had tallied two Australian National Sportfishing Association ‘Master’ awards and caught five IGFA world records. He added a Photo courtesy of Adrian Gray, IGFA sixth IGFA world record in 2009 with a 69.6lb wahoo on 4kg line class tackle!

In 1996, Tim was invited by the New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Fisheries to join the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing (ACORF), a position he held through several terms until his resignation due to his move to Queensland. However, his move didn’t keep him out of the political arena for long and in 2010 he was invited aboard the newly created Queensland Fisheries Advisory Committee (QFAC) as a representative of the recreational fishing sector, a position he still holds.

Tim is an avid angler with an extreme passion for fishing and fishing education. He has a passion for vintage gamefishing books and tackle and has enjoyed watching the sport progress from where it began at the Avalon Tuna Club on Catalina Island in 1898. He co-authored The Book of Lures which is a benchmark guide for understanding the design, selection, and use of fishing lures from around the world. Tim certainly understands the intricate dependence between conservation and the sportfishing industry. TBF is looking forward to working with him for years to come!

TBF’s Peel and Two Others Named ICCAT is a 42-year old inter-governmental fishery organization by President Obama to Key White of some 50 member nations responsible for the conservation of tunas and highly migratory species, including billfish, tunas House Posts and sharks, in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas, like the FT LAUDERDALE, FL, USA — Ms. Ellen Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico. Peel, the much respected president and CEO of The Billfish Foundation (TBF), Peel recently began her 16th year as the head of TBF, a post who has also served for three years as a many in billfishing and marine conservation say was a position U.S. representative to the International for which she was born. Commission for the Conservation of Despite many challenges like the reduced worldwide populations Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), has been named of billfish caused by commercial longlining and netting, her by President Obama as U.S. Commissioner to ICCAT. These are message has remained clear – good conservation pays in duties in conjunction with her TBF duties. benefits to the fish stocks, the oceans’ ecosystems, improved Russell F. Smith III was also named a U. S. Commissioner to fishing opportunities, strong economies and prepared future ICCAT. The third appointee was Caitlin Durkovich. ocean stewards and users. Through education, research, science, advocacy and uniting the recreational fishing community as one In making the appointments President Obama said, “It gives me powerful voice, TBF’s accomplishments have been many and its great confidence that such dedicated and capable individuals respect has been spread worldwide. have agreed to join this Administration and serve the American people. I look forward to working with them in the months and Now in its 26th year, The Billfish Foundation works globally years ahead.” to advance the conservation of billfish and associated species, to improve the health of fish, ocean ecosystems and Peel was asked in 2009 to serve as the Acting U.S. Recreational to insure fishing opportunities and corresponding benefits to Fishing Commissioner to ICCAT, pending final approval by dependent economies. the President. 5 orate p rofile cor p orate

passionate about fishing since 1983.

This one-of-a-kind blue marlin sculpture, built entirely out of Costa’s own sunglasses parts, as seen in magazines and TV shows, will be auctioned off at The Billfish Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Dinner, October 26, 2012. See opposite page for details.

Bids can be placed during the dinner, or early bids will be accepted by telephone or email through Friday, October 19, 2012. If interested please email [email protected] or call 954-938-0150 X 113 The Billﬁ sh Foundation’s 26th Annual Gala Fundraiser Dinner

A Night in Atlantis Louisiana

FEATURING: Live Entertainment & Dancing Elegant Culinary Creations Silent & Live Auction

Come as your Elegant Self or as your favorite Undersea God or Goddess, and Dance the Night away under the Sea. Friday, October 26, 2012 at 6 o’clock p.m. Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six • Panorama Ballroom • 2301 S.E. 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL

PURCHASE TICKETS AT: www.Billﬁ sh.org, or call (954) 938-0150, X113 $150 per person • VIP tables $1,800 • Sponsorships Available

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to discuss in-kind sponsorships, contact Robert Jones at (954) 938-0150, X113 or email Robert_Jones@Billﬁ sh.org

TBF dinner.full.indd 1 7/31/2012 7:05:27 PM Michael Hoffman TBF’s 2012 Art ist

TBF is pleased to announce the significant catches including a world record tuna weighing 934 selection of Michael Hoffman as pounds caught in 1976 in the Bahamas. our 2012 artist of the year. In 1978 Hoffman made the decision to pursue fine art as a Hoffman was born in Vermont but grew full-time career. Since that time, the artist has focused up under the bright lights of New York on sharing his experiences both old and new on City. He discovered a love and talent canvas, recreating in great detail the marine life for art at an early age, learning of coral reefs, the excitement of big game fishing classical art techniques at the knee and the beauty of the Florida landscape. of his uncle, Irwin D. Hoffman, a prominent portrait artist. In his most recent works, Hoffman has chosen to recreate some of the history of Mike’s fascination with billfishing, combining the marine life began when he nostalgia of classic custom moved to Florida in 1967 boats with the electricity of and took a job as a mate a huge billfish on the line. on a Miami based charter boat. On charters off South Lucky TBF members Florida and the Bahamas, joining or renewing at the he became lured by the swordfish level or higher adrenaline rush of close will receive an exclusive encounters with powerful signed and numbered billfish, tuna, sharks and print of Michael Hoffman’s other game fish and began exciting painting featuring recreating this excitement striped marlin and sailfish on canvas. These early chasing a bait ball, aptly works inspired Hoffman to titled “Having a Ball.” pursue a lifelong career as To check out more of a marine wildlife artist. As Hoffman’s work, a crewman, Mike was also visit his web site, an integral part of many www.hoffmanartwork.com.

Winthrop P. Rockefeller Student Ocean Program prepares 2012 Interns The Billfish Foundation is proud to announce the new Winthrop P. Rockefeller Student Ocean Program interns for 2012. This initiative carries on Mr. Rockefeller’s vision of responsible ocean and fish stewardship by providing valuable work experience to promising students. Through a generous donation, TBF has hired three interns for the spring and summer. All three interns are studying Marine Affairs and Policy at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. Michael Kelly Scott Meyer This year’s Winthrop P. Rockefeller Student Ocean Program interns include: Parker Crawford, a senior at the University of Miami, assists in the Tagging and Education/Outreach Division and with the Collegiate Billfish National Championship.

Michael Kelly, a UM graduate student, works in TBF’s Science and Policy Division, taking the lead in researching and monitoring the threats of marine protected areas and closures to recreational fishing.

Scott Meyer, a UM graduate student, works for TBF’s Science Division, developing multi-media outreach and educational materials.

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CSA_Billfish_0812_FINAL.indd 1 7/27/12 1:38 PM Cooking Up TBF Awareness The Billfish Foundation in the Heart of Texas TBF continues to look for opportunities You betcha! In April, The Billfish to visit college campuses to spread the Foundation made the trip to the highly word about the organization and promote anticipated Chilifest in Snook, Texas, eight fish and ocean awareness. With Chilifest miles outside of College Station and home in April, the highly anticipated Costa to the Texas Aggies. Most of TBF’s trips Greekfest at the University of Alabama to the great state of Texas involve fishing in August, and a TBF tailgate at the around the oil platforms in the Gulf of University of Miami football games, we Mexico. But this time, instead of blue are excited about the future of connecting water and oil rigs, we were surrounded by with student anglers and ocean users on a field of BBQ pits, smokers, chili cookers, college campuses. and an all-out country music festival! TBF wants to express its thanks to TBF continues to expand its outreach Fin Gaddy and his Qualifier crew for at college campuses and promote the generously donating a trip to Isla Mujeres, Collegiate Billfish National Championship Mexico, during the upcoming sailfish (CBNC), a fishing and ocean awareness season, which a lucky student will win! project. TBF was fortunate enough to tag The winner’s name will be drawn from along with the Costa Sunglasses crew to members who joined in Texas at Chilifest recruit new members, promote awareness and at Costa’s Greekfest in Alabama. about TBF and the CBNC. During the two day event, which was attended by 40,000 people, TBF handed out custom CBNC cups and TBF Mardi Gras style beads. Before long, yellow TBF cups and silver beads adorned with the TBF logo could be seen everywhere!

The event was headlined by renowned country musicians including Billy Currington, with other acts from Pat Green and the Josh Abbott Band. The 21 year old event has raised more than two million dollars for local charities in the Brazos Valley and surrounding areas. During the event, TBF raised funds and signed up new members!

