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Home , Billfish, Black marlin, Longbill spearfish, Sailfish, Striped marlin, Swordfish

Issue 21 Teens Take on Conservation

STAYING SUSTAINABLE DURING COVID-19

TEEN HIGHLIGHT: Are JESSE HAY REALLY Billfish?

NATURAL VS. ARTIFICIAL BAITS Why Swordfish aren’t Billfish . . .

. . . or are they?

When we talk about billfish, we typically refer to blue, black, white, and striped , sailfish, spearfish, and Carey Chen ® swordfish. However, it may not be completely accurate to group swordfish in with the other billfish. True billfish are all members of the family Istiophoridae. A “family” is a grouping of that all have similar physical and behavioral characteristics and descend from a common ancestor. Unlike their billfish cousins, swordfish are not members of Istiophoridae. In fact, swordfish are the member of the family Xiphiidae. So, why the separation?

EVOLUTION APPEARANCE The primary reason that swordfish are sorted into Swordfish also have some key morphological a different family than the other is due to characteristics (physical appearance) that make their evolution. Swordfish are genetically different them different from true billfish. The first, and from the other billfish and evolved separately. probably most noticeable, is the shape of their Studying the genetic relationships and evolution bill. The bills of Istiophoridae are rounded on of , called “phylogenetics”, can be tricky all sides like a spear, while the bills of swordfish and oftentimes results in more questions than are flattened like a sword. In fact, swordfish are answers. However, numerous research studies often referred to as “broadbills” because of the conducted using billfish and swordfish DNA have uniqueness of this broad, flat shape. shown that, while swordfish and true billfish do have a common ancestor, they are more like Swordfish bills are also much longer than that cousins than siblings. Their common ancestor of true billfish, usually about ⅓ of their body diverged into two groups. On one side was family length. Another easy way to tell them apart is the Xiphiidae, the swordfish. On the other side was shape of the . While not all members of family Istiophoridae, the . All other marlins, Istiophoridae have the same shape to their dorsal sailfish, and spearfish evolved on the Istiophoridae fin, they are consistent in that the fin is highest side, making them much more closely related to near their head and then extends along their back. each other than they are to swordfish. In contrast, swordfish dorsal fins are more like , where they jut out just near the head and then do not extend any further back. Swordfish 2 also have two ridges on their caudal peduncle, while true billfish only have one. Finally, swordfish tend to be a bit thicker and rounder than Istiophoridae, whose body shapes tend to be a bit more narrow in comparison.

BEHAVIOR In general, swordfish exhibit similar behaviors to their Istiophoridae cousins. They do not school in large numbers, though they can be found occasionally with a few other individuals. They are highly migratory, traveling sometimes thousands of miles during their migrations. They are also exceptionally fast and prey on smaller and . However, swordfish tend to dive much deeper than marlin, up to nearly 600m. Xiphiidae This habit has resulted in their developing the ability to heat their to avoid Swordfish damage from the cold depths, something true billfish can’t do. Additionally, swordfish can often be seen basking in the sun at the surface of the water, a behavior that is also not shared with Istiophoridae.

So, are swordfish billfish? Despite their Istiophoridae many differences, swordfish are generally considered to be a type of billfish. Sailfish However, their classification in Xiphiidae instead of Istiophoridae is important to understand when studying them. So, next time you’re out on the water and you see a swordfish, remember that you are in the Blue Marlin presence of the only one of its kind, the true gladiator of the sea.

FUN FACT: Did you know that there used to be more than one type of swordfish? In prehistoric times, a genus (group) of fish known as roamed the seas. , Shortbill It is believed that there were actually five and other Spearfish distinct species, one of which was only discovered in 2004!

