Press Releases Articles

NOAA Sets Fishing Quotas for Bluefin Tuna

NOAA today announced quotas and other measures for bluefin tuna that underscore the nation’s commitment to sustainable science-based management of this vital fish stock. The allocations divide the available 2011 U.S. bluefin tuna quota of 957 metric tons among commercial and recreational fishing sectors for the fishing season that began on June 1.

Legislation Introduced to Stop Unwarranted Fisheries Closures

The Fisheries Science Improvement Act (H.R. 2304), introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) on June 23, 2011, with the support of a bi-partisan group of 18 other Members of Congress, seeks to ensure that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is required to set catch limits based on data, not on guesstimates.

RFA Welcomes New Support for Magnuson Reform

(6/28/2011) Nearly 5 years of political pressure by grassroots political activism along the coast seems to be paying off for recreational fishermen and business owners, as a new piece of legislation introduced before Congress last week (HR 2304) shows that Congress is beginning to recognize the plight of the saltwater angler.

ACT NOW! Legislation Introduced to Stop Unwarranted Fisheries Closures

The Fisheries Science Improvement Act (H.R. 2034), introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) on June 23, 2011, with the support of a bi-partisan group of 18 other Members of Congress, seeks to ensure that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) is required to set catch limits based on data, not on guesstimates.

Official VA State Record Catch

The State Record Fish Committee of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has confirmed that the 143-pound blue catfish caught on June 18, in the John H. Kerr Reservoir, known as Buggs Island Lake, is a new state record. The committee members reviewed the application, verified the location of the catch as well as the species, weight, length, and girth of the fish. A VDGIF Conservation Police Officer and Fisheries Biologist were present at the weigh-in.

New Yellowfin Tuna World Record

Anglers have been trying to beat the mythical 400 lb mark for yellowfin tuna for decades - and the feat has finally been accomplished. Three months and seven days after his momentous catch aboard the long-range sportfisher Vagabond, the IGFA is pleased to announce that retired school superintendant Mike Livingston of Sunland, California, has been awarded the All-Tackle record for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). His 405 lb fish, boated on November 30, 2010 now replaces a 33 year old record set in 1977 by Curt Wiesenhutter.

Legislation Introduced To Stop Fishing Closures

A bill introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) seeks to ensure that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Fisheries Service is required to set catch limits based on sound science. The bi-partisan legislation, known as the Fishery Science Improvement Act (FSIA), is endorsed by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus as well as a broad coalition of conservation, sportfishing and marine industry groups. Original co-sponsors of H.R. 2304 include Rep. Wittman’s colleagues Reps. Mike Ross (D-AR); Jeff Miller (R-FL); Heath Shuler (D-NC); Bob Latta (R-OH); Jo Bonner (R-AL.); Dan Boren (D-OK); Charles Boustany (R-LA); Bill Cassidy (R-LA); Jeff Duncan (R-SC); John Fleming (R-LA); Frank Guinta (R-NH); Andy Harris (R-MD); Martin Heinrich (D-NM); Duncan Hunter (R-CA); Jeff Landry (R-LA); Scott Rigell (R-VA); and Steve Southerland (R-FL).

NOAA Steps Up Effort to Address Sea Turtle Mortality, Seeks Public Input

June 24, 2011 - As part of stepped-up efforts to address an increase in sea turtle strandings in the Gulf of Mexico, NOAA announced today it will explore new rules to reduce unintended catch and mortality of sea turtles in the southeastern shrimp fishery.

Men Reel in Shark During Fishing Tournament

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, Fla. (WSVN) -- A group of Miami bankers who took part in a fishing tournament reeled in a 1,000 pound mako shark over the weekend.