10 10 Table ofE ducationContents 11 of the shark swimming ovehead. Since his of the shark swimming returnedinitial visit, Carey has several complete the times to help students have worked mural project. The students developed and tirelessly on the mural, learnedrefined new techniques, to paint this was difficult as a team (we heard had importantly, at times), and most side-by-side the opportunity to work marine artist. with this world-renowned Many of the students will remember this experience for the rest of their lives, and will be forever inspired to continue their love of art and the ocean. Special thanks to Carey Chen and his dedication to educating and inspiring young artists! Stay tuned for future TBF projects with art programs throughout South Florida. There are rumors of a student art contest during the Miami Boat Show in February 2013. Be sure to check it out! some of his artwork, some of his artwork, described his thought process, and demonstrated to them the importance of light and depth while immortalizing the marine world on canvas. With all of the aspiring artists in the classroom, many of whom used marine animals as subjects, he complimented their artwork and made suggestions for improvement. It was truly a special occasion in which It was truly a special occasion in which this famous marine artist took time to make an impact on the lives of the students, any of whom could someday be the next “Carey Chen.” One of the projects that Carey started with some of the students was to help design and paint a “Carey Chen” inspired mural on the wall in the front office of the school. This is no ordinary wall mural, but a mural that will surround an 11-foot Great Hammerhead Shark replica mount that was recently donated to the Marine Magnet Program at the school. The mural includes coral reefs and colorful fish and projects the perspective enowned Artist Carey Chen Carey Artist enowned

nspiration comes through many forms of stimulation, but rarely do students have the opportunity

Paint for Ocean Awareness Ocean for Paint High School Students School High I to experience the day TBF and marine artist Carey Chen provided on that special morning in February when they visited South Broward High School. The Advanced Placement (AP) Fine Arts Class sat in awe as Chen described his life’s journey as an artist. He went into great depth on how he became interested in marine art and, with no formal training, the progression of his skills over time, He made the point to where he is today. that his own skills continue to improve and urged students to never stop refining their techniques. He showed students

South Broward High School art students working on mural and receiving guidance from Carey Chen Carey guidance from and receiving School art on mural students working High South Broward With R With Cooking Up Up Cooking Awareness TBF Young AN gler p rofile Young The next generation shows his catch and release skills… by Captain Albert Miller

here are slow days, marlin fishing ever. As our average days, good excitement level rose, so did T days and great the intensity and ferocity of days of fishing, but every the bite. There were a couple once in a while, something of kamikaze teaser bites (one really special happens. As actually carried the entire fishermen these are the squid chain out of the water), days we live for. We make and Alex was hooking almost our schedules for the season everything in sight. He was and try to put ourselves in knocking on the door of a position to maximize the very big milestone and his number of these really special whole family was cheering days. Whether it was that him on via email. “one crazy fish,” the “best day ever” or the “big one,” Alex comes from a marlin these experiences are rare fishing family that has and make for the fondest of collectively chalked up memories. some remarkable angling achievements. Catching My newest edition came recently while Dino had some business to address the seven blues in a day (on several accompanying my boss and his family on next day, so he decided to let his 15-year occasions) was one of those family a pre-Easter vacation to the Dominican old son Alex take his place. Alex has been milestones. That record was held by his Republic for a few days. Now bear in fishing since he was a little kid and, as a father and his Uncle Damon, whose boat mind, the Chach was en route to the DR matter of fact, I was with him when he we were fishing on. You can imagine the when this trip was planned. So for us to caught his first blue at age seven. Now shouts, cheers and emails flying after we fish the first day, the crew would have he’s a growing adolescent, six-four and cut the leader on the next fish; the tying to speed it up a little, check in, fuel up he wears size 14 shoes, so we decided number seven for nine! In an email reply and unload, as well as have tackle and this would be a great trip for him to start his dad wrote, “Sucker will beat our seven bait ready after a three day transit from pitching his own fish. He excitedly agreed in one day record...... AWESOME!”. Capt. Stuart, Florida. This is a feat professional as we cruised offshore. Dave and Matt were also flirting with a crews know can be done, but only with personal best day at this point and we still great difficulty. Captain Dave Dalfo and About 20 minutes after reaching the spot had over a half hour of fishing time left! crewmen Matt Copeletta and Greg Uff on an overcast but calm morning, he got pulled it off, ready and anxious to start his first shot. As Capt. Dave teased the Then it happened. After a miss on a their season a few days early. fish in, Alex tossed the pitch and readied rigger and a few anticipation filled himself for the assault. The hit came fast minutes, Alex was back in the chair After arriving on the island and checking and the fight was over quickly. As Alex coaxing the swivel out of the water as in at the resort, I rode down to the tried to take a few seconds to enjoy the the fish angled toward the surface. While marina to find the crew fueling up the adrenaline rush of the first catch of the day, Capt. Dave had the Chach pinned in boat and getting the rods and bait box his revery was rudely interrupted when reverse, Matt grabbed the leader on our rigged and ready. We pulled over to the the next hit came quickly. This time he eighth blue of the day! With this fish the slip and unloaded the dock boxes and smoothly pushed the drag to “strike” and crew of the Chach had just one-upped bait freezer. Dave changed oil in the the circle hook found its mark. He handled their best day ever of seven blues. Also, Genset while Matt and Gregg hit the teak. that fish with the skill of a veteran angler! it was the highest number of blues ever After a much needed wash down and a caught in a day on the Chach, which few cocktails (made with the finest rum By mid-morning we were three for four. might I add, has had some tremendous products available) we were ready. Little Shortly after lunch we were four for captains and crews over the years, and did they know how worthwhile their five, and by mid afternoon Alex had has been on the rip since Dave and Matt efforts would be..... achieved his personal best day of blue were in diapers!

12 Alex had just accomplished something I believe has never been done by a junior angler and something none of his family members have ever done. I broke out in Join goose bumps as I watched this Young Gun carve himself a spot in billfishing history. Eight blue marlin in a single day all caught by a junior angler! He was five for six on the pitch and three for five in the riggers on fish from 80 to over 200 pounds. I remember it taking some time for it to really soak in. One thing for sure is that Alex on that day claimed a spot in his family’s fishing legacy that makes everyone very proud. On The following day Alex was joined by his father and his younger brother Max. On this day I watched father and son, each with a pitch rod in hand, baiting their side of a multiple blue marlin bite.

Yet another family milestone was achieved. Max caught his first blue Facebook.com/BillfishFoundation marlin! At nine years old, he’s been in the chair a few times in the past couple of years, but this was his day to fight one until its release, and start his own blue marlin angling career. A last minute vacation had turned into an historic fishing trip, releasing seventeen blues The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is now in two and a half days of fishing. It will on Facebook. Become a fan of The not be forgotten by those of us fortunate Billfish Foundation so you can be the enough to have enjoyed it. first to know the latest in TBF news.

Send us your young angler stories and photos for future issues of Billfish magazine! Photos courtesy of Damon Chouest

Destination Profile 15 Feature MBC members Bill- Melven Aliven , Scott Howe, Kyle Kyle , Scott Howe, Aliven Melven MBC members Bill- a billfish tagging and releasing Dragon onboard Aliven Trouble Brewing Trouble victim of their The Marshalls are a of the own good fortune. Because seiners and long excellent fishing, purse Since the area has liners have moved in. of the last great tuna benefitted from one the commercial populations in the world, and threatening the boats are coming in excellent sportfishery. future of the area’s action to no management Unfortunately, control the influx is being considered. The MBC is taking the lead in the Marshall Islands to raise awareness of the problem. At the same time TBF will continue advancing the importance of recreational fishing before international management organizations, which is very important to many small island nations like and including the Marshalls.

The MBC is a very active club that hosts thirteen tournaments a names With year. Blue like Team Marah, Bird, Team Carolina, Team ! MBC’s Tagging Tagging MBC’s Program In 1993, MBC instituted its tagging program. In past years, the club had had difficulty getting tags, but thanks to an international grant from The Billfish Foundation it now uses TBF tags. is Trophy Cup The annual President’s presented each year to the cumulative winner of the tournaments. Last year’s also Milne. Wally award went to Wally had the most tagged billfish, 16 out of 37 tagged by club members. This year, record. is on track to beat last year’s Wally He already has eight tagged, with seven tournaments left in the season. Team Celinda and Team True Blue, Blue, True Celinda and Team Team these avid fishermen compete with each other for bragging rights all year round. There are twelve mini tournaments, one each month. The season ends with a two-day event called the All Micronesia which sees teams from Tournament, Guam, Palau, Japan, Samoa, Australia and the Federated States of Micronesia. agging

he Republic of the Marshall Islands of the Marshall Islands

international farther anglers, the waters offshore are nearly virgin territory for sport fishermen, stories and the of outstanding catches in those areas In 1982, out of a desire are legendary. to field a team to enter the Hawaiian Tournament, International Billfish the Marshalls Billfish Club (MBC) was started. Four enthusiastic fishermen, Ronnie and Ramsey Reimers, Wally Michaels were the club’s Milne and Tom founders. They not only formed the Club and the team, they went on to win that first tournament was no in Kona. There turning back from there. The capital island of the Marshalls is reached easily Majuro. In this center, by flight from Hawaii and Guam, the billfishing is excellent with large populations of blue marlin, black the marlin, sailfish and spearfish. While waters around Majuro are frequented by is a part of the Micronesian is a part of the Micronesian almost on Archipelago located ten degrees west the equator, of the International Date Line. more The Republic comprises miles of ocean. than a million square many of which are The islands are atolls, surrounding large, small, low-lying islets deep lagoons. In many areas, the ocean is a thousand feet deep just on the outside of the reef. The Marshalls have been compared to the Maldive Archipelago in the Indian Ocean or the Tuamoto Archipelago in French Polynesia. T Capt. Anja Andy and his crew receiving the Jakie Jacobs Jacobs the Jakie receiving and his crew Andy Anja Capt. tournament. at this years Trophy Memorial

mbrace T Embrace slands slands I Pacific South JOIN OR RENEW YOUR SUPPORT Membership Levels and Benefits Visit www.BILLFISH.org to learn more about Individual, Club or Corporate Memberships TBF Merchandise Sailfish $25 U.S./$50 International Join or renew at the • Unlimited free release certificates Chairman’s Club level • Official Membership Card & Decal and join a core group of leading members. • Full-color issues of Billfish • FREE TBF Membership T-Shirt Chairman’s Club - $1,000 All of the above, plus: Striped Marlin - $75 • Beautiful signed and numbered print by a All of the above, plus: favorite marine artist with hand-painted remarque • License Plate featuring • Insider reports from the Chairman TBF Logo • Special invitations to exclusive TBF events • Chairman’s Club Flag for your boat or home • Chairman’s Club hat White Marlin - $125

All of the above, plus: • TBF Membership Visor Legacy - $10,000 and above Lifetime Chairman’s Club Level Membership Swordfish - $250 All of the above, plus: • Exclusive signed and numbered print corporate & club memberships by a favorite marine artist Fishing Clubs are a prime source to spread TBF’s conservation message! Make YOUR Fishing Club a TBF Member at one of these Blue Marlin - $500 levels: All of the above, plus:  $250 $500 $1000 • Set of 5 billfish tags TBF Corporate memberships are a great way to support • Three complimentary gift billfish conservation and promote your business. Corporate memberships memberships are available at these levels: • Complimentary tickets to Fort Lauderdale & Miami  $1000 $1500 $2500 $5000 International Boat Shows To learn more about details and benefits for TBF’s Club or Corporate memberships, contact Deborah at: [email protected] or 954-938-0150 ext 106.

