Latest National Outdoor News Press Releases

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For immediate release:
w/jpeg photos courtesy of the National Geographic Channel

Tagging billfish for science leads to great white shark research adventure and exciting TV series
Chris Fischer leads “Expedition Great White” on Nat Geo Channel Monday night, Nov. 16th
GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico, (Nov. 13, 2009) – Avid billfish angler and TV outdoor fishing adventurer Chris Fischer never thought he’d actually be living a scene much like that from Jaws as he kneeled face-to-face handling a huge, live 4,600 pound great white shark.
As a sportsman Fischer has caught and safely released lots of giant black marlin each weighing about 800 lbs, but this great white and the other giant toothy predators that followed were the biggest he’s ever caught, examined and then released 15 minutes later unharmed.
It began when Fischer, a board member for The Billfish Foundation (TBF) was asked by Dr. Michael Domeier to help him tag big black marlin off Panama to follow their migratory habits by satellite. An avid billfisherman and billfish scientist, Domeier happens to be a great white shark scientist as well.
“When he saw Ocean our 126 ft., mothership he asked if I would be able to catch and safely lift a great white shark on it for scientific research he wanted to do,” said Fischer. “We have a hydraulic lift to pick-up a 75,000 lb game boat. I said ‘sure. We can build a fence around the lift and swing a great white over it.’
“I felt we were the only people in the world who can safely capture these giant beasts of the ocean, pick them out of the water and let them go in good shape because of the lift and my crew of very talented world game anglers and captains,” as Fischer described Jody Whitworth and Brett McBride two legendary captains among his team members.
“I self-funded it, because we don’t really know much about great white sharks or other huge fish. It was a kind of a moral obligation to help Dr. Domeier solve this puzzle because I thought we would be the only people in the world who could do it for him. No one has ever had the ability to deliver mature specimens to scientists in remote locations because they are so big.
“Like in the movie Jaws, the first time we saw a shark come in and eat the bait and then take off and drag the buoys under and across the water it was a life-changing moment as an angler. The angling experience of capturing and releasing giant great white sharks is nothing similar to an angling experience of capturing a large pelagic fish. There’s a sense of history, a sense of awe, humility and humbleness. When a shark comes into the pattern under the back of the boat you look over at your bro and you’re all taking a step back. That thing is going to eat and we don’t want anyone to die today,” Fischer said with a smile describing that moment.
They even named the first great white they caught and released Bruce for the mechanical sharks used in the 1975 movie thriller classic.
Like a tenacious angler trying to get his quarry it took Fischer two years of pitching his project before National Geographic bit after seeing his exciting and extensive footage.
“I promised Dr. Domeier I would help him get these tags out and I went back and funded it a second year to help him finish this TV project and continue his science. Because of the severe down turn in the nation’s economy, if I couldn’t sell it I would have to sell my ship and get rid of everything. I was getting down to my last liquid dollars.”
Emulating the late French marine researcher Jacques Cousteau and his 139 ft. Calypso, Cousteau’s filming platform, Fischer describes his new TV series and his ship Ocean as a modern day vessel worthy of worldwide research of huge sharks and pelagic fish.
“And the episodes have the adventures of writer Zane Grey with many elements of the Deadliest Catch.” Fischer has won multiple Emmys for his recent Offshore Adventure series and other shows over this current decade. Actor Paul Walker another TBF board member and avid billfisherman helped on his crew.
“Monday night’s show is kind of a sneak peak during Expedition Week for the 10 hour series to run next summer,” said the highly passionate Fischer for his project. “The show is called Expedition Great White. We caught what we estimated to be a 4,600 lb great white based on length and girth.
“The first thing I did was call my buddies at the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) the world record keeping body, and Salt Water Sportsman magazine and asked them what was the biggest fish ever caught and released alive. Figures were in the 2,000 lb range on recreational tackle. I sent them this picture and they said nothing has been caught and released alive that big. We caught three of them over 4,000 lbs., the three biggest fish ever in history, caught and released alive. A specially designed system is used to keep each alive. The exam includes a blood draw by Dr. Domeier to check hormone levels, measurements, sperm samples taken, and tagging by attaching a tracking antenna to the dorsal fin before releasing.
“So it’s been great as the data is pouring in. Dr. Domeier is beginning to solve the puzzle of the great white shark; where they breed, where they feed, where they give birth so we can look after them and protect these areas. We’re learning so much new science.”
And work continues on the life cycle and migratory habits of billfish.
“Early next year we’re helping Dr. Domeier put out black marlin tags in the Puerto Vallarta fishery,” said Fischer. “He’s an avid big time black marlin and striped marlin angler and an active advisor to the TBF board. We support him and his science anyway we can.”
For more on the show which will be broadcast at 9 pm ET/PT, go to the Nat Geo website at http://channel.nationalgeographic.co...pedition-week/ .
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More on The Billfish Foundation: TBF is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations worldwide. With world headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., USA, TBF was established in 1986 by the late Winthrop P. Rockefeller, and has a comprehensive network of members and supporters including anglers, captains, mates, scientists, 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.
For more see the TBF web site at www.billfish.org or phone them at 800-438-8247.
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TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com

