The Billfish Foundation helping seven Central America countries launch plan to grow sport fishing in region
Work begins immediately to standardize criteria for sustainable management
MANAGUA, Nicaragua – After nearly a year, all seven countries of Central America have approved an agreement with The Billfish Foundation to create a sustainable management plan for billfish and other popular game fish vital to growing sport fishing and tourism in the region.
The announcement comes on the heels of similar on-going work this past year by TBF of enhancing recreational sport fishing in the countries of Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. TBF has been working with the governments – some for more than a decade -- for the expansion of conservation measures and laws to protect billfish, mainly from overfishing coastal fisheries by commercial interests, while implementing tag & release programs for sportsmen.
The Billfish Foundation's Dr. Russell Nelson and Herbert Nanne met in Managua, Nicaragua in late February to formally adopt a Central American agreement to develop a sustainable management plan for marlins, sailfish, dorado, swordfish and other highly migratory species important to the regions' sport fishing tourism sectors. The agreement between TBF and the Organization of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Isthmus of Central America (OSPESCA) was signed by OSPESCA President Steadman Fagoth Muller, of Nicaragua, and Nelson. OSPESCA Executive Director Mario Gonzalez Recino presided over the ceremony and along with Nelson presented the Nicaraguan Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture with a computer and programs for use in collecting and analyzing sport fisheries data.
Nanne is TBF's Central American Conservation Director and Nelson is its scientific director. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama make up the seven countries in the region, all members of OSPESCA.
"This agreement between TBF, OSPESCA and the seven nations of Central America was created and approved by all parties over the past 10 months," said TBF President Ellen Peel. "We now look forward to the hard work of establishing a regional data collection protocol and moving on with improved conservation measures for billfish in the region."
"There are so many positives to working with OSPESCA and its seven member nations in developing a management program in the region that can be a win-win for all," said Nelson. "Billfish have a very high potential in these waters and high economic and social value if the responsible practice of sport fishing ethics and conservation are fostered."
Established in 1986 by the late Winthrop P. Rockefeller, The Billfish Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations worldwide. With world headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., USA, TBF's comprehensive network of members and supporters includes anglers, captains, mates, tournament directors, clubs, sport fishing and tourism businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, the organization works for solutions that are good for billfish, not punitive to recreational anglers and good for the local economy. TBF's phone number is 800-438-8247.
3/10/2009
TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson,
Johnson Communications
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com
2009 Riviera NSW Interclub Tournament -- Port Stephens Tournament Results.
2009 Broken Bay Tournament Results
20th Alliance Tag & Release Tournament
March 7th - 8th 2009, Bermagui NSW
04th to 08th of February 2009
MARLIN MASTERS MAURITIUS
International Game Fish Association
Marlin Masters is an exciting annual Tag & Released fishing tournament being held in Mauritius, on the west and south west coast of the Island, in front of Le Morne and Black River: the best spots for deep sea fishing in Mauritius and among the best in the world!!
The Event is being organized by dedicated, passionate and professional fishermen in synergy with one of the regional leading hotel group in the Indian Ocean, NAÏADE RESORTS. Marlin Masters is an International Game Fish Association Offshore World Championship Qualifying tournament: the 2008 winning team will participate in the IGFA 2009 Championship!
More information: www.blackriver-mauritius.com/en/marlin-masters/index.html
6-7th February 2009
Nautigals Tournament
The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club
The Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club is an aquatic social club based at Tutukaka Northland New Zealand. Our members come from fishing, diving, yachting circles and local residents. At present we have over 1,300 members with many of these member's friends and tourists, using and enjoying the Club amenities, providing a convivial atmosphere, only minutes from the fishing and blue water that are envied by anglers and divers world wide.
In anticipation of our Club taking out the First Marlin in NZ for the season we've just started a First Marlin Jackpot Contest. Entries are $30 per boat and, from those boats entered, the first tag and release or landed qualifying Marlin will take the jackpot pool and a $100 bar tab. The only "rule" is that the angler must be a full financial member of the Whangarei Deep Sea Anglers Club. This should be a keenly fought contest so give us a call and join up now. We have also started a First Marlin sweepstake - winner takes all! Simply select the date you think the first marlin of the season will be landed or tagged & released, add your name to the calendar and for a mere $2 you could win the prize pool.
More information www.sportfishing.co.nz
Saturday, 7 Feb, 2009
Game Fishing Competition
Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club
Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
The Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club is located near the Coffs Harbour Jetty. Come out for a pleasant time deep sea fishing. Start and finish times and prices will vary so please contact the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club on (02) 6652 1534. The Game Fishing Competition is held on the first
17 to 21 Feb, 2009
Game Fishing Competition
SOUTH AFRICAN DEEP SEA ANGLING ASSOCIATION
The fishing days have been extended to four with the briefing being held on the Tuesday night, Fishing Wednesday to Saturday, a Braai for everybody on the Thursday night, and a Happy Hour every day after fishing where the suitable plaudits will be given to anglers who have released a fish on that day. The Prize Giving will be on the Saturday night, full details of which will be advised later.
We can confirm that the first prize for the most released billfish will be R100,000 and there will be a R50,000 special prize for Ski-Boats (boats under 7 meters). There has been considerable interest from other sponsors which should make the prize list impressive.
Email : jaxpratt@ivanhoe.co.za
Tel: +27 39 316 6118
Cell +27 83 654 6922
Fax +27 39 316 6173 or +27 866852076
Entry forms are also available On Line at www.blackwatchsa.co.za
also see: www.fishing-sa.co.za
Greetings for New Year
The Southern Stroke team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a happy New Year and very, very good Fishing! We are excited to announce that we are busy developing a new website that we expect to launch in the new year. Please return January '09 to see the new site with new photos, videos, etc. We are taking a short break over the new year period but will be back in action on the 5th of January.
