The Billfish Foundation

Our Mission

Working worldwide to advance the conservation of billfish to improve the health of the oceans, associated economies, and fight for the rights of anglers.

Research

TBF collects and utilizes data for advancing responsible fisheries management and billfish conservation, highlighting the importance of the recreational fishing community.

Advocacy

TBF provides a voice for billfish conservation and the recreational fishing community globally.

Education

TBF fosters strong billfish conservation ethics, helping anglers of all generations understand the importance of the recreational sportfishing industry and billfish.

TBF Programs

Tag & Release

Thousands of dedicated anglers and captains around the world voluntarily submit billfish data in support of billfish conservation.

229,603

Total Tags

45,854

Total Release

3,583

Total Recapture

152,184

Total Users

Tag & Release Program

International Competition

Our annual competition quantifies tag and release activities, using angler-reported data in research that supports billfish conservation.

Tag & Release Program

International Competition

Our annual competition quantifies tag and release activities, using angler-reported data in research that supports billfish conservation.

FRIENDS OF TBF

Partners

Passionate groups and organizations that help support billfish conservation and the mission of TBF. Click on their logos to learn more.

SHOP TBF

Newest Arrivals

Check out our shop, the best place to find all your TBF exclusive merchandise and tagging equipment.

Junior Angler Hat
$10.00
“Covered Up” by Guy Harvey
$70.00
Billfish Tagging Kits
$56.00
Clean Way Full Fill Fuel Funnel
$73.00
Helly Hansen Women’s Tag Flag Jacket
$200.00

IN THE SPREAD

Latest News

Check out what’s making a splash in the world of billfishing.

Learn About the Impact

Advocacy News

Learn what current events and issues are impacting our community, and what TBF is doing.

NOAA announced a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the endangered Rice’s whale under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) even though a decision on the vessel speed in the…
The first offshore wind power lease auction in the Gulf of Mexico will offer a 10 percent credit to developers who contribute to a fisheries compensation fund for commercial and…
Speed Reduction Zones – TBF opposes the two recently issued proposals by NMFS and NOAA to apply extreme vessel speed reductions (10.5 mph) along the East Coast to all vessels…
After 23 years of defending the Closed Zones off the U.S. East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) just shared its options in…

Research

Through science and data collection, TBF aims to promote conservation, improve billfish stocks, and support sportfishing.

Tag & Release

The world’s largest, open-sourced billfishing database and the cornerstone of TBF’s conservation efforts. Learn how to get involved today!

Publications

Check out some recently published manuscripts from TBF, including collaborative researchers and organizations we support.

Satellite Tagging

From satellite tagging trips to the data collected from them, click here to learn more about why and how these tags are used by data scientists.

Learn About Billfish

Education

Ever wonder what makes a billfish a billfish? Or how many billfish species there are? Click below to learn all about them! 

Thomas Adrien

What Are Billfish?

Billfish are a highly unique species, with the term “billfish” referring to various predatory fish species.

Billfish Species

If you break it down by genus, there are five billfish species. If you use common name, there are 12! But some argue there are seven “true” billfish species. So, which is it?

Magazines

With three unique publications, TBF has a magazine for anglers of all ages. Click here to see which one is the best fit for you!

Outreach

From schools and camps, to festivals and concerts, click below to bring TBF to an event near you!

Opportunities

Are you interested in college internships, volunteer opportunities, or PhD scholarships? Click here to learn more!

Get on Board

Join our Newsletter

Get up to date information on events, news, and research on a constant basis. Submit your email now to join our exclusive newsletter.

Explore Our Socials

Search TBF

Wild West

Sailfish Challenge

Big Dog Tackle Swordfish Tournament

TBF Introduces 10 Grander Club, aka “The Billie Club”

Pacific Bluefin Tuna Recovery

TBF’s Miami EcoAdventures Outreach

Upcoming Events

Important Deadlines

NOV
01
TBF Gala 2024 – Save the Date

Important Deadlines

NOV
01
TBF Gala 2024 – Save the Date

Latest News