Recently, the 25th edition of the International and Local fishing tournament took place on Bonaire . There were local participating boats, but also boats from neighboring islands/countries, such as Aruba, Curacao and Venezuela. The international section focused on catching and releasing Marlins (the Blue Marlin, White Marlin and the Sailfish). Prices were awarded to the largest Tuna, Mahi-mahi and Wahoo. The local section focused on the fishes with the most pounds and afterwards these were offered for sale to the public.
Sustainable touch
This year it was for the first time that the tournament had a sustainable touch. For example, the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire was present with a booth to promote their fishing line project. Furthermore, at the invitation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Mr. Andrew Cox of "The Billfish Foundation" was present. This to promote the use of circle hooks and marking Marlins and Sailfishes for research. The use of circle hooks requires a slightly different fishing technique, but the catches are equal. The great advantage of circle hooks is that they cause less damage to the caught fishes, so the survival rate is 95% on release. This also applies to sea turtles caught accidentally.
MarkingThe fishermen we also explained how to act after catching a marked Marlin or Sailfish and how they can mark the fishes themselves. The marking is of great importance for science. For example, migration routes and growth rate are measured, which are important for the conservation of these magnificent animals.
More information
More information about marking Marlins or what to do when catching a marked Marlin: Pieter van Baren Tel +599-7158333 or the website of "The Billfish Foundation" http://www.billfish.org
The fishermen we also explained how to act after catching a marked Marlin or Sailfish and how they can mark the fishes themselves. The marking is of great importance for science. For example, migration routes and growth rate are measured, which are important for the conservation of these magnificent animals.More information about marking Marlins or what to do when catching a marked Marlin: Pieter van Baren Tel +599-7158333 or the website of "The Billfish Foundation" http://www.billfish.org
The fishermen we also explained how to act after catching a marked Marlin or Sailfish and how they can mark the fishes themselves. The marking is of great importance for science. For example, migration routes and growth rate are measured, which are important for the conservation of these magnificent animals.More information about marking Marlins or what to do when catching a marked Marlin: Pieter van Baren Tel +599-7158333 or the website of "The Billfish Foundation" http://www.billfish.org