Membership Application I want to support billfish conservation as a TBF member. I have enclosed my membership payment in the following amount: $25 $50* $75 $125 $250 $500 $1,000  $2,500  $5,000  $10,000 Other $______

Name ______Address______City______State______Zip______Country______Phone______Fax______Email______

Payment Method:  Visa  MasterCard  American Express  Discover  Check Account #:______Exp. Date ______Name on Account______Signature______

Members-Only T-Shirt:  S  M  L  XL  2XL  3XL Type of Contribution: Please fill out and return with your  New  Renewal  Gift contribution in the envelope provided to: Please provide the name and address of gift giver and recipient The Billfish Foundation separately if you are giving a gift membership. PO Box 628259 • Orlando, FL 32862-9941 * Minimum donation for International Sailfish level 800-438-8247 ext. 106 • www.billfish.org Membership donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

16 Visit www.BILLFISH.org to learn more about Individual, Club or Corporate Memberships TBF Merchandise Visit www.BILLFISH.org to place your order today!

b. C. Plush marlin toys (sold separately) E.

A. Marlin baby infant onesie D. Surf Trixie girl’s t-shirt B. Tag & release infant onesie E. Kids marlin t-shirt

G. Ladies’ scoop neck “Free to Fight” t-shirt

F. Cheerleader scoop neck t-shirt H.

H. TBF/Pelagic offshore cap I. Pelagic long-sleeved OCP Aquatic shirt

J. Pelagic short-sleeved vapor-tech shirt

All sales from TBF merchandise go directly towards keeping billfish in the water for future generations of anglers to enjoy. So you can look good AND show your commitment to conservation all year long! 17 For questions concerning your order, please call 800-438-8247, x106 or email [email protected] Report All Landings U.S. Regulatory Draft Amendment 8 focuses on options to revitalize the U.S. swordfish fishery tlanticy A dvocac News A and streamline permit issuing, a White Marlin process that has been underway since Here we go again! The National Marine 2007. Even though the North Atlantic Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reviewing swordfish stocks are fully recovered, a second petition to list white marlin which represents a success story for under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) international fisheries management, as “Threatened.” A listing of white the U.S. has failed to catch its allocated marlin under the ESA as “Threatened” quota. This is due to a number of issues, would create significant obstacles for including failure by many anglers to Pacific Marlin packaged and sold in U.S. U.S. fishing communities. Though not as Photo by Masa Ushioda / CoolWaterPhoto.com report swordfish landings, which adds draconian as a listing as “Endangered,” to the potential of the U.S. losing its The Fishery Science Improvement Act the NMFS would likely consider quota. Other contributing factors include: would offer relief from eminent closures proposing new regulatory restraints on the availability of permits, restrictions for non-billfish species and require time anglers. The U.S. commercial fishery on authorizing an increase in the size for government scientists to conduct already must release all marlin. The of permitted vessels, little available stock assessments before an area can current petition also included text of financing for distant water vessels, and be closed to fishing. Billfish are not concern about blue marlin, but it did established closed zones to protect juvenile threatened by domestic closures for they not specifically call for a listing of that swordfish, marlin, and sea turtle bycatch, are highly migratory in nature and species. Consequently, the government is which are essential. At the same time, managed under both U.S. regulations not considering blue marlin at this time other nations clamor for a portion of the and international treaties. But many for a possible ESA listing. U.S. swordfish allocation not caught. It is billfish anglers also fish for reef fish and extremely important for the U.S. to land The most recent stock assessment coastal pelagics and may be impacted its full quota allocation; a failure to do for white marlin was completed this severely by the eminent closures. so increases the likelihood that uncaught spring, but will not be adopted until the tonnage will go to other nations, those The bills have the support of the annual negotiations of the International nations that fish with little regard for American Sportfishing Association, Commission for the Conservation of conservation and dump swordfish back Center for Coastal Conservation, Coastal Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) take place in into the U.S. market, driving down the Conservation Association, Congressional November. The NMFS is reviewing this prices significantly, which harms U.S. Sportsmen’s Foundation, International draft assessment document to determine fisheries and related businesses. Game Fish Association, National Marine whether it includes new scientific evidence Manufacturers Association and The that warrants another full year review Authorizing new gear types into the Billfish Foundation. of white marlin science to determine commercial swordfish fishery is one option being considered to increase whether a listing is warranted. The last The fate of each bill will likely be landings and the likelihood of the petition filed to list white marlin initiated determined near the very end of the U.S. retaining its quota. Gears being a full year’s review with the conclusion Congressional session. Stay tuned. that the species did not warrant listing. considered include commercial rod and reel (like the Bluefin General Category HMS Management permit, not a recreational rod and reel U.S. Legislative Changes on the permit), handline, harpoon, and bandit Update A swordfish caught in south Florida. The Billfish Conservation Act and the Way Fishery Science Improvement Act offer This spring the NMFS released three positives for fish and anglers. Both bills proposed Fishery Management Plan continue to move forward in this second Amendments and one White Paper to session of Congress. modify the Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management The Billfish Conservation Act would prohibit Plan for tunas, swordfish, sharks and any person from offering Pacific billfish billfish. A significant consideration (marlin, sailfish, spearfish) or billfish would be any measures that might products for sale, selling them, or having be implemented to help facilitate the custody, control, or possession of them landing of the U.S. quota for bluefin tuna for purposes of offering them for sale or and swordfish, which would otherwise be selling them. An exemption is included given to other nations that fish with little for Hawaii and the Pacific Insular Areas. regard for conservation.

18 A tlantic A dvocac y tlantic

gear - considered by most to be more more income than selective than pelagic longline gear. Some yellowfin, longline pelagic longline interests desire to return vessels aim to retain to the closed zones off Florida and in the the three largest Gulf because they are required to use bluefin landed, circle hooks and government specified which results in high- baits. Other gear sectors are opposed grading of bluefin to a possible rod and reel commercial – throwing away swordfish fishery and are telling the smaller, but legal size NMFS that thousands of anglers will bluefin as larger ones catch and sell swordfish, even though are landed. Placing such actions would remain prohibited. a cap on the entire If a currently permitted HMS Angling Gulf’s pelagic longline vessel elected to fish under a commercial fleet that allows Rod and Reel permit, the vessel would retention of a higher no longer be recreational and could only number of bluefin, fish according to commercial regulations. up to the cap level, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Photo courtesy of NOAA Some opposition to additional gear types without requiring the may be a preference for no additional requisite tonnage of commonwealths or Freely Associated competition at home, even though yellowfin should reduce high-grading States including Guam, the Northern additional landings would help the U.S. and dumping of legal size bluefin and Marianas Islands, American Samoa, retain its international swordfish quota. reduce billfish bycatch. Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Palmyra Atoll and The key has to be stopping all longlining others. The U.S. Caribbean islands Atlantic Bluefin in the Gulf once the bluefin tonnage attract great numbers of tourists, who Draft Amendment 7 for bluefin tuna is cap is reached. Then the longline vessels frequent restaurants and likely expect not yet formalized, but its development would have to switch to green stick or served seafood to be held to the same is being guided by a Preliminary White buoy gear to complete their yellowfin seafood safety and inspection regulations Paper and will continue until 2014. tuna fishing. Billfish bycatch with the required in the continental U.S. by the Landing and retaining the entire U.S. alternative gears should be lower and Food and Drug Administration and the quota is a major concern. Just as with those hooked should be released with National Oceanic and Atmospheric swordfish, a failure to land and retain a greater likelihood of survival than Administration. Caution should be the quota will result in a loss of tonnage those released from longline hooks. A exercised before establishing a precedent to other nations and a diminishment of marlin cap could also be established in that legitimizes such practices. In the U.S. negotiating strength. Currently the pelagic longline fishery in case an addition, a new commercial fishing the U.S., the European Union (EU), Japan inordinate number of marlin were killed permit is being considered that expands and Canada are the “big four” fishing before the bluefin cap was landed. A options for some, but would likely not be nations with the largest percentage of marlin cap should also require a switch favored by those with current Charter/ the overall international bluefin quota. to alternate gear to continue fishing for Headboat Permits. If the U.S. loses part of its quota, it may yellowfin. Additional landings of bluefin no longer be viewed or treated as a tuna while fishing with a landings cap major fishing nation with less deference would help the U.S. land its quota and and respect given to its conservation reduce dead discards of legal size bluefin and management preferences at and marlin. international negogiations.