Editors: please credit the National Geographic Channel for the following photos:

Captions:
1-2 – Chris Fischer holds one of the special hooks used for the safe catch and release of the great white sharks during the filming of Expedition Great White. (photo credit: © National Geographic Channel)

2 -2 -- GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico: (Left to right) Crew member, Chad Kiesel and expert angler, Chris Fischer tag a 14 ft female great white shark to track her to breeding grounds. The hydration hose in the shark's mouth keeps it alive while the team measures, tags, and takes blood samples. (photo credit: © National Geographic Channel/ Chris Ross)

5 – 4 -- GUADALUPE ISLAND, Baja Mexico: Crew member, Jody Whitworth lifts the nose of a great white shark while Captain Brett McBride removes the hydration hose that keeps the shark alive on deck. (photo credit: © National Geographic Channel/ Chris Ross)

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Bill in Congress Would Prohibit Most Trapping in Wildlife Refuges

10/16/09



A new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would ban the use of the most common type of trap used to control predator populations within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

HR 3710, introduced by Representative Nita Lowey (D- NY), would make it illegal to use any trap that will “kill or capture wildlife by physically restraining any part of the animal” within the Refuge system. This definition of banned traps include the most common types, such as Conibear-style traps and foothold traps, that are used to control both predator and nuisance populations.

For a first offense, the bill orders a civil fine of up to $500 for each proscribed trap used or possessed. For subsequent offenses, a person in violation faces fines up to $1000 for each trap used or possessed as well as imprisonment for up to 180 days. Additionally, all such traps would be forfeited.

Similar bills have been introduced in the last several years but have never moved forward.

“Trapping is universally regarded by the wildlife management community as an invaluable tool to control predators and furbearers,” stated Bud Pidgeon, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO. “The USSA will be working to kill this bill should it gain any traction.”

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Major Policy Review Appears to Shortchange Sport and Recreational Fishing

Concern That Obama Administration Management Plan Could Limit Angling Access
10/16/09



The Obama Administration recently released a management plan for the oceans and Great Lakes that could have a huge negative impact on fishing in coastal areas.

The plan is called the Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force. The policies outlined in the report will govern federal ocean and Great Lakes waters. The report focuses on shifting to “ecosystem-based management as a foundational principle for the comprehensive management of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes.”

Of particular concern to many organizations is the absence of any reference in the report to the positive impact recreational anglers have on aquatic conservation. Instead, it raises an alarm as to what the framework for zoning in these waters will be when the final report is presented to the president by early December. The consequence of that framework could result in severe restrictions including the elimination of many popular, historically important recreational fishing areas.

