IGFA embarks on month-long billfish awareness campaign

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has announced a month-long campaign to raise awareness and funds for the organisation’s signature research initiative, the IGFA Great Marlin Race (IGMR).

Since 2011, the IGMR has been deploying cutting-edge satellite tags on billfish to track their movements and behavioural patterns to get a better understanding of what drives the fish and assess their vulnerability to commercial fisheries.

To date it had tagged over 450 billfish and logged enough tracked mileage to circumnavigate the globe more than 15 times. The data is open to the public and has resulted in eight peer-reviewed publications in major scientific journals.

During this time-limited campaign, IGFA and its partners, Costa and YETI, will be offering incentives to those who support the IGMR through donations.

“We are extremely proud to be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the IGMR,” said IGFA President, Jason Schratwieser. “Not only has the IGMR grown to become the world’s largest billfish satellite tagging programme, but it has also engaged anglers from around the world to help us learn more about these incredible fish.

“I urge anyone who cares about the future of billfish to support the IGMR during this campaign and you will receive some great incentives from our partners at Costa and YETI for your contribution.”

To learn more about the IGMR and to take part in the campaign visit here.

Main picture: Hannes Ribbner.