In the U.S., anglers desire a recreational U.S. Caribbean Region allocation established for their fishing Draft Amendment 4 had a goal to in the Gulf of Mexico. The current line adapt HMS regulations to local practices of delineation between the northern and and realities. The options considered southern regions is outdated and results authorizing the sale of fish through in closure of the angling sector in most methods that are illegal under current years before the bluefin reach the Gulf. U.S. regulations. Legitimizing illegal practices in the U.S. Caribbean waters Pelagic longline bycatch of billfish in the would create a significant disparity targeted yellowfin tuna fishery increases between fishing interests there and U.S. as boats strive to land the tonnage of fishing interests from the mainland. yellowfin required before retaining up The U.S. Caribbean Islands (Puerto Rico, to three bluefin in the Gulf of Mexico. Virgin Islands) are not significantly Because bluefin sales can generate remote as are other U.S. territories,

19 bully countries into creating campaigns Atlantic Sharks for marine reserves and closing out Draft Amendment 5 important stakeholders, including the focuses on many species of recreational sportfishing community. tlanticy A dvocac

A sharks, most of which are overfished, by considering TBF has made two trips already to whether to modify total Bermuda to meet with anglers at allowable catch (TAC) the Bermuda Anglers Club, the Sea limits, quotas and retention Horse Anglers Club and high ranking limits, reduction of discard government officials to raise awareness, mortality, and possible discuss options and make clear the real modification of time and potential economic negatives that can area closures. flow from a large closed zone that shuts out anglers fishing for billfish and tunas, See TBF’s web site for the as currently proposed by environmental organization’s comments Shortfin Mako Shark - Photo courtesy of NOAA organizations. TBF will draft suggested submitted in response to comments to Bermuda’s government these proposed amendments at tourism, the loss of fishing opportunities officials that will be widely distributed www.billfish.org. Click on Advocacy. for anglers may spell a significant blow to our billfish constituents worldwide, to the economy. The public consultation asking for each and everyone to sign and Environmental phase has unofficially been stated to send to those decision makers. Please be begin this September and TBF strongly ready for further information by signing Organizations Target urges not just Bermudians, but everyone up for TBF E’News on our web site in the sportfishing community to www.billfish.org. You do not have to be Bermuda for Closures participate with TBF. a member to sign up with your email, As part of Pew Environment Group’s (a but we hope you will join. We can US based organization) Global Ocean Anglers need to unite to ensure that they sure use your help with this – numbers Legacy campaign, their Blue Halo project are properly represented, do not lose are counted. Also stay in touch with is calling for a no-take zone in Bermuda access to fishing grounds, and are not just TBF on this and other issues through to encompass waters 50 miles from shore another “easy target” for environmental TBF’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/ out to Bermuda’s 200 mile exclusive groups. With the recent developments billfishfoundation), email (advocacy@ economic zone. in Australia, marine conservation is at billfish.org) or on Twitter. a crossroads of global significance to For a small island like Bermuda with a either learn from the past or continue strong tradition in charter fishing and to see influential environmental groups dependence on foreign capital from

Hot Caribbean Billfishing Destinations Selling out Billfish Conservation ...jobs, sportfishing eco-tourism trade and food security at risk Hot billfishing billfish nationally, regionally and with Caribbean island nations’ tourism destinations in the internationally? and fisheries officials and regional Caribbean Sea have organizations to begin documenting made their mark in TBF knows the wider Caribbean is rich economic benefits derived from the sportfishing world in billfish and tuna resources when they recreational fisheries. TBF also is sharing for years, attracting migrate through the region’s waters. its expertise in drafting management thousands of fishing Distant-water-fishing nations know this plans for billfish and tunas to help tourists and funds too and buy access into some nation’s provide a framework throughout the to the host nations. waters or get their vessels reflagged to region for consistent management for Billfish and other highly migratory add to their fishing fleet size in the name nations to consider. TBF is also co- species provide the foundation for a of the reflagging nation. The distant- hosting a workshop with the U.N. Food strong sportfishing eco-tourism trade in water-fishing nations have many more & Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the Caribbean, which supports many options than the Caribbean nations; they November at which government officials jobs. This trade is clean, sustainable have the means to fish around the world from the wider Caribbean will gather and economically profitable, so why wherever the fish swim. to start a dialogue on the economics of aren’t the nations that benefit taking To help address the challenges to the recreational fishing in the region. a proactive part in the conservation Caribbean fishing, economy and jobs, and responsible management of Stay tuned to progress reports, this will be TBF launched a campaign to work a multi-year project.

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what is at least a localized depletion This was an excellent outcome won by TBF Coalition of this species along the Costa Rican hard work and patience dealing with an coast. The Costa Rican Vice-Minister of international fisheries management that Achieves a First Agriculture, Xinia Chavez, listened to is slow to respond to any new issues and the concerns of the TBF coalition and inherently reluctant to look into problems for Conservation understood the reality of this problem. arising from particular fishing gear. We For the past four years concerns about She directed the national fisheries agency, are appreciative of the work done by what appears to be a substantial decline INCOPESCA, to institute a Central Herbert Nanne, Costa Rican officials, in dorado (mahi-mahi or dolphin American coalition to address the problem. Monica Gutierrez and the members of fish) along the Pacific Coast of Central OSPESCA to bring this acute problem out America, have been raised by TBF’s INCOPESCA’s Luis Dobles, Bernal into the clear light of objective science. Central American Conservation Director Chavaria, and Miguel Carvajal brought This great work is a prime example of Herbert Nanne, its chief scientist, Dr. the issue before OSPESCA, the Central how persistence, hard work and the Russell Nelson, and Monica Gutierrez, America regional fisheries management proper framing of an issue can succeed. President of the Costa authority. They scored a Rican conservation major success when all group PRONATURE. the Central American World’s Largest Artisanal fishermen nations agreed to force have seen their the issue of working No-Take Zone in catches of valuable on the first scientific dorado drop stock assessment of Australia this species before this precipitously. Unable Herbert Nanne Dr. Russell Nelson In 2009, The Billfish Foundation (TBF) year’s annual meeting to catch sufficient informed its readers of the Australian of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna dorado, these coastal government’s plan to establish the world’s Commission (IATTC). Subsequentially, commercial fishermen largest no-take zone in the Coral Sea, at this meeting in San Diego, Nelson, have increased their pushed by environmental organizations Nanne and Gutierrez faced an uphill take of illegal sailfish, and led by the Pew Environment Group. battle to gain acceptance of this request which sells for a TBF warned of the unreceptive nature from the 21 member nations of the small fraction of the of these groups towards the sportfishing IATTC, where the objection of a single price they receive for Monica Gutierrez community. In the Coral Sea, the initial member would be sufficient to kill the dorado. This shift has created conflicts public consultation period resulted request. Of particular concern was that with the sportfishing sector, and led to in more than three quarters of the the powerful European Union which declines in sailfish and, ultimately, an comments submitted coming from outside fishes heavily on FADs or Japan, China, economic tragedy for the region. Australia and more than 90% coming Korea or Taiwan that fish longlines from campaigns of environmental It seems clear that the well documented and have historically been resistant to organizations. Despite the efforts of local bycatch mortality of dorado and other efforts to conserve non-target species, sportfishing advocates and TBF, Australia species taken and discarded by purse would stop the effort. OSPESCA’s head, has proceeded to develop its plans for the seines fishing with FADs (fish aggregate Mario Gonzalez, provided strong support Coral Sea Conservation Zone that may devices) and longlines has generated in keeping the coalition together and mean a loss of fishing grounds for not gaining the support of other nations for just Australians, but could lead to similar the assessment. trouble for other sportfishing destinations. On June 28 a little bit of history was Establishment of the largest no-take made. The IATTC agreed unanimously zone in the world sets a precedent that that the issue was important and directed environmental groups want to duplicate: their staff to place an assessment of they have already begun in Bermuda. dorado on their work plan. The recent establishment of the final This might seem like a small move, Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve but taking action to use hard science is designed to protect close to one million to determine the impacts of high seas square kilometers, with more than tuna fisheries on mahi-mahi is a first in half of this area to be zoned as Marine the international fisheries management National Park Zone prohibiting all forms world, and could ultimately pay off big of fishing. The sportfishing community in for sailfish and marlin conservation Australia and those that fish in the region marking a real move into consideration are frustrated with the proposed Coral of tuna fishing and gear impacts on the Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve. whole pelagic ecosystem. Significant criticism comes from the lack of transparency and clear conservation

21 y A dvocac acific p

Map of Australia’s Marine Reserves Network Proposal with the No-take Zone enlargement, right

goals from the government. For instance, Pew is still pushing for a total ban of fishing) and the close to two billion the use of surrogacy measures of all recreational fishing in the Coral dollars they generate annually did not biodiversity and controversial computer Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve. resonate with Pew. In a 2008 study software has not just the general public This is contradictory to the position that conducted by TBF, it was revealed that upset, but many scientists as well. Pew has taken in the U.S. where they anglers’ choice of fishing destination Additionally, the questioned science and are lobbying for the ban of commercial is greatly influenced by their perceived lack of important socio-economic data long-line fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to chance of catching a fish. (Los Cabos means that Australia’s stated goal of protect bluefin tuna. When asked about study) The closures in the Coral Sea conserving biodiversity while maximizing the potential for a ban on recreational could mean a tremendous economic loss the benefits to society cannot be fishing in the Gulf for these species, considering that in Queensland more realistically achieved. Pew’s director of Federal Fisheries Policy, than 70% of all charter trips cater to publically stated that a ban of this nature foreign clients. Unfortunately, environmental was illogical because of the economic organizations like the Pew Environment importance of recreational fishing to the The sportfishing community not only Group are still not satisfied with the Gulf of Mexico - but not in Australia? makes significant economic contributions, proposed Coral Sea reserves. Despite no but they are conservationists as well. sound scientific evidence indicating that Clearly, the socio-economic importance They have long been recognized recreational fishing poses a substantial of five million recreational anglers in as marine stewards and are strong threat to the conservation of biodiversity, Australia (or money coming from tourists supporters of conservation efforts. They also recognize that the future of the A big black marlin is one of the most sought after gamefish, and many anglers target them off the Coral Sea. sport and the industry are dependent on Photo courtesy of Tim Dean. the health of our marine environment. Australia has a strong history of tagging programs and cooperative management initiatives. In addition, recreational anglers generate $20 million annually through the sale of fishing licenses, which is used for furthering research, stock enhancement, and better managing fish stocks. The participation of anglers in tagging programs for highly migratory species including marlin and tuna, has been conducted since the 1940’s and is important for the conservation of these species. By revealing the migratory distributions of these rare event species, tagging has aided greatly in stock assessments, ultimately leading to better management of fish populations. In recognition of the importance of tagging programs, the Australian government has implemented a policy mandating that all billfish released in tournaments are to be tagged to collect more of this crucial data.