Numerous conservation organizations have publicly stated their concerns over this plan. In a recent press release, Gordon Robertson, vice president of the American Sportfishing Association, stated, “the sportfishing community believes that recreational activities such as responsibly-managed and regulated recreational fishing deserve full consideration and incorporation in the administration’s ocean and Great Lakes policy.” He went to conclude, “Providing the angling public with access to public resources is no less important than conserving those resources.”

“We hope the Administration recognizes that sportsmen are the greatest conservationists and will not accept any proposals shutting off large tracts of coastal territory to them,” stated Rob Sexton, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president for government affairs. “If access for fishing becomes overly restricted, there will be a significant decline in resources dedicated to future conservation.”

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Sportsmen: Beware of Anti’s “Astroturfing”9/3/09


Anti-hunters have begun using a new tactic to advance their agenda: “astroturfing.” This term is used to describe incidents where an internet user claims to be someone or something they are not for the purpose of posting comments onto online forums, news stories, and blogs. The anti’s often will do this on pro-sportsmen forums and news sites, acting as hunters, trying to create divisions within the community.

A recent example appears to have taken place in North Dakota as a commenter to a Bismarck Tribune story was found to be using a computer registered to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the largest anti hunting group in the U.S.

The news story dealt with a petition in North Dakota to ban preserve hunting in the state. In the comments section, a person named “Will” appeared to pose as a hunter and stated, " Any real hunter wouldn't have an issue with this - hunting is supposed to be a sport, what sport or skill is it, to kill an animal that is raised for you to kill? Growing up I remember the thrill of the chase. The chase mind you, that doesn't involve fences. Anyone who thinks this will snowball is an idiot - it's practices like this that give hunters a bad name.”

Another commenter noted that they had seen the exact same post by “Will” over at a pro- sportsman blog where he had been exposed by the blog’s administrator after discovering that the IP address used by “Will” was registered to HSUS.

These efforts are becoming more frequent as increasing numbers of people communicate online. Sportsmen should be aware that the anti’s are taking advantage of this to attack certain forms of hunting and divide the community. This is particularly detrimental as some media and others look to forums to gauge a particular group’s thoughts on a subject. This in turn will make it more difficult for sportsmen to stand together as the anti’s move forward with its larger agenda to ban all hunting.

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Federal Legislation Would Increase Cape Hatteras Angler Access
9/3/09




Legislation has been introduced in Congress that will enhance access for anglers to one of the nation’s leading fishing destinations, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area.

Senate Bill 1557, introduced by Senators Richard Burr (R- NC) and Kay Hagan (D- NC), and H.R. 718, introduced by Representative Walter B. Jones (R- NC), would reinstate an interim management plan that had been put into place by the National Park Service (NPS) dealing with off-the road vehicles on Cape Hatteras. The plan had been developed to protect wildlife and still allow beaches to be accessible by vehicles.

The original NPS plan was issued in June 2007, but was scuttled in 2008 after a lawsuit filed by the Defenders of Wildlife and the National Audubon Society which alleged the interim NPS plan did not do enough to protect shorebirds. In particular, the groups claimed that the vehicle issue was not properly addressed. All agencies with control over federal land are to establish off road vehicle policies. The National Park Service never finalized a plan for Cape Hatteras. While former Secretary of the Interior, Dirk Kempthorne, created a committee in December 2007 to develop a plan, no consensus was reached which ultimately led to the lawsuit.

The NPS compromised to avoid the lawsuit, entering into an agreement that placed much greater restrictions on the use of vehicles than was the case under the interim plan.

Since the agreement went into effect, tourism has declined. Numerous businesses have closed with much speculation that the restrictions led to their demise. Existing local business owners feel that much of the negative impact is due to “weekend anglers” that used to travel to Cape Hatteras, but no longer do so as a result of the difficulties they encounter getting to the fishing locations.

