A conundrum for management and conservation of one of the Atlantic’s most overfished oceanic species
Here’s an eye-opening tale of how little we really know about the diversity of life in our oceans. And why scientific information is so critical for sustaining our fisheries. A simple case of mistaken fish species identity has really messed up what we thought we knew about the magnificent, but severely overfished white marlin. Furthermore, this unrecognized mistake, which has occurred for decades, is raising serious questions about how we can better manage the white marlin to ensure its future survival.
So what’s this mistake? It turns out that for years, anglers thinking they were catching the prized white marlin may have caught an entirely different species instead! Just three years ago, a team of scientists from the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University and NOAA Fisheries in Florida made a startling discovery – they confirmed the existence of a previously unrecognized billfish species that looks very similar to a white marlin (see photo). Known as the roundscale spearfish, this new billfish species has now been found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, where its distribution overlaps that of the real white marlin.
Then in December 2009, the same scientific team reported that roundscale spearfish made up a significant portion (about 27%) of the commercial catch that was previously believed to be white marlin.
By now you may be asking, “what’s the fuss?” The problem is that because the existence of the roundscale spearfish was unrecognized until recently, its inadvertent misidentification as white marlin for decades makes past assessments of white marlin population sizes – which are based on fisheries catch data – inaccurate. Basically, what used to be called the “white marlin” was actually a mixture of two species!
What does this mean for the future of the threatened, real white marlin? Given huge concerns about its depleted populations, two petitions (in 2002 and 2007) to list the white marlin under the U.S. Endangered Species Act were considered. If such a listing had gone through, it would likely have put an end to white marlin fishing tournaments, which infuse millions of dollars into the recreational fishing industry as well as local economies. Now the discovery of a look-alike species, realization of it’s long-standing mix-up with white marlin, and the fact that it makes up a substantial portion of past “white marlin” catch, raises considerable confusion regarding the accuracy of our biological knowledge about white marlin and its population sizes. Two issues are clear: First, it’s back to the drawing board to figure out what the white marlin population size really is and how to better manage this species before its populations completely crash. Second, it also means that there is another large billfish species out there (the roundscale spearfish) that we know nothing about and that could very well also be declining rapidly due to overfishing.
I find it remarkable that the existence of a large billfish species in U.S. waters went unnoticed until just three years ago! This “oops” moment points to the urgent need for more scientific research about our planet’s oceans before we lose even more biodiversity.
The good news is that the scientific team from the GHRI and NOAA Fisheries is making fast progress on developing the tools and providing the information needed to help fishery managers better conserve the white marlin and roundscale spearfish. Thank you for your continued support of such important scientific research through the purchase of Guy Harvey sportswear. It makes a statement that you care about the welfare of our fragile oceans!
The action in this amazing video includes not only a giant blue marlin taking the bait right up close in the prop wash, but also International World Record Holder Stewart Campbell being pulled out of the fighting chair, over the transom and into the drink. Stewart and his team consisting of captain Bark Garnsey and wireman Charles Perry are far and away the best blue marlin team in the world. This awesome footage shows that the unexpected can happen even to the best.
The “bait and switch” technique they perfected where the rigged bait and hook are slid back to the fish as the teaser (lure with no hook) is retrieved, makes not only for fishing success, but also for a visual thrill as the marlin takes the bait on the surface. The technique is explained in this video and Stewart’s Atlantic Blue Marlin World Records of 336 lbs. on 6lb test, 562 lbs 8 lb test, 820 lbs on 16 lb, 714 lbs on 20 lb test and 872 lbs on 30 lb test are proof of just how successful this style of fishing can be when you have the right team in place to take advantage of it.
This video is presented by GuyHarveySportswear.com with permission from Stewart Campbell and from Charles Perry of Nautical Dreams.
Previously known for fishing clothing and fishing T shirts for hard core fishermen, Guy Harvey jewelry and clothing is gaining popularity with anyone that loves the ocean and the coastal lifestyle.