22 R esearch

established that anglers were willing to community to discuss TBF’s Tag and Gulf of Mexico pay $2,900 to raise a blue marlin, $1,060 Release Program and learned of local to raise a sailfish, and $645 to raise a fisheries issues. He spoke with members Socio-Economic white marlin. of the Rawai Beach Fishing club, Phuket sportfishing tournament and With more knowledge gathered about Study-Houston former TBF Tag Award winner, John The use of socio-economic data is the economic benefits generated by Pearce. These sportfishing interests one of The Billfish Foundation’s tools billfish and the anglers fishing for them have reported recaptured billfish to TBF, when influencing policy and fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, we can further which Chaibongsai hopes to increase management decisions. With recent demonstrate to fisheries managers and with more tags distributed. None of the studies in Mexico, Costa Rica, and government officials that billfishing is charter boats kill billfish, but not all are Panama, government officials are able an intricate piece in the economies of reporting their catches with tag or release to see the importance of the sportfishing coastal communities. Combining socio- cards or by entering them on TBF’s online industry on their local economies and economic analysis with TBF’s tag and database – www.billfishtag.org. Thanks subsequently, what could be jeopardized release database can demonstrate the to an International Tag Grant, TBF if decisions to increase conservation widespread importance of billfish not distributed dozens of tags and release are not taken. While these studies have only when they travel throughout the cards to the locals to encourage more been used internationally to show the Gulf of Mexico, but also as these same reporting and promotion of the local importance of sportfishing, little focus fish can generate economic benefits in sportfishing community. has been given to the economic benefits other areas through which they migrate. generated by billfish anglers in the United States. There is no doubt that in comparison to other saltwater anglers, Tagging the number of billfish anglers is much lower, but the economic expenditures in Asia per angler are much greater due to the Earlier this year, TBF’s Director nature of the fishery. of Conservation Programs, Peter Chaibongsai, traveled Whether you remember the basics of to parts of Asia to meet with supply and demand from your economics sportfishing groups and learn class or not, there are two main about the health of the local terms when it comes to looking at the billfish sportfisheries. While Asia economics of fisheries: economic impacts is not particularly known for and economic benefits. While they may billfishing, there are some fertile seem the same, the impacts only look at areas where billfish are found the direct spending by anglers, whereas with a burgeoning billfishing Marlin and Tuna Club booth at the Japanese Boat Show economic benefits looks at impacts plus community. Chaibongsai spent several what is called “non-market value” of a days in Thailand and Japan meeting with In Japan, Chaibongsai visited the particular resource. One way to measure private boat owners, charter boats, fishing Japanese Boat Show in Yohohama, which the non-market value of a resource, such clubs and industry heads. attract many Japanese recreational as billfish, is by looking at an angler’s boating and fishing interests. Taking willingness to pay (WTP). Chaibongsai’s first stop was in the advantage of the collection of sportfishing southern part of Thailand. Billfishing in interests, he met with members of the With the support of the Houston Big the region was not popular or lucrative Japanese Gamefish Association (JGFA), Game Fishing Club, members of the until foreigners began looking for new the Marlin & Tuna Club, and another one club participated in a pilot study that regions to fish during the past several of TBF’s most recent Tag Award winners, aimed to highlight the economic benefits decades. In Thailand, he met with Ms. Kumie Saegusa. Through Mr. Katsu of billfishing in the Gulf of Mexico. members from the local sportfishing The three main goals of the study Onishi, of JGFA and Saltwater House, were to determine the characteristics, Local fishing charters and club members Capt. John Pierce Chaibongsai and TBF were introduced to and Capt. Andrew Inman meet with TBF in Thailand expenditures, and willingness to pay boat manufacturers, marina owners and (WTP) of billfish anglers from the Gulf current and past executive members of of Mexico. JGFA. While inshore fishing is extremely popular in Japan, TBF wants to work Specifically, the WTP was calculated to with the sportfishing community to determine the monetary value anglers in encourage the expansion of billfishing the Gulf of Mexico would pay to interact in Japan. And with the numbers tagged with each blue marlin, sailfish, and last year by Ms. Saegusa and others white marlin. The WTP was determined reported to TBF’s Tag and Release through a series of models and Database, optimism abounds.

23 The Dreamin’ On’s Eight Year World Tour by Lee Stevens

harmed; it is but a player in the game, to are at least OK. We have even been to be photographed and released. Released places where the natives will trade pearls alive into its own environment to seek for our boat’s logo T-shirt, and to out- the safety of the depths. We will hunt of-the-way bars that have earned the them as our own pelagic spirits arise, posting of our boat’s flag. and we will carry the Dreamin’ On to the The Dreamin’ On spent several months next bite, the next fight, the next release, being refitted and “re-just about because we are connected and will follow everything” one can imagine! From them anywhere. marble counter-tops to engines, electronics, water-makers, and the list The quest is for that perfect spot on goes on and on. The boat is fresh and met the globe where blue marlin are the challenges while fishing the seven thick and hungry, and the seas (and to eight month journey in the Atlantic neighborhoods) are not too rough. The Islands this year. Dreamin’ On Fishing Team has been on that search for the last eight years. The The boat, crew and teams fished more Team is made up of Captain Randy than 5,000 miles in the Pacific during Hodgekiss and First Mate Lincoln Funk, 2010. The Dreamin’ On was shipped to “Not a season with local 2nd Mates usually hired Tahiti and then plied the waters, and as needed, and me, “Leisure” Lee for island hopped all the way to Cairns, wasted, not a luck. The fishermen are three brothers Australia. Along the way the teams moment forgotten, that take turns plying the waters and caught and released 37 blues and 37 demonstrating their well-honed heavy blacks and quite a few sailfish, spearfish, and yet not enough.” tackle skills. The brothers do not fish and striped marlin. The neighborhoods together, but instead fish against were fantastic, the scenery unbelievable, each other in a friendly, yet sibling and the hospitality incredible. The marlin competition. If you have ever witnessed fishing was good, but not the Nirvana he Dreamin’ On is forging on brothers competing, then you know how that is the driving force behind the team to new places, and exploring fierce it can be. Well, these three are no quest. The highlight of the Pacific journey T the depths of the oceans as well different. One is the most overtly intense was when the brothers hired a mother- as the ends of the earth. “Think like angler and competitor. The others are ship, a helicopter and two game boats, a Marlin!” Where in the world would more laid back in their competitive and then competed against one another these pelagics find the best place to feed, moods, but just as quick to throw down for nine days off the Great Barrier Reef. the best place to mate and to move, the gauntlet and battle each other until The three rotated boats as to not take seeking and following their genetically some conclusion is drawn. Of course size an advantage in the competition. The imbedded paths? What combined effects matters, as does how many, how fast, helicopter was there to photograph of the weather, winds, tides, currents what tackle, where caught, and on and marlin releases and to keep the teams and location of other pelagics direct on! No mercy and no prisoners taken. As on alert. The winning team would be the marlin to certain locations? Are of yet there has been no surrender! treated to a dinner for eight anywhere! these factors static or are they dynamic? In fact I can remember having dinner The Dreamin’ On Fishing Team plans, Although the big blue 78’ Garlington’s for eight in Madeira a few years ago. prepares, predicts and ponders, “Where home port is Orange Beach, Alabama, it This year’s winner is not for publication can we position ourselves to be in the has fished in locations all over the world, so as not to provoke the other two teams best possible place when these factors including Africa, Madeira, Canaries, unnecessarily. come together and make this magic Cape Verde, Portugal, the Mediterranean, moment happen?” It’s a contest, not the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coasts In February 2010, the Garlington was just among ourselves, but against the of the US, the Caribbean, South America, shipped to the Canary Islands and then mystique of the marlin. In just a short Central America, the South Pacific and fished it’s way down sea to Cape Verde, time in both lives there is the contest of Australia. Yet it is still looking for that the island of Sao Vincente and the port the marlin vs. the angler. Unknown to the one magical spot where the blue marlin city of Mindelo. There the brothers and fish, it will not be eaten or permanently fishing is fantastic and the neighborhoods their guests were at it again trying to

24 The Dreamin’ On’s C orner C a p tains Eight Year World Tour by Lee Stevens

reach their self proclaimed goal to catch was canceled and returned to the hanger and release 200+ blue marlin in the as the runway was not safe. What did the shortest time possible. It is doable, as Dreamin’ On crew do one might ask? Well, “Keep the pumps the team released 100 in 31 days during they returned to the hotel and then went running and the the late spring and early summer of straight to the Casino to see if they could 2008, fishing from that very location. The change their luck! They didn’t even stop bilge dry!” gauntlet has now been thrown to the deck! at any of the Duty Free shops which had “Leisure” Lee Stevens, had all of their booze and perfume bottles Each of us have different memories of Co-founder, Marlin Magazine broken and the spirits flowing out of their [email protected] exciting or unusual happenings as we doors and down the street. traveled and fished from place-to-place. Some of the thoughts are unique to each One of the brothers enjoys reflecting on individual. Mine is after a 500 mile open the brotherly competition in Australia We hope to keep updating our Atlantic ocean crossing from Madeira. We pulled and catching the only grander black islands trip on a regular basis on The into the Marina at Vilamora, Portugal, marlin, by one brother’s son, one of several Billfish Foundation’s web site and our spun the boat around to back into our granders that the team has recorded over own soon-to-be-completed web site slip and the band at a local bar started the last few years. as well. I look forward to posting the playing “Sweet Home Alabama!” Perfect! interviews with each team, captain and So, you see how different folks enjoy mate to get personal insights on their Capt. Randy enjoys remembering fishing different strokes! However, the team’s passion for the catch and release of the Solomon Islands after visiting the common bond is definitely brotherly blue marlin. World War II Memorial at Guadalcanal, competition, blue water, blue marlin, then fishing and cruising the Marshalls, and the Dreamin’ On theme of “No Bar and staying at Zolo’s Resort. The boat Too Far!” had to be guided through the shallow, dangerous lagoon by local natives who were sent by the resort to help. Then we found out that some of the guide’s family members rescued John Kennedy after the sinking of PT 109.

