Tag and Release Sailfish and Other Billfish in Fujairah Waters

Earlier articles on this site about the ‘massacre’ of sailfish in Fujairah waters and the need to impose fish limits with effective policing have led to inquiries about how people can participate in the tag and release programme.

Established fishing charter companies that operate from Dubai and Fujairah such as Soolyman Sportsfishing are part of ‘The Billfish Foundation’, which is American-based and one of the most recognized in the world.

It would be good if local fishing tackle shops supplied the tagging poles, tags and information forms needed to participate in this venture. If they already do, these shops need to publicize and promote these facilities in the UAE.

In the meantime, regular fishermen who have been hooking sailfish might do well to sign up with ‘The Billfish Foundation’ and participate in this worthwhile global cause.

Why the Billfish Foundation is Important

Check out this video to understand what the Billfish Foundation does to conserve the billfish populations worldwide.

This fisherman tells how the tagging and release programme works.

Credit

Thanks to UAE fisherman, Jarrod Isles, for researching this issue.

Further

Fish Prices Shoot Up in Fujairah, Khaleej Times, 12 July 2011.

One Dirham a Day at Fujairah Marine Club Gets All these Benefits, FIF, 1 May 2011.

UAE Must Impose Fish Limits and Policing Programme, FIF, 9 March 2011.

Fishing in Fujairah—Encounter With a Sailfish, FIF, 25 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

Click on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page to get more Fujairah news and photos.

Image: Preparing to tag and release a sailfish.