Irvine, CA (PRWEB) February 17, 2010 — Guy Harvey’s famous marine wildlife artwork is now seen being worn not only by fishermen, but by men and women, college students, teens and even young kids. And most recently Guy Harvey’s artwork is showing up as fine jewelry on beautiful swimsuit models like Brooklyn Decker and Anne V in the recently released 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Guy Harvey Nautical Jewelry
Brooklyn Decker and friends sport Guy Harvey Jewelry in 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue “It was like walking up to the plate in the world series and hitting the ball out of the park at first bat,” said Jim Fortescue, owner of Nautora, the official licensee and manufacturer of Guy Harvey Jewelry. “I couldn’t possibly envision a better promotional opportunity than on the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for our nautical jewelry line.”
Just a few years ago, the primary place you might see Guy Harvey’s artwork outside of a picture frame, was on fishing t shirts worn by salt water fishermen. But that has changed as evidenced not only by the Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, but by the millions of dollars in Guy Harvey clothing being sold through retailers across the U.S. and online to a wide variety of people of all ages.
Anne V wearing Guy Harvey Jewelry
“Guy Harvey clothing, jewelry, and other licensed products are really striking a chord with a broad cross section of people across the country,” said Bill Shedd, owner of AFTCO Bluewater, the licensee for Guy Harvey apparel and operator of the newly launched official online store GuyHarveySportswear.com. “We have watched long lines of people of all ages wrapping around the block, waiting for an autograph at Guy Harvey’s signing events…Moms with 10 year old sons, Dads with 17 year old daughters, and college students both male and female,” Shedd continued.
“I think Guy Harvey’s growing popularity is more than just about beautiful fish art as fashion, said Mahmood Shivji, Director of the Guy Harvey Research Institute at Nova Southeastern University. “Guy Harvey is all about conservation, about sustainability, about educating the public, and about saving our oceans and the marine life so that future generations will be able to appreciate and use the marine resource as we have. No one is more passionate and involved with the ocean than Guy Harvey. He doesn’t just talk about it, he does something about it. A portion of every Guy Harvey jewelry, clothing and other licensed product sale goes to fund important marine research, and I believe informed consumers that love our oceans really relate to Guy’s commitment.”
Jessica White wearing Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey’s Facebook page has over 109,000 actively engaged fans, many of them college students and younger, supporting the claim of a widening audience. Both Guy Harvey Jewelry and Guy Harvey Sportswear are actively seeking additional product placement opportunities.
About Guy Harvey Jewelry
Guy Harvey’s artwork is now featured in a line of fine jewelry. Nautora has transferred Guy Harvey’s ocean themed artwork into three dimensional works of personal designer jewelry. The new jewelry line features an assortment of Marlins, Sailfish, Porpoises, Sharks, Hummingbirds, Sea Turtles, King Mackerel, Tarpon, Dorado, Macaw and Tropical Fish. The line features delicate pieces for the ladies, and robust, heavier pieces for the guys. Nautora has used a variety of combinations of sterling silver, 18k gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones to create an impressive selection. All pieces in the line have Guy’s signature exquisitely featured on the reverse side. Guy Harvey’s Signature Jewelry is available at many fine retail stores. Prices range from $59.95 to $30,000. To locate a retailer go to http://www.guyharveyjewelry.com/locator/
About Guy Harvey Sportswear
Guy Harvey Sportswear represents a full line (over 7,000 styles and sizes) of high quality Guy Harvey Men’s fishing t shirts featuring his extraordinary detailed paintings of big game fish like marlin, sailfish, tuna and more, in addition to other men’s fishing clothing like tech and performance shirts, fishing shorts, fishing hats, belts, shoes, and sandals. There is also a wide selection of Women’s clothing including dresses, skirts, shorts, knits, tanks, and tops, in addition to popular new Junior’s and Young Men’s t shirt lines featuring more youthful designs and a slimmer cut. The Youth department includes fishing shirts, t shirts, and hats. Guy Harvey Sportswear is available at many retail locations as well as online at: http://www.guyharveysportswear.com/ (A retailer locator is available on the site.)
Guy signing his Guy Harvey fishing t-shirts at the 2010 Miami Boat Show
Thanks to all of you who stopped by at the Miami Boat Show to say hello. I’ve been part of this show since 1987 and each year brings something different. This year was the debut for the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, a separate booth from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. This gave me an opportunity like no other. I was able to showcase my art collection along with Guy Harvey sportswear and other licensed products which allowed me to spread the word of awareness about marine conservation.