Lincoln has many exciting recalls, and loves telling of the time that after catching a blue during the World Cup, he and some friends tobogganed down the mountain streets of Madeira on a wooden/wicker toboggan guided by two locals who steered the curving roads through neighborhoods and traffic by dragging their shoes on the road!

Another favorite was being in the helicopter and filming the fighting of a very large black marlin. The exciting scene has been captured on canvas by the well known artist John Fox.

Still another takes us to last summer’s trip to Vanuatu. We were about to return to the States when a 7.5 earthquake hit. The plane was on the tarmac, ready for takeoff, as the quake struck. The flight ST. George, Grenada – Under the leadership of Tournament Chairman 43rd Budget Marine Spice Island Richard McIntyre and his Tournament Committee, another exciting and successful billfish tournament was hosted out of the Grenada Yacht Club • Jan 25-29th ,2012 Billfish Tournament and is in the record books. The event attracted fifty boats and 256 anglers from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia, U.S., South Africa, U.K. and Richard McIntyre • [email protected] Australia, all of whom caught and released a total of ninety billfish (100% of (473) 440-3753 • www.sibtgrenada.com/index.htm billfish caught were released)!

The First Place Angler and Top Release Angler awards were won by Gordon Dalgliesh on Abracadabra, which was also First Place Boat and Grand Slam Boat (Trinidad &Tobago); Second Place Angler and Top Lady Angler angler awards were won by Liz Hickman on Surf n Turk (Grenada); Second Place Boat was Step Ah Side (T&T); Third Place Angler was Bobby Hammond on Yes Aye (Grenada); and Top Junior Angler was Joshua Archer on De Reel Viking (Barbados). The top Grenadian Boat was Gary Clifford’s Yes Aye, and Exile (Aruba) won the Top Non-T&T Trophy, and was the Third Place Boat. World famous Captain Bart Miller fished on the Knot Easy out of Trinidad Tournament boats at Grenada Yacht Club Top Boat and team Abracadabra and Tobago.

TBF President Ellen Peel attended the tournament at the invitation of Captain “Frothy” Gerald de Silva, Hard Play Fishing Charters (www.hardplay.net), of Trinidad & Tobago, a well known voice for conservation and a respected captain in T&T. Reggie MacLean, President of the T&T Game Fishing Association, who also fished the tournament, shared with and invited Peel to a T&T Association hosted conference in September to address fish conservation issues in the region.

Peel applauded the tournament for its conservation progress in promoting release of billfish – although still a modified release event. Since the tournament increased its minimum size for blue marlin to 500 pounds, the result has been 100% release. Peel also presented Captain Gary Clifford (www.yesaye.com) a certificate of recognition for his contribution to the tag and release ethic over the past 15 years and for his “recaptured” billfish. The Sid Johnson Memorial Conservation Trophy will be presented to the billfishing team that catches and releases the most billfish during the Southern Caribbean Billfish Circuit, which concludes with the Martinique Billfish Association tournament in October. The late Sid Johnson, from Trinidad and Tobago, was a tenacious advocate for billfish conservation in the southern and eastern Caribbean and a member of the Board of Directors of The Billfish Foundation.

Miami Beach, Florida - Keeping up with the times, “There’s an app for that!” The Miami International Boat Show rolled out their own app to keep mIAMI iNTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW visitors up to date on the many activities, seminars and high tech marine Feb. 16-20, 2012 toys on display. Highlights of the show included a compact semi submarine designed to be enjoyed above or below the water. Fans of the movie, Twilight were excited to check out Silver Bullet, the boat ridden by Edward www.MiamiBoatShow.com and Bella in the movie. Also making a big splash was the water-propelled one man jetpack, Jet Lev. Visitors gawked in amazement as they watched it take off from the water and hover above. Then they gasped in shock when they read the $99,500 price tag, though individual lessons can be purchased. During the boat show, The Billfish Foundation launched its eagerly anticipated Tag and Release Online Database (TROD) - www.billfishtag.org. Peter Chaibongsai, TBF’s Director of Science and Policy unveiled the new program to board members and the general public. As Peter navigated through the system, he explained the advantages for both members and TBF of timely reporting with a self-entry system. Among many of the features of TROD, this easy and free database allows TBF to retrieve accurate data from anyone who has an internet connection for quicker turnover for many things that the sportfishing community enjoys, like release certificates, recapture track maps and tag and release competition updates. Deborah Cummings, TBF’s Manager of Membership reports that many visiting the TBF booth took advantage of some great incentives to join or renew their memberships. In addition to a great looking 2012 membership John Brownlee accepts Big Game Room Hall of Fame t-shirt, those signing up at the boat show received a beautiful poster featuring award from Capt. Tony DiGiulian the art of Stanley Meltzoff donated by Silverfish Press. Passersby were drawn to the beautiful marlin sculpture donated by TBF sponsor Costa sunglasses. Those who took the time to look closely were amazed to learn that the marlin was made entirely of Costa sunglasses parts! This sculpture will be TBF Board Member and Saltwater Sportsman editor John Brownlee was inducted to the “Big Game Room Hall of Fame”. John had quite auctioned off at this year’s a fan club cheering him on as he accepted his award! Brownlee joins a distinguished line-up that includes TBF President Ellen Peel and annual TBF Fundraiser Dinner. It could be yours! fellow board member Captain Joan Vernon.

cARrILLO, cOSTA RICA – The 2012 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica Presidential challenge of started its 16th year in the beautiful waters surrounding Carrillo with the Villas Playa Samara playing host to an exciting tournament. With legendary costa rica • Mar. 1-4, 2012 captains at the helm, experienced anglers and calm seas, the competition in the PCCA did not disappoint. An instrumental step toward billfish Joan Vernon • [email protected] conservation in Costa Rica was put forth with an agreement with the (305) 361-9258 • http://www.preschallenge.com government that prohibited longlining within a 40-mile radius of Carrillo for the week prior to and during the week of the tournament. Twelve boats with anglers from around the world competed, including two TBF teams, the first comprised of anglers Dan Kipnis, Mel Linthwait, and Russel Nelson, and on Team 2 there was Ellen Peel, Dr. George Crawford and James Cambridge. Anglers on the Voice of the Wild made their journey all the way from the T ou rn a men ts nd E ven S uppo r t ing TBF island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The Billfish Foundation (TBF) Board Members Gary Carter and John Richardson joined in on the action and fished aboard the Silver-Rod-O as part of Team Las Ventanas del Mar with Tim Mossberg and Brian Grange. Following the first day of fishing, tournament director and TBF Board Member Joan Vernon hosted tournament captains, anglers, and observers to her beautiful home overlooking the anchorage in Carrillo. (cont’d on next page) 26 26 (cont’d from previous page) A total of four blue marlin, six striped marlin, and sixty-three sailfish were released during the tournament. With exciting T ou rn a men ts nd E ven S uppo r t ing TBF action on the third day, and fishing that came down to the wire, first place was claimed by team High Hook, with Larry Allison as tournament Top Angler, and Captain Mike Parr at the helm. Allison released two blue marlin and a sailfish on the second day of the tournament. Second place in the PCCA Costa Rica was decided by a matter of seconds, and Sea Angel was able to hold off Gary Carter’s Team Las Ventasas del Mar to take second place. Gary Carter finished in second place of the angler division followed by Sea Angel’s Arturo Moreno who rounded off the top three. Top Angler, Larry Allison with TBF’s Andrew Cox Top Captain, Mike Parr with TBF’s Andrew Cox

The PCCA Costa Rica celebrated it’s 16th anniversary of “fishing for conservation.” This tournament was the first leg of the Papagayo Cup which was completed in Papagayo from June 6-9, 2012 where anglers fished for the perpetual Papagayo Cup.

Port Lucaya, Bahamas - Winds were blowing across Grand Bahama Island, but the bite was on at the 33rd Annual Bacardi Rum Billfish rd Tournament! Streamers of marlin and sailfish release flags were flying 33 annual bacardi rum billfish high on the returning sportfishing boats. Wahoo were also there in tournament • Mar. 11-16, 2012 abundance bringing many oohs and aahs from the excited crowd gathered in Port Lucaya Square to watch the weigh-in. Raul V. Miranda. • [email protected] www.internationaltournaments.net The winning boat, Freedom, owned by Dino Chouest, captained by Albert Miller, with Ross Chouest taking the spot in the fighting chair, led from start to finish. The total releases for Freedom were one blue marlin, three white marlin and three sails. Only a few points separated the second and third place boats, with Cacique owned by Paul Coury with Captain Harvey Shiflet taking second with one blue marlin and two sailfish releases and Hoosier Buddy guided by Captain Cujo Brinkmeyer settling for third, releasing three white marlin and one sailfish.