3 Natural VS. Artificial BAITS FOR BILLFISH

If you ask any billfish angler if they believe that artificial or natural baits are better, you better be sure you’re sitting down because you’re in for an earful. The issue of bait type goes from as general as artificial or dead to as specific as size, weight, color, species, preparation, and more. The truth of it all is that no bait is always better than another. There is no perfect set-up that is going to ensure that you reel in that grander blue marlin that you’ve been dreaming of. However, there are a few rules of thumb that may increase your chances of hooking up what you’re searching for. SPECIES: The first thing to consider when choosing between artificial and natural baits is what you’re fishing for. In general, when you’re fishing for bigger species like blue and black marlin, a large artificial bait is your best bet. This is for lots of reasons, not the least of which is that big fish want to catch big prey. Large, flashy artificial baits appear to these larger marlin like prey worth the energy of catching. On the other hand, for smaller white marlin, spearfish, and sailfish, natural bait tends to win out. These smaller billfish have a tendency to bite multiple times at a bait before being hooked, so they need a real fish to keep them interested. in your suitcase than it is to attempt to ship your own frozen fish bait, as that involves long-term Natural baits with circle hooks are also better if refrigeration and occasionally customs issues when you’re planning on catching a lot of fish in one travelling internationally. Your rule of thumb for day. The circle hooks are more likely to hook the this is that large open areas are for artificial and fish in the jaw than J hooks, making them easier smaller areas for natural, but that you can never and faster to release and beat local lore in bait selection! get your lines back in the water for another round. SKILL AND TIME: In general, a good rule of The final major consideration is experience. thumb is that big artificial Learning to rig natural baits is a skill that takes baits attract fewer, bigger time to master. Doing so, however, can be J-Hook fish, and natural baits attract extremely satisfying. Rigging natural baits can more numerous, smaller fish. also be very time consuming. It is not uncommon to find mates and anglers spending hours rigging LOCATION: baits the night before a Where you fish has as much to do with bait big day offshore. This can selection as what you’re fishing for. First and be some of the most fun foremost, anything you read in a magazine is going parts of fishing, chatting to be less relevant than the local knowledge. If everyone is using dead in an area and being successful, chances are that, regardless of these guidelines, dead ballyhoo are the way to go. However, in general, artificial baits are considered to natural when you’re going to drive fast and cover large swaths of open ocean, as they will hold tight and move like a live fish at high speeds. Natural baits tend to be advantageous in tighter areas where you aren’t driving so fast, and, when prepared correctly, will move like a live fish. If you’re travelling and bringing your own bait, it is also much easier to throw a few plastic chuggers

5 and anticipating the fishing day to come, as long as you’re willing to take the time to do it. However, because natural bait can generally only be used one time, you have to be sure to prepare enough for your full day. Artificial baits are much faster to rig, and can be used multiple times, making them more ideal for someone with less time or interest in carefully rigging baits. As a rule of thumb, save your natural bait for when you have time to prepare it, and go ahead and use your artificial when you want more bang for your bait buck!

Bait selection and preparation is more of an art than a science. So many factors go into which bait to choose and, at the end of the day, two people fishing the same conditions may still disagree on which is best! In some cases, using both baits is necessary, switching them up when the fish is in the spread. Use these rules of thumb to help you decide when you want to use which bait, but remember that experience and local knowledge are always the best decision-makers!

Follow THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION on Social Media

@TagBillfish The Billfish Foundation @thebillfishfoundation TEEN HIGHLIGHT JESSE HAY of Mako Visit MakoMiami.com

“We must strive for a brighter future in which our oceans are protected proactively by us all.” - Jesse Hay, MAKO

Jesse Hay was born and the next generation of conservationists - and Jesse raised around the water. shows no signs of slowing down! In the future, he A Miami local, he has plans to continue expanding his reach through always had a front row social media and by partnering with organizations seat to the problems like The Billfish Foundation. When we asked Jesse facing our ocean. about his future plans for MAKO, he responded Inspired to do enthusiastically that “this is only the beginning and something about it, at I cannot wait to continue growing our reach and

Jesse with State Representative just ten years old, Jesse inspiring the ocean activists of tomorrow”. We at Michael Grieco after removing 57 started MAKO, Miami TBF are so excited to work with him in the future pounds of marine debris after a Advocate Kids for the to educate more kids and teens about the MAKO Beach Cleanup. Ocean. In Jesse’s words, importance of taking care of our oceans! “MAKO is a community- based organization that strives to get kids involved in ocean conservation efforts through community outreach and . MAKO gets kids involved in /research efforts through community outreach and education and empowers kids to do their part to save the ocean”.