“While a long term plan dealing with off road vehicles at Cape Hatteras is necessary, at least this legislation will alleviate the immediate problem for anglers seeking prime fishing spots and stop the downward spiral of businesses in the area,” said Doug Jeanneret, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance vice president of marketing. “The compromise by the Park Service has basically ended the angling opportunities at what many regard as the best fishing area in the U.S. These bills are at least a start to correcting this ridiculous situation.”

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Anti’s “CITE” Polar Bears
9/3/09




Three anti-hunting groups are urging the United States to “lead the way” and basically end all hunting of polar bears due to fears over global warming. If the effort is successful a precedent will be established that can be used to ban the hunting of many different species around the world.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare, Humane Society International, and Defenders of Wildlife sent a joint press release suggesting that the U.S. submit a proposal banning all trade in polar bear trophies, hides, and rugs at the next meeting of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). That meeting is scheduled for March 13-15 and will take place in Doha, Qatar.

The CITES convention is an international agreement between participating governments and is designed to guarantee that any trade in wild animals does not threaten their survival. The Convention was drafted in the 1960s and became effective worldwide on July 1, 1975.

The proposal advocated by the anti’s would “uplist” the polar bears under CITES from where a limited and regulated international trade is allowed to where it is completely prohibited.

The anti’s argue that the trade should be banned due to projections that global warming will reduce arctic ice in the bears’ habitat. This is the same reason that the U.S. Department of Interior formally listed polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in May of 2008.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) has long opposed the ESA listing of polar bears for two reasons. First, and foremost, this is an abuse of the ESA as many populations of polar bears are actually thriving and increasing. Also the listing is being based on future forecasting of wildlife populations. Currently, there is no agreement on number projections among professional wildlife managers.

“The push by anti’s to “uplist” polar bears under CITES is an overreaction,” stated Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “As with the ‘threatened’ designation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this move is a pre-emptive designation based on hypothetical assessments of the impact of global warming and would establish a precedent that anti’s can exploit with other species world wide.”

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PRESS STATEMENT
Press Statement from International and National Conservation, Animal
Protection, Research and Recreational Fisheries Organizations
Demanding Action from Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
(IATTC)
Who will look out for the future of tuna?WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 10, 2009) --