The final leg of the Bahamas Wahoo Championship was held concurrently with the Bacardi and the overall winner, Svengali owned by Marshall Leeds and captained by Rick Redecker brought in an amazing haul of 18 wahoo on the final day of fishing!

The Billfish Foundation’s raffle has become an anticipated tradition for Bacardi participants, and TBF Membership Manager Deborah Cummings reports that the anglers, captains Top Angler Ross Chouest also won a raffle prize and mates came through once again, lining up three deep to purchase tickets! This year’s lucky Members of Top Boat, Freedom accept their trophies winners received terrific prizes including a vacation at Green Turtle Cay donated by The Green Turtle Club, a beautiful framed lithograph by artist Stanley Meltzoff donated by Silverfish Press, a stunning turquoise circle hook pendant carved by artist David Wirth, state of the art Costa sunglasses, fishing gear donated by Chum Buoy and Bronze Lures and much, much more! The Billfish Foundation warmly thanks all of our donors and participants for their generosity!

hatteras, north carolina - The 18th annual Hatteras Village 18th Annual hatteras village Offshore Open (HVOO) lived up to its reputation as the “White Water Open” with a low pressure system sitting off of the North Carolina offshore open • May 15-19, 2012 coast that would eventually develop into Tropical Storm Alberto. Tough fishing conditions gave the fleet two days of fishing in good seas, but only a handful of brave crews fished the third and fourth [email protected] • www.hvoo.org days of the tournament.

The HVOO is a charity tournament run by the Hatteras Village Civic Association. Over the years the HVOO has directly provided financial assistance for college scholarships, the local food kitchen and senior health care on Hatteras. Not only does the tournament financially benefit local charities, it also leaves many captains and anglers coming away with smiles on their faces.

Winning this year’s tournament was the crew aboard Galot 3 taking home nearly $45,000. Team Waste Knot II took home second place with just over $11,000. The Billfish Foundation would like to thank the Qualifier and Board Member Fin Gaddy for his hospitality during the tournament. The winning team on Galot 3 accepts a check of $42,245 for first place in several billfish divisions of the Hatteras Village Offshore Open 27 27 Mobile, Alabama- The weather and fish cooperated superbly over the holiday weekend with tournament director Dr. Bill Hixson and his team presenting another first class tournament. Gulf Coast Hatteras sponsored mobile big game fish club memorial the opening day dinner. A small boat division was added this year which day tournament • May 25-28, 2012 constituted a tournament within a tournament – Outboard Shootout. During the events, forty four teams collectively released 30 blue marlin, with the Done Deal releasing 5 caught by angler Roy Wilks Hammock, Scott Delaney who won the Top Male Angler award and the Top Release award. When (251) 460-0910 • www.mbgfc.org the boat’s 5 released blue marlin points were added to its 116 pound yellowfin tuna points, the boat secured Top Honors for the tournament and Top Large Boat award. The Hatterascal with angler Drew Harvey won the blue marlin division. Top Lady Angler was won by Sarah Hyman on board Plumb Loco. Top Junior Angler award was won by William Hixson fishing on the Lady D by releasing a blue marlin; he also won the Top Club Member award. The Top Small Boat award was won by Amanti. The Outboard Shootout Tournament was won by the GC Tournament boats heading out Hall. Top Dolphin award went to Boodah and angler Rhett Gross, Top Wahoo to Blue Eyes and Jeff Elder, Top Yellowfin Tuna to Trader Hill with Fred Marshall. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate for the Club’s Ladies Tournament or the Small Boat Tournament, both scheduled in June. The Mobile Club was a Founding TBF Member and Team Done Deal released 5 blue marlin to win the Memorial Day Tournament with a total of 3241.60 points has continued its commitment to billfish and other highly migratory species through TBF ever since.

Lighthouse Point, FL- The Ladies’ Annual Fish-Off kicked off their 27th Ladies’ Annual Fish-off 27th year with “Celebrity Bartender” night at Bonefish Mac’s in May 31- June 3, 2012 Lighthouse Point, FL. The evening was a carefree and relaxed time for old fishing buddies to catch up and have a beverage or two poured by Carey Chen, TBF president Ellen Peel or artist R. J. Boyle. The night Stephanie Despreaux • [email protected] proved to be great fun and a successful fund-raiser for both TBF and www.ladiesfishoff.com Ronald McDonald House.

The LFO gala kick-off party and silent auction was at Galuppi’s Restaurant in Pompano Beach. The wide array of items in the silent auction featured terrific trips, gift baskets loaded with wine, gift certificates and apparel, plus beautiful art and jewelry! Anglers, along with captains, mates and members of the local community were three deep scribbling down final bids!

Rain plagued anglers throughout the day of fishing, but most didn’t complain as the bite was on during the showers. Kingfish ruled the day along with a smattering of tuna and mahi-mahi. Competition proved to be intense, with the eventual winning boat, Kawama, taking the top prize by a margin of 7 ounces! Second place honors went to last year’s champion, ShockWave, with Reel Tension coming in third. Terresa Stark aboard Bustin Lisa Tucker presents Tom Tucker Memorial TBF’s Deborah Cummings accepts check from LFO Loose won Top Angler and brought in the largest fish, a 38.5 Family Award to team Shockwave Tournament Director Stephanie Despreaux pound kingfish.

An awards brunch was held at J. Marks restaurant in Pompano Beach. The most poignant moment came during the ceremony as Lisa Tucker presented ShockWave with the Tom Tucker Memorial Family Award in honor of her late husband, a beloved member of fishing community. Lisa spoke movingly of the bonding that takes place when families spend time fishing – a sport for a lifetime. TBF is honored to have been once again selected as one of The Ladies’ Fish-Off charities. The LFO committee is comprised entirely of volunteers who combine a passion for fishing with a spirit of giving back, both to the sport of fishing and the local community. The Billfish Foundation is grateful for their generous donation of $9,438.

Biloxi, Mississippi- Heavy rain and rolling thunderstorms could not put a damper on this year’s Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. Despite the mississippi gulf coast billfish weather, the anglers, captains and crews caught a lot of fish. With a pot of $1.1 million up for grabs, the sixty participating boats, fighting tooth classic • June 4-12, 2012 and nail for the best fish, left nothing to chance. www.mgcbc.com The boats getting ready to leave for 2 and half days of fishing. In the release category, the tournament had a release rate of 87.5%, with reports of twenty-eight blue marlin releases, eleven white marlin releases and one sailfish release. Share-E placed first in the release category by beating the vessel You Never Know by only one point.

On the last day of the tournament, TBF conducted a live auction. The money raised by this auction

T ou rn a men ts nd E ven S uppo r t ing TBF will be used for TBF’s programs to conserve and protect billfish populations, indirectly affecting the economies of coastal towns like Biloxi which benefit from the billfishing industry. (cont’d on next page) 28 (cont’d from previus page) While in Biloxi, TBF also had the honor of visiting the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Scientist Jim Franks, a long time T ou rn a men ts nd E ven S uppo r t ing TBF friend of TBF, was kind enough to give a tour of the campus, introduce the staff and explain some of the ongoing projects at the research facility. Franks and his fellow scientists are participating in experiments covering topics such as aquaculture of finfish, tagging various pelagic fish and the examination of fish larvae to determine spawning locations and correlate stages of development within areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The laboratory’s team also attended the tournament to collect samples from all of the fish weighed. With the material they collected on the dock, the lab hopes to understand more about pelagic species like blue marlin, and to work to conserve current populations.

TBF was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic and everyone is ready to jump at the chance to go back next year.

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica - The 2nd Annual Papagayo 2nd Annual Presidential Cup presented by the ICT was the second leg of the 2012 Presidential Challenge of Central America (PCCA) and the final leg of the • June 6-9, 2012 papagayo cup prestigious Papagayo Cup. The perpetual trophy of the Papagayo Joan Vernon • [email protected] Cup is presented to the top team from both the Carrillo and Phone: (305) 361-9258 • www.preschallenge.com Papagayo legs of the PCCA. Not only was there great fishing and great competition throughout the tournament, but the tournament continues to set milestones for billfish conservation in Costa Rica. The PCCA and The Billfish Foundation have continued to work with the government to show the importance of sportfishing to the Costa Rican economy. In an instrumental milestone, there was a voluntary longline closure within 40 miles of Marina Papagayo for a week prior to the tournament and during the three fishing days. This is such a great accomplishment!

A total of nine boats competed for a purse of $33,750, all vying to be the top team and take home $16,785. In total, the fishing fleet released 130 sailfish and two striped marlins. The competition started off hot on the first day of the tournament with a total of 50 sailfish released and only one marlin seen. At the end of the exciting first day, Rum Runner took home the daily based on time by edging out the three other boats with 800 points, leaving a much anticipated day two of the tournament. In the second day of the tournament, Pelese came on strong tallying up 1200 points with 9 sailfish and one striped marlin, taking The crew of Pelese wins the Papagayo Cup; Marc Stanley, Todd home the daily and pulling into first place. Nipping at their heels were Sea Angel Flanders, and Captain Matt Douglas. (the reigning Papagayo cup champions) with 1600 points and Xta Sea with 1400 points. The third and final day of the tournament had teams eager to get on the bite early, as the first two days of the tournament had shown the bite to slow down in the middle of the day. The fishing team aboard the Xta Sea came on strong in day three releasing 10 sailfish for total of 1000 points. Their stellar performance gave them a total of 2200 points, pulling them ahead of Sea Angel (2100 points), but found it wasn’t enough to pull ahead of Pelese, which released 7 sailfish, finishing with a total of 2700 points.

