NOAA just released the 1st quarter landing update for the recreational fishing community. While only 1 blue marlin has been landed in the 1st quarter, we expect the number of fish to be reported will increase by the 2nd quarter due to tournament season.
Landings are compiled using self-reported angler reports from the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Non-Tournament Recreational Swordfish and Billfish Landings Database; tournament landings from the Atlantic Tournament Registration & Reporting system; catch card reports from North Carolina and Maryland; and individual billfish intercepted by the Large Pelagic Survey and Marine Recreational Information Program.
Please note that estimates are subject to change due to receipt of updated information (e.g., data from late reporting). As specified in 50 CFR Part 635.27(d) (1), the recreational billfish fishery is limited to a maximum of 250 Atlantic blue and white marlin and roundscale spearfish landings, combined, per year.
Preliminary landings for January 1–March 31, 2019 in numbers of fish for Atlantic blue and white marlin, roundscale spearfish, and western Atlantic sailfish.
| Species | 2019 (Q1) | 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic blue marlin | 1 | 90 |
| Atlantic white marlin | 0 | 78 |
| Roundscale spearfish | 0 | 20 |
| Total | 1 | 188 |
| Remaining landings limit (of 250) | 249 | 62 |
| Western Atlantic sailfish* | 5 |
*Western Atlantic sailfish are not included in the 250 fish landings limit for Atlantic blue and white marlin/roundscale spearfish.
Last updated by Office of Sustainable Fisheries on 05/20/2019