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna
Commission (IATTC) is the intergovernmental management authority comprised of
16 member countries with the mandate to regulate fishing fleets to avoid overexploitation
of tuna in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. For the past six meetings
over more than two years the IATTC has not taken a single decision to manage tuna
populations. So tuna populations must be doing great, right? Wrong.
Exactly the opposite is true. As member countries bicker over the details of how to
avoid further depleting stocks, tuna is not recovering. And it is not just conservation
groups that say so, but rather the IATTC’s own scientists. With increasing urgency at
meeting after meeting these highly skilled fisheries experts have used some of the best
fisheries information in existence as the basis for recommending a suite of urgently
required specific, decisive actions to avoid over-fishing of tuna stocks.
Things are not looking good for the fish, especially the region’s bigeye tuna. These
highly prized fish may be on the same downward spiral that have taken bluefin tuna in
the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean to the brink of economic extinction.
And it’s not only the fish that are at risk. Tens of thousands of jobs in poor
communities that dot the coasts of Latin America depend on tuna processing for their
livelihoods. Fisheries operators and government representatives at the IATTC argue
that adopting the recommended management actions would have dire economic
consequences for these people, as well as tuna boat operators and their crews.
Conservation, research and non-governmental fisheries organizations argue that either
hard decisions are taken now or impacts on the fish and people dependent on marine
resources will only get worse.
So who will look after the future of tuna? If recent history is repeated at the IATTC
meetings this week in La Jolla, California, it will not be the IATTC. Fortunately,
market mechanisms may force the IATTC’s hand. A new consortium known as the
International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) is bringing together tuna
processors, scientists and environmental non-governmental organizations to get
behind the IATTC and other fisheries management organizations so they base
management on scientific recommendations aimed to protect tuna stocks and reduce
their impacts on non-target species such as dolphins, turtles, sharks and seabirds.
If the IATTC does not act soon, it will fall to consumers to make their tuna purchases
from responsible processors and brands that offer fish from areas that are acting to
ensure that tuna populations stay healthy for the long term. This would be not only
good business and good news for the fish, but also for the consumers that enjoy tuna
that is responsibly captured. But for now, all eyes are on the IATTC.
Media contacts:
Gavin Gibbons, National Fisheries Institute, 703.752.8891, ggibbons@nfi.org
Steve Ertel, World Wildlife Fund, 202.495.4562, steve.ertel@wwfus.org
Scott Henderson, Conservation International, +593 98718157, s.henderson@conservation.org
Ellen Peel, The Billfish Foundation, ellen_peel@billfish.org
Gladys Martinez, The Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA),
+506.2283.7080, gmartinez@aida-americas.org
Jilly McNaughton, Fauna & Flora International, +44 (0) 1223 579473, jilly.mcnaughton@faunaflora.
org.
Timothy McHugh, Ocean Conservancy, 202.351.0492, tmchugh@oceanconservancy.org
Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community
participation to protect the Earth’s richest regions of plant and animal diversity and
demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. Founded in 1987, CI works
in more than 40 countries on four continents to help people find economic alternatives without
harming their natural environments. For more information about CI, visit
www.conservation.org.
WWF is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half
a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to
delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt
the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to
learn more.
The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) is the leading seafood industry advocate representing all
aspects of the seafood community from water to table for over 60 years. For more information,
please visit: www.aboutseafood.com.
The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is an international organization dedicated to the conservation of
marlin, sailfish, spearfish and swordfish, which comprise the apex predators of the ocean’s
pelagic ecosystems. With anglers and conservationist members in over 40 nations TBF has for
over 20 years used research, education and advocacy to support the development of sustainable
billfish management before national and international fisheries agencies and commissions. For
more information, please visit www.billfish.org.
The American Fishermen’s Research Foundation (AFRF) for over 35 years supporting research
and education concerning albacore tuna and related fish species. A unique organization funded
supported and supported by troll and baitboat fishermen and those who buy their catch in the
U.S. Canada, and New Zealand. www.afrf.org and www.albatuna.com.
The Natural Resources Defense Council’s purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants
and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends. For more information, please visit
www.nrdc.org.
The Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA) is a non-profit environmental
law organization that works in the Americas to strengthen people’s capacity to guarantee their
individual and collective right to a healthy environment through the development,
implementation, and effective enforcement of national and international laws. Among other
issues, AIDA works to advance the sustainable use of marine resources and the protection of key
ecosystems and endangered marine species. For more information, please visit: www.aidaamericas.
org.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a non-profit conservation organization that works through
science, law, and creative media to secure a future for all species, great or small, hovering on the
brink of extinction. For more information, please visit www.biologicaldiversity.org.
Fauna & Flora International protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing
solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs.
Operating in more than 40 countries worldwide – mainly in the developing world – FFI saves
species from extinction and habitats from destruction, while improving the livelihoods of local
people. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world’s longest established international conservation body
and a registered charity. For more information, please visit www.fauna-flora.org.
BirdLife International is a global Partnership of conservation organizations that strives to
conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. BirdLife Partners operate in over one
hundred countries and territories worldwide. For more information, please visit:
www.birdlife.org.
Malpelo Foundation promotes the protection and stewardship of marine and coastal areas in
Colombia by supporting the sustainable use of natural resources. To achieve this goal the
Malpelo Foundation promotes and supports the Colombian Government in the creation,
expansion and protection of Marine Protected Areas, strengthening research, monitoring,
education and enforcement of these areas. Malpelo Foundation promotes environmental
awareness with different stakeholders to achieve integral and sustainable conservation. For
more information, please visit: www.fundacionmalpelo.org.
Ocean Conservancy promotes healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems and opposes practices that
threaten ocean life and human life. Through research, education, and science-based advocacy,
Ocean Conservancy informs, inspires, and empowers people to speak and act on behalf of the
oceans. In all its work, Ocean Conservancy strives to be the world’s foremost advocate for the
oceans. For more information, please visit: www.oceanconservancy.org.