The winning teams weren’t the only ones to take home a check! Benefitting from the Calcutta and a donation from the tournament, The Billfish Foundation took home their own check of $3,000 from the 2nd Annual Papagayo Cup! TBF thanks Joan Vernon and Sam White of the PCCA for putting on a great tournament at Marina Papagayo! hatteras, north carolina - Club Commodore and Tournament Director Dr. Jeff Whitehead did another fantastic job producing the hATTERAS MARLIN CLUB 43rd Annual Invitational Blue Marlin Release Tournament. Whitehead • June 17-23, 2012 and his team arranged a variety of memorable tournament activities, tournament which not only included great fishing, but fantastic dinners with Jeff Whitehead • [email protected] a “Havana Night” and famous North Carolina pulled pork BBQ. (252) 986-2454 • www.hatterasmarlinclub.com This tournament is all about family, fishing and fun which included enjoying the dock side pool, a Kid’s Day that included boat building and races, inflatable rock climbing wall, slides, pirate’s ships, cotton candy and snow cones! TBF jumped in with “under the sea” pennants for each child to color and take home.

A lot of excitement was apparent throughout the whole week for an anonymous Club member pledged to match up to $25,000 for conservation funds raised during the tournament to be donated to TBF! The TBF team was most appreciative to the anonymous donor and the rally by tournament participants to meet the challenge - the challenge was met! The Hatteras Marlin Club now holds the distinction of being the top TBF supporting club in the world with a donation of $50,000!

The event attracted beautiful weather, 40 teams and 150 anglers, who released blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish. Top Overall Tournament winner was Jim Bullock’s Frequent Flyer with two blue marlin and two white marlin releases. The team also walked away with the Top Blue Marlin award and Top Male Angler was Charles Bond. With the team’s outstanding fishing, Bullock, Bond and fellow team mate Jodi Conkey were inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame. Top Release Boat was Release. The Top Lady Angler accolade was taken by Linda Bloomer. Top Youth Angler was Daniel McRainey. Above: Daniel McRainey, Top Youth Angler, Winning boat Frequent Flyer Bottom photo: Frequent Flyer team 29 29 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands - The 17th Annual th Caicos Classic Billfish Release Tournament took place June 22nd to 17 Annual Caicos Classic Release June 25th. The competition saw visiting and local boats compete • June 22 – 25, 2012 to record the most billfish releases in three days of fishing. The Tournament winning boat received a cash prize as well as a much coveted [email protected] • www.caicosclassic.com invitation to represent the TCI in the 2013 World Offshore Championships in Costa Rica. With a small number of boats competing, the Classic got off to really hot start with 6 blue marlin releases and 10 pulled hooks on the first day of fishing. Several more hits were recorded throughout the day making for an exciting kick off! In the end, Spell Bound won with 5 blue marlin releases, but every boat had a chance at multiple releases during the event.

The winning team from Spell Bound will be representing the Turks & Caicos in May, 2013 in the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, where over 65 countries will be competing for the title.

Committee member and angler on Panoply, Delphine Hartshorn, said, “The Classic is a staple event of the Turks and Caicos moving into its 18th year next year. It is a great event, year after year, not only bringing together local and visiting anglers, but also raising awareness about the great fishing we have here in Turks and Caicos. It is also a very special event in that it is all release - meaning no billfish will be brought back to the docks. This is a great step towards the conservation of the species and a testament to the dedication of Turks and Caicos anglers to conserving our stocks for years to come. We hope that the community sees the benefits of such a tournament for sportfishing tourism and will get involved to help us make this a “must do” event for anglers from all over the world!” The Caicos Classic was happy to host Peter Chaibongsai, Science and Policy Director for The Billfish Anglers and Delphine Hartshorn on Panoply Foundation, during the tournament. He was able to speak with anglers, captains, the marina staff, as well as representatives from the Department of the Environment and Coastal Resources about the importance of conserving billfish and the development of the sportfishing industry in TCI.

The Caicos Classic is already looking towards next year’s event, so if you are interested in sponsoring or fishing the event please contact them at [email protected]. TBF would like to thank the Caicos Classic for their hospitality and for their donation.

SANDESTIN, FLORIDA – 2012 marked the 10th anniversary for the 10th annual emerald coast blue Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, now considered one of the premier Gulf Coast big game tournaments. The approach of Tropical Storm marlin classic • June 20 –24, 2012 Debby brought rough seas, and only 38 of the 71 registered boats decided to ride out the tough conditions. Shawna Harris • [email protected] (866) 505-4458 • www.fishecbc.com The high seas made for great fishing, and two ECBC tournament records fell by the wayside. Soon, word got out that a marlin was on its way, and an excited crowd gathered to see Travis Dorland aboard Done Deal with a record blue marlin. Jake Breaux on Testing the Water landed a 190 lb tuna, also setting a new record in that category. Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse aboard Ole Miss showed he is a man of many talents, bringing a 49 lb. wahoo to the scale. A total of 27 billfish were released, with top release honors going to Inlet Magic.

The fishing teams relaxed from their labors at a sumptuous awards brunch at the San Destin Conference Center. Many in attendance signed up for membership during The Billfish Foundation’s raffle. Some of the great prizes included a beautiful original painting by Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and the Ole Miss Tournament Director Shawna Harris with the artist Candace Greer and a circle hook pendant crafted by renowned winning team Done Deal. Photo courtesy of crew with TBF Membership Manager, sculptor David Wirth. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic also Deborah Cummings Allison Yii made a contribution to billfish conservation by giving $5,000 to TBF.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - Kevin Sluder, who is a third generation member and president of the Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club, worked with Pensacola Big Game Fishing Club the club’s board members and club vice-president/tournament director Perry Palmer to host a fantastic event in downtown historic Pensacola. International Billfish Tournament Sixty-two boats from throughout the Gulf of Mexico fished the historic July 5-8, 2012 event. The evening’s commentary was emceed by Gregg Whibbs, augmented by a young 90 year old club member Wally Coupe where [email protected] • www.pbgfc.com the two held the public’s attention with fishing stories and fish science factoids each evening. The club has remained a strong supporter of billfish conservation through TBF for 26 years.

TBF Board Member Keith English and his team on board the Click Through swept many of the awards including First Place Boat, Top Boat, and Top Captain with Matt Mauldin at the helm, and Top Mate with David Gonzalez at the leader.

Top Catch and Release Boat award was won by Cheeseburger with Ron Ladner, Top Lady Angler was Emily Lively and Top Junior Angler award was won by Sam Roberto on First Choice. A small boat tournament was held within

T ou rn a men ts nd E ven S uppo r t ing TBF the International, which drew a terrific response. Top Small Boat award was won by Shady Lady by catching and releasing blue marlin, dolphin and tuna.

30 Winning Team Click Through 30 Angler We Will Miss William J. Priestman passed away on August 3, 2012 at the age of 74 Born in New Jersey, Bill Foundation. Bill was an avid hunter and angler, and enjoyed moved to Fort Lauderdale in many happy hours with family and friends aboard his 35’ his teen years. He attended Bertram, Gotcha Covered which featured the famed Allstate the University of Miami, and “Good Hands” symbol. then served in the army for two years. Bill became an Bill will be remembered as a kind man who loved life, heading Allstate Insurance agent in into each adventure with his trademark shout of “Yah hoo!” He 1963 and was known as a top is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara, daughters Michelle agent, traveling the world and Desjardins and Patti Dionne, and son Brad Priestman. Another throughout the U.S. son, William G. “Billy” Priestman preceded him in death in 2008. Bill also leaves behind a sister, Carol Chandler, three nephews He was a member of and six grandchildren. numerous community groups, clubs and organizations including serving as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts, past Commodore of The Priestman family included TBF as a charitable organization- the Bimini Big Game Club and long time member of The Billfish to which memorial donations would be appreciated.

Please Support Tournaments that Support TBF:

Virginia Beach Club Náutico de Billfish Tourn. San Juan Intl. Location: Billfish Tourn. Virginia Beach, VA Location: San Juan, PR Dates: Aug. 22-25, 2012 Dates: Sept. 23-30, 2012 Contact: Paula, Contact: Chairman 757-652-8409 787-724-8059

Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Presidential Challenge Location: Mobile, AL Aruba Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2012 Location: Varadero Contact: Bill Waechter or Marina Robert Weaver, Dates: Oct. 11-14, 2012 251-978-5454 Contact: Joan Vernon, [email protected]

Kenny Vines Memorial ILTTA Light Tournament Tackle Tourn. Location: Orange Beach AL Location: San Juan, PR Dates: Sept. 22, 2012 Dates: Nov. 13-18, 2012 Contact: www.orange- Contact: Bonnie Powell, beachsportfishingclub.com 813-684-0370

Piedmont Offshore Billfish Presidential Roundup Sportfishing Club Challenge WHite marlin Location: Guatemala Port Gentil, Gabon Tournament Location: Casa Vieja, Guatemala Dates: Sept. 20-23, 2012 Location: Oregon Inlet, NC Date: Sept. 8, 2012 Dates: Oct.11-14 Contact: Bert Bouchard Contact: Joan Vernon, 00 241 564344 Contact: Craig Sudbrink, [email protected] [email protected]