For years, the amazing and diverse ecosystems of Belize have attracted
large numbers of tourists in search of exceptional wildlife and
adventure. Some are drawn to the jungles and waterfalls of Cayo, while
others visit the cayes to dive and snorkel the magnificent coral
reef. Still others are attracted to Belize because of the country's
reputation as a sportfishing paradise. Perhaps one of the most popular
deep-sea recreational fish species in Belize, as well as along the
Atlantic coast of the United States, are the Billfishes. These immense
fish (weighing up to 2,000 pounds), include the Blue and White Marlin and
are found far beyond the reef. Sadly, yet not altogether surprising given
the current state of the environment, most fishermen will tell you that
sightings of these fish have greatly diminished over the past few
decades.
Billfish is the general name for these giant fish that
have a rounded and elongated upper jaw, similar to a bill that is
slightly jagged. This group of fish is characteristically dark on top and
light underneath, with rough and pointed scales. The blue marlin is
cobalt blue on top and silvery white below, while its close relative the
white marlin, is lighter in color, has pectoral fins that are white and
rounded, and spots on its dorsal fins. Most blue marlin can weigh up to
2000 pounds, while the white marlin is smaller and rarely exceeds 180
pounds. The largest of Atlantic marlins is over 11 feet in length and
exceeds 2000 pounds! It is not surprising either that these gigantic fish
are often entered into contests, with almost all trophy winners being
female marlins (males rarely exceed 300 pounds).
Over the past few decades, populations of this fish,
particularly along the Atlantic coast of the US, have significantly
declined. Some estimate a 60-80% decline worldwide, a reduction that has
undoubtedly affected the population of marlin in Belize. One of the
greatest threats that marlin face is overfishing, most importantly, of
juvenile species, preventing the population of this fish to increase.
Furthermore, commercial longlines and gill nets used to catch tuna are
notorious for catching "bycatch," or marine animals that are unwanted,
and thus discarded. The US Billfish Foundation estimates that over the
past 30 years, more than 500,000 marlin were killed annually due to
longlining.
Despite its popularity as a sport fish,
as well as its current threatened status, very little is known about the
marlin. By examining the stomach contents of this creature, it is known
that it feeds on squid and pelagic (deep-water) fish. Furthermore,
researchers have discovered that the marlin makes transatlantic
migrations, however, spawning patterns are still unknown. In an effort to
gain more information on the marlin, over the last few decades the
National Marine Fisheries Service has been involved in a tagging program.
Information about the age, growth, migration patterns, and distribution
of the billfish is transmitted from a tag inserted under the skin of the
creature to a satellite. The goal of the tagging program is to provide
information useful in the development and maintenance of an international
plan to protect the billfish.
Currently in Belize, research is being conducted in
the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve in Southern Belize. Information and
knowledge are critical when it comes to conservation. Not only do we need
to learn more about these creatures so that recreational fishing can
continue to thrive, but also to ensure that a healthy marlin population
exists to maintain species diversity of the ocean world.
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