One of the most wonderful surprises from this show and other recent events I have attended is how broad the Guy Harvey customer base has become. In past shows, I would visit primarily with older saltwater fishermen. This year in our pavilion, I talked to mothers with their 17 year old sons, dads with their 10 year old daughters, and college students both male and female. I especially liked talking to the kids, as it is most critical that we educate our youth on the importance of marine conservation.
Jim Buie, sales manager of Nautora with Guy Harvey jewelry from recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue
This broadened support base was made obvious by our jewelry licensee Nautora. As part of their display in the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion they featured some photos of ladies wearing Guy Harvey jewelry in the current issue of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Being chosen to participate in this wildly popular event is a testament to both the quality of the Guy Harvey jewelry, and the growing appeal of the Guy Harvey brand. Thanks to Jim Fortescue and his team at Nautora for making this happen.
As I watched people peruse through the aisles at this year’s boat show, I was in awe to see the amount of attendees wearing some form of Guy Harvey sportswear. I think it’s important for people to know they are part of something big and making a difference in the world in which we live. Remember that it takes cash to care and that with the purchase of a Guy Harvey t-shirt, or any of the Guy Harvey products, a percentage of the sale goes to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Supporting the foundation that I have organized is imperative, so that researchers can continue to work on important marine resource issues.
My gratitude goes out to everyone that has supported me throughout the years. I could not have accomplished what I have without each and every one of you. Whether you have purchased a Guy Harvey tee, or you’re an art aficionado of my work, or have worked with me in my research. I thank you.
This amazing video shows a swordfish stuck in a blowout preventer of an offshore underwater oil rig being pulled out and released by a ROV.
Swordfish are considered by many to be the ultimate prize of the big game fisherman. Known not only for their strength and stamina this magnificent game fish is also one of the oceans best tasting fish. The IGFA All-Tackle world record swordfish was caught in Chile and weighed 1182 pounds. The fish in this video is estimated to weigh in the 400 pound range.
Unlike marlin whose bill is round, the swordfish bill is flat and much like the Roman broad sword that was designed after the swordfish’s bill. Swordfish usually travel alone. They use their bill for defense and to kill or stun prey such as squid and other deep water prey. Swordfish are known to be very aggressive and have been known to attacked boats and even deep diving submarines.
Their very large eye allows them to see in the low light conditions of the deep water environment where they spend most of their lives.
One of my favorite fishing shirts featuring this beautiful marine animal is the Swordfish Strike T-Shirt available in long or short sleeve and a variety of colors.
Fresh from my success in catching a blue marlin during the last week of January, I was anxious to continue my quest to catch at least one of these magnificent creatures each month from my home waters around Grand Cayman. As February arrived, also “fresh” was my memory of last month’s dual hookups on blues at Twelve Mile Bank. It should be no surprise then that I chose the bank as our destination when I fished with my brother-in-law Jonathan Collier, who made a February visit from Australia. The day was relatively uneventful up until we finally hooked up with a blue marlin while trolling back from the bank. During the lengthy battle, the jumping fish got wrapped up in the leader, but we were able to successfully release the 140-pounder at boat-side.
Guy finds the Performance fishing shirt and visor, recent additions to his line of Guy Harvey Sportswear, to be boat-worthy while trolling for marlin
Next to visit, was friend and renowned English wildlife artist Ian Coleman. Ian dives a lot but he had never caught a blue marlin. On February 25, after enjoying a fantastic morning dive at Tarpon Alley, we boarded my 26-foot center console, and once again I headed for the Twelve Mile Bank. Our fishing activities were delayed when we encountered a broken-down boat that we towed back to West Bay, so we didn’t make it out to the bank until about noon. Even at that, we were pleasantly greeted with an abundance of surface activity as frigatebirds worked over schools of feeding skipjack tunas.
It wasn’t long before we trolled up a marlin in our spread, but this first one embarrassed me — inspecting our offerings but then passing up all four lures! Feeling the frustration, I continued to circle the area until the left short rigger went down hard — blue marlin! As Coleman was settling in his harness to prepare for his first-ever battle with a blue, the right rigger got bit — two on! I left that rod in the holder while scrambling to retrieve the left flat when yet another blue marlin pounced on that lure. Wow! This was starting to feel like familiar territory.
The triple hook-up was short-lived, as the first marlin shook off quickly. After another 10 minutes or so, the second fish came off, so Coleman was left to fight the third fish while I steered the boat. It was a tough battle, but Ian got his first blue marlin, a fish I judged to be 170-plus pounds. After a successful release, out went the lures again, and within 15 minutes, another marlin crashed the right long rigger and jumped going away. Coleman was cooked, so I grabbed the rod and worked the fish to the boat, a blue that was smaller then our first at about 125 pounds. That concluded 90 minutes of seemingly non-stop action where we scored five blue marlin bites and released two.
BLUE TANGO: Guy's painting portrays a blue marlin feeding on skipjack tunas, which was the case when he fished Twelve Mile Bank in February
Two days later, on February 27, I snuck in my last blue marlin of the month while fishing with visiting angler Jim Armour. We hooked up just off the area known as Papagallo on North West Point. I was particularly excited because this was the first fish and the first marlin caught from my new 28-foot Scout Makaira II. With a cold front approaching, we decide to squeeze the trip in before what would almost certainly be several days of rough seas. Around Grand Cayman, the trick to fishing during the winter months is to carefully choose good weather days, as it does get very rough on the water with fronts bringing strong northwest then northeast winds.
— Guy Harvey
Check this blog next month for my adventures in March, 2008, as I continue my quest to catch a blue marlin every month of the year.
On February 2nd, Guy Harvey and Wyland met up in Guy’s home country the Cayman Islands to collaborate on a mural in front of the Guy Harvey Gallery & Shoppe. Proceeds from the sale of the mural will be donated to the Cayman Island Turtle Farm’s release program that is helping to replenish the Green Sea Turtle stock. During the event Wyland and Guy also worked together to help teach local island kids some of the finer points of marine art.
Wyland painting with the kids
Guy Harvey and Wyland are the world’s most famous marine artists, but their similarities don’t stop there. They share a passion for the ocean and for educating the world about important ocean issues through their art, their foundations (Wyland Foundation and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation) and through their many business and personal activities.
Guy and Wyland working on the mural, with Wyland sporting his Guy Harvey t-shirt
Both are world class divers and Wyland was inducted into the SCUBA Diving Hall of Fame last week. Guy is also a world-renowned angler and was inducted into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame last fall.
I am blessed to call each of them my friend. They both possess many wonderful talents and traits, but the fact that they admire each other’s work, are friends and speak highly of each other is unique.
In this competitive “me first” world of “I am better than you”, it is a beautiful thing to see the world’s two most talented marine artists working together so closely for the benefit of the world’s oceans and the creatures who call it home.
Recently my daughter Carrie e-mailed me to have me check out this video of a guy jumping out of a helicopter to catch a free swimming marlin. She knew I would get a kick out of seeing it, and she also wanted me to help solve an argument she and her friends where having as to whether it was real, or simply Hollywood at its best. Check out this video, it is truly awesome. Real, however, it is not.
To the friends of my wonderful daughter this appeared real indeed. To someone like myself, or any of my friends who have also spent a lifetime trying to better understand and figure out marlin and other highly migratory fish, this is an impossibility made to look real through some very clever and outstanding camera work. Whether or not it actually happened does not change the fact that this is a way cool ocean video.
The video features adventure fisherman Matt Watson, star of the Discovery Network series Man vs. Fish. Matt is a great entertainer and we mean no disrespect, as he is an avid promoter of responsible catch and release fishing, and helps drive awareness of our beloved sport. He has caught marlin from a surfboard and a jetski, and a shark from a child’s inflatable raft. In this particular episode, they’ve found a marlin near a feeding frenzy of dorado and proceed to hover the helicopter over the fish, allowing Matt to dive head first into the water (with his sunglasses on) tackling the marlin unaware, and then riding it for a few seconds and releasing it.
So what might have actually happened? My speculation is that the marlin was caught in the traditional way, with a fishing rod and reel. After a long, drawn out battle the weary fish was pulled along side the boat, photographed for posterity and carefully released, at which time the film crew was already in the water, ready to shoot the “helicopter jumper” as he jumped the couple of feet from the side of the boat onto the worn-out fish.
But again, I take nothing away from the entertainment value of watching a man jump from a helicopter onto one of the most amazing and sought after game fish in the ocean and wrestle it bare handed. It’s fun to see what you can do in the video edit suite!
Our main goal with this blog will be to bring you directly from Guy Harvey his insights and personal accounts of his many adventures and expeditions in the ocean world. We also will bring you guest blogs from additional experts on ocean issues and we will bring you the most interesting videos that deal with the ocean and the fish who call it home. Real or not, this is one such video. Pass this on to your friends and you are guaranteed to have some interesting conversation as to whether this is real or not.
I would like to invite you to meet me at the 69th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail in the Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, room 2700 (the west side of the Miami Convention Center). The Boat Show runs Thursday, February 11th through Monday, February 15th. You can expect the largest collection of my marine wildlife artwork in many forms. View my latest originals and reproduced artwork depicting a variety of species such as marlin, sailfish, tuna and other offshore fish. If you’re not in the market for one of my paintings, no worries, because there will be other Guy Harvey merchandise such as Guy Harvey T-Shirts for the entire family, fishing apparel for men and women, my latest books and much more. Of course, you can pre-purchase your Guy Harvey clothing at the dealer nearest you or right here at www.GuyHarveySportswear.com before the boat show and then I will sign it at my booth.
I will be at the show during the times listed below in the new Guy Harvey Artist Pavilion, room 2700. Stop by to say hello.
Thursday (2/11) from noon–5:00pm
Friday (2/12) from 10:00am–5:00pm
Saturday (2/13) from 10:00am–5:00pm
Sunday (2/14) from 10:00am–4:00pm
The month of January marked the beginning of my quest to catch a blue marlin each month from the waters around Grand Cayman, the tiny Caribbean island that has been my home for the last decade. However, this is typically a busy time for me, and it wasn’t until the last week of January, in 2008, that I was finally able to break away for a day of fishing aboard my 26-foot Dusky Makaira. A last minute decision meant that I would be fishing alone, and any hope I might have had of catching a marlin every month of the year was fading. Still, I wasn’t going to let January slip by without at least giving it a try.
Guy Harvey examining trolling lures during his 12 month pursuit
The day’s adventure began as I was trolling three miles west of North West Point, at a spot known as the pinnacle. Surveying the boat’s wake where I had four lines out, I spotted a high dorsal fin streaking in behind the lure I had on the right short rigger. The strike popped the rubber band with a satisfying slap and line started pouring off the reel. I continued to throttle ahead at trolling speed to keep pressure on the marlin while I quickly cleared the three other lines and slipped into my fighting belt and harness. This would be a challenge, as I was on my own — captain, mate and angler all rolled into one.
I braced myself against the console and spun my 26-footer to chase the marlin as it headed downsea, jumping magnificently in a series of head-shaking leaps. Maneuvering the boat by using my left hand to both operate the throttle and steer the wheel, I faced the big fish off the starboard bow and was able to keep up with it until the marlin decided to sound. After a spell, the fish changed tactics and popped to the surface ahead of the boat, where it started wildly jumping again. Then it suddenly turned and charged the boat, which put me in a bad spot. I cranked hard on the reel in an attempt to keep the line tight as I was running around the bow to keep my line clear of the outrigger halyards as the fish sped on by.
Prior to its release, Guy Harvey leaders and photographs his first Blue Marlin of 2008
It was an exciting 20 minutes of fast-paced action before I finally got the blue to the boat. For me, the first order of business was to grab the leader and wrap it around a cleat so I could free up my hands to take a photo of the beautifully lit-up 150-pounder. I then quickly removed the hook from the marlin’s upper jaw, revived the fish for a minute, and after releasing my grip from the bill, watched it swim off like a rocket. That was quite a milestone for me — my first blue marlin caught on the water alone