The Billfish Foundation's Cooperative Billfish Tagging program is a joint scientific effort by The Billfish Foundation (TBF), the US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), captains, crews, and anglers, worldwide. The data gathered through this effort is vital in estimating billfish age, growth, migration patterns, distribution, and stock structure.

TBF's tag heads are made from hydroscopic nylon - the same material used to construct artificial hearts and bone joints. The material appears to be biologically compatible. In fact, in tank studies with other species, the fish's flesh actually grew onto the tag head. This tissue bonding anchors the tag, and should greatly reduce the number of tags shed.

TBF has also improved its tag streamer, coating it clear plastic, to prevent the printed information from being destroyed by marine growth. And in the costant process of refining the tag, TBF shortened its streamer and made it narrower - resulting in less drag. This too, is expected to reduce tag shedding.

In the near future, the steel applicator will be extended by one inch to ensure deeper placement of the nylon anchor (tag head). In addition, the monofilament connecting anchor to streamer will be lenghthened to facilitate deeper placement and encourage complete healing of the tag wound.

Reporting the Recapture
Returning tag recapture information is extremely important; without it, the scientific loop remains open. But tags placed previously on billfish are not always easy to find. Various forms of marine growth often attach to exposed portions of the tag, making the streamer dificult to recognize. That's why anglers should carefully examine all billfish brought to the boat before tagging and releasing.

Examination of musble tissue surrounding the tag head, and obtaining biological samples (hard parts) for age and growth studies is essential to the success of the program. If you catch a tagged billfish that is of legal size, violates no bag limit, and that you intent to keep, it could yield important scientific data. It should be frozen or refrigerated whole, or a large portion of flesh surrounding the tag should be cut-out and frozen. TBF should be contacted immediately to arrange collection of the speciment. If you intent to re-release the tagged fish, clip the original tag, and if possible, implant a new tag. Record and estimate of the fish's lenght and weight, as well as the date and location of the recapture. Then call or write TBF with the information. Or call Dr. Eric Prince at the US National Marine Fisheries Service, at (305) 361-4248.

Remember, the success of this program rest in the hands of us all. The Billfish Foundation appreciates your support.

We are aware of the destruction of the beaked fish and for that reason Bluefin Sportfishing Costa Rica is active member of The Billfish Foundation.

Web site: www.billfish.org