In the four years since Jesse started MAKO, he has mobilized hundreds of youths across South Florida to help conserve the ocean. From hosting beach clean-ups to participating in ocean education events, MAKO has made huge strides in fostering MAKO Beach Cleanup in collaboration with Debris Free Oceans. LONGLINES & BILLFISH

Billfish have a long history with the commercial Pelagic longlines are used to target larger pelagic fishing . While U.S. commercial fish, like and swordfish. They are made by a no longer target billfish (except swordfish) since vessel releasing a long fishing they are not considered food, billfish are still often line called a mainline near the surface of the water, caught by commercial fisheries on accident, a usually over 25 miles long. This line is extended phenomenon referred to as “bycatch”. The chance horizontally below the surface for its entire length that billfish will end up as bycatch depends largely and is held up by buoys stationed along it. From on the type of gear that commercial fisheries use. this horizontal mainline, multiple lines are attached Commercial fisheries choose their gear based on that extend vertically down the and the species of fish they’re catching, cost, location, contain baited hooks at their ends. These vertical and more. From a conservation perspective, not lines are what actually catch the fish, who are all fishing gears are created equal. Different fishing attracted to the bait and lures attached to the gears have different average rates of bycatch. hooks. Once a fish is hooked, it stays there until the One commercial fishing gear in particular, pelagic line is pulled in. The advantage of pelagic longlines longlines, have extremely high levels of bycatch, is that they allow a lot of fish to be caught with and are a constant threat to billfish in U.S. waters very little effort by commercial fishermen. Because and beyond. one longline has many hooks attached, fishermen

Australian Fisheries Management Authority commercial fishing gear, meaning that high numbers of billfish, , whales, birds, and sea can die whenever longlines are used.

Unfortunately, the longline problem could be getting worse soon. The U.S. government is possibly looking to revitalize the commercial by opening up Closed Zones without considering the damage that it would cause to marine species as well as the communities that depend on them. Closed Zones exist in the U.S. in the , off the East Coast of Florida, and off the East Coast of South Carolina. These Closed Zones, which can put only one out, wait for a few hours or even ban commercial longlines, overnight, then pull it back into the fishing vessel have become vital to the survival of billfish, sea with many fish attached. turtles, and marine mammals, as they provide a large area that these animals can go to mate, From a commercial fishing perspective, pelagic , and live with a lower risk of being caught longlines are a home run. They require little effort and killed by commercial fisheries. If these Closed for a large yield. From a conservation perspective, Zones open, bycatch of already threatened however, they’re a nightmare. Pelagic longline and endangered species will increase, making fishing hooks are extended deep into the ocean for them open to stricter management and, more hours at a time. During this time, both target and importantly, vulnerable to extinction. non-target fish get caught on the lines, either by Communities and industries that rely on these being hooked or by getting tangled in the miles animals for , , or just of floating fishing line. These non-target “bycatch” enjoyment of their presence, are being destroyed. fish are frequently billfish, but they also are animals That’s why The Billfish Foundation is doing like sea turtles, birds, dolphins, and whales. Many everything we can, from meeting with government of these bycatch species are already endangered. officials to mobilizing the recreational community, Bycatch species are not able to be sold for to keep these Closed Zones closed. Only together consumption, so when they die in longlines, can we ensure that all marine species, including they are simply thrown away. Pelagic longlines billfish, are given a chance at survival. have some of the highest rates of bycatch of any

GET INVOLVED! Want to help in the fight against longline ? Australian Fisheries Management Authority Check out our website, www.billfish.org/advocacy

9 Top 3 Ways To STAY SUSTAINABLE During Covid-19

These days, it’s more important than ever to stay safe and healthy. However, the increases in usage of things like plastic gloves and surgical masks are wreaking havoc on our oceans. Follow these three tips to keep yourself and everyone around you safe from COVID-19 while also making sure not to hurt the environment.

