Conservation

For many years when the population of commercial, and recreational fishermen was small there was never a concern about depleting the fish resources. But, as the years have passed there has been a tremendous influx of fishermen, both commercial and recreational.
This is due mainly to the availability of high tech electronics and the wide range of boats built to reach all the habitats of every specie. Soon, it became apparent that the vast amounts of fish were dwindling. From shore to the bluewater the fish population was moving on a downward trend, both in quantity and size. After numerous complaints from fishermen, sportfishing clubs and magazines the National and State Marine Fisheries Commissions realized that in order to save the endangered fish population it must enact a stringent set of laws. By banning certain types of netting, setting size and quantity limits on catches by commercial and recreational fishermen and establishing open and closed seasons on certain endangered species the resource appears to be making a comeback. Is it too late? It may have just happened at the right time. The tremendous and intense publicity placed on this conservation effort not only brought about the much needed action by our national and state commissions but it has also sparked the fishing public to eliminate kill catches of certain species within their tournaments. Fishing is an industry, whether it is commercial or recreational, and like any other the resources must be protected to ensure its future. It is better to complain about having to release a fish because it is too small than not to have one to release at all!

TOURNAMENT PROMOTES CONSERVATION

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic claimed first place as a leader in a major money tournament in eliminating white marlin and sailfish kills from the tournament event. In an additional conservation move, the tournament in 2000 set the required length of Blue marlin for weigh-in to 100 inches. This is one inch above the federal guidelines.

Importing of Swordfish

Atlantic swordfish weighing less than 33 lbs dressed weight cannot be imported into the U.S. Other requirement for importers: 1. Must have permit to sell swordfish. 2. Must report imports. 3. Must comply with a certificate of eligibility that requires each shipment of swordfish be identified by ocean of origin, flag of fishing vessel and fish size.