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HSUS Love Fest for “Humane Legislators” and Hollywood Stars

Anti-Hunting Group Announces its Top 148 Members of Congress, Best Celebs
4/8/09



The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) had a busy end to March cozying up to policymakers and Hollywood stars that promote its agenda at two gala events.

On March 25, the HSUS announced its recognition of the work done by 148 members of Congress. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D- ILL) and U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chair John Conyers (D- MI) earned the distinctions of being the “Humane” Senator and Representative of the Year respectively. They received their awards at a reception the same night.

Joining HSUS at the reception were three senators other than Durbin including, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Carper (D-DE), and David Vitter (R-LA). Additionally, 32 representatives also partied with the HSUS and HSLF as they received “Legislative Leader” awards for backing various bills supported by HSUS.

You can click here to learn if one of your federal legislators received an award from HSUS. You can also click here for a slideshow showing congresspersons attending the reception getting their award.

Take Action- If one of your congresspersons did receive an award from HSUS, please contact them. Make certain that they understand the award they received came from the leading anti-hunting organization in the country.

You can obtain your congressperson’s contact by going to the Legislative Action Center.

Meanwhile, on March 30, HSUS followed up its legislative love fest with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood during its 23rd annual “Genesis Awards.” According to the HSUS, the Genesis Awards recognize “artists, writers, and others in entertainment and the media who contributed their time and talents over the past year to raise awareness of the plight and suffering of animals.”

This year the big winners included Ellen DeGeneres and her partner, Portia di Rossi, who were recognized for raising funds to for the infamous Proposition 2 which drastically changed rules for animal agriculture in California. Another big winner was Oprah Winfrey as she got honors for “Outstanding Talk Show” due to her airing of programs on “puppy mills.”

For more on the bash, click here.

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Anti’s Prepare to Sue as States Resume Wolf Management
4/8/09

Great Lakes and Most Rocky Mountain Wolves to Be Removed From Endangered Species List

Anti-hunting groups led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are getting ready to challenge the federal government and sportsmen over wolves- again.

On April 2, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published the rule formally removing wolves in the Great Lakes region from the Endangered Species List in the Federal Register. The move is the last step for removing the wolves from protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and returning control of managing those populations to the states. Currently, this will become effective on May 4.

“This decision was the right one for the FWS to make. There is no valid scientific reason that states should not have the authority to manage their own wolf populations,” stated Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs.

However, there could be a wrinkle in these plans.

In an April 2 press release, the HSUS announced that it, along with a coalition of other animal rights groups, will likely challenge the FWS decision. According to the release, should the FWS not reconsider the delisting within 60 days; the coalition will ask a federal court to reinstate the ESA protection for wolves in the Great Lakes.

This effort is similar to tactics used by the HSUS and others previously when an anti-hunting coalition blocked the FWS’ effort to delist the wolves last year.

Sexton asserts, “Once again, animal rights groups are threatening to use the ESA as a weapon to shut down hunting.”

The federal government has long felt that the wolf populations in the Great Lakes region had not only recovered, but were thriving. A similar rationale was the impetus for the FWS to also delist most of the Rocky Mountain wolf population.

The USSA will be closely monitoring the progress of any legal actions taken by the anti’s and are examining possible plans of action.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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."
The text of the agreement can be found in Spanish and English at www.billfish.org . “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.
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3/10/2009 TBF PR counsel - Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications
Scottsdale, Ariz., USA
480-951-3654 (ph) -- JohnsonCom@aol.com