1. MASKS Masks are one of the most important things you can use to help keep yourself and others safe from the virus. Researchers and medical professionals 2. CLEANING SUPPLIES all around the world are encouraging people to Keeping surfaces in your home, work, and car wear masks, as studies are showing that when you clean is important. Start reading the labels and others wear a mask, the risk of transmission on the cleaners you purchase. Avoid using is much lower. Instead of using a single-use things that contain phosphates, phthalates, surgical mask, opt for a cloth one. Cloth masks volatile organic carbons (VOCs) like ammonia, are washable and reusable, and they come in fun nonylphenols/nonylphenol ethoxylates, and designs and colors. methylisothiazolinone. Try to use more plant- based cleaning products. For extra benefit, purchase things that are refillable to minimize extra plastic and packaging. To read more about cleaning ingredients and for a good list of more environmentally friendly products, check out epa. gov/saferchoice/products.

3. GLOVES Many people are wearing gloves to keep from touching contaminated surfaces. By wearing a reusable cloth mask, you save money When wearing gloves, by not having to continuously buy new masks, you it’s important to help ensure that there will be enough medical- remember to not touch grade masks for healthcare professionals that anything you will touch need them most and you keep excess waste from without gloves later, like your cell phone or keys. entering the ocean. If you do use a paper mask, be Plastic gloves are being found on beaches and in sure to cut the elastic on each side before throwing waterways at alarming concentrations. As with it away. These have been found in the ocean and masks, opt for reusable cloth or rubber gloves that are entanglement hazards for sea life and birds. you can wash or clean and reuse. Bonus points if these gloves can be used for a beach clean up later!

10 Billfish Recaptures “By The Numbers” The most important aspect of The Billfish Foundation’s Tag & Release Program is the recaptures. Recaptures occur when a fish that has been previously tagged and released is recaptured by another fisherman. This provides us with a ton of information, like migration patterns, growth rates, and more! From January to June 2020, 33 new recaptures have been reported to The Billfish Foundation.

NUMBER of Species Recaptured

21 Sailfish 1

7 Swordfish 1 Striped Marlin

1 Black Marlin 1 Blue Marlin

DAYS between Tag and Recapture Average: 486 • High: 1483 • Low: 7

MONTHS that billfish fish were recaptured so far in 2020 11 6 2 4 6 4 January February March April May June

LOCATIONS of Recaptures throught the World

Gulf of South Florida - 22 Japan - 1 France - 1 Mexico - 3 Florida Keys to Cuba - 2

Mexico - 1

Costa DISTANCE Rica - 1 Travelled between Recapture Australia - 1 • Average: 58 nautical miles Panama - 1 • High: 271 nautical miles • Low: 2 nautical miles Must Watch Documentaries

The Blue Planet Mission Blue Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Blue Planet Dr. Sylvia Earle is one of the most influential takes you on a journey through our oceans, figures in marine science. Chronicling the career showing in spectacular detail the importance of of this marine biologist, oceanographer, and protecting them. conservationists, Mission Blue provides a timeline for marine conservation, and a call to action for Chasing Coral future generations Coral reefs are one of the most vital biomes in the world, but are disappearing at an alarming rate. A Plastic Ocean Watch as a team of divers, photographers, and As our world progresses, one thing progresses researchers unearth the mysteries of these reefs, with it - our use of plastic. A Plastic Ocean will and teach us how to save them. open your eyes to the consumptive nature of our planet, the impacts it has on the animals within it, and inspire you to help be a part of the change.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the FLEMING FAMILY FOUNDATION for their belief in education as an important conservation tool. The Billfish Foundation, educators, students, parents, the ocean and fish are grateful for our sponsor’s generous donation who made this issue of Sailfish possible.

Sailfish #21 • Copyright 2020 • The Billfish Foundation • Editor: Peter Chaibongsai • Co-Editor: Faith Benner • Graphic Designer: Jackie Marsolais Sister publications: Billfish & Spearfish magazines • Published by The Billfish Foundation • For subscription information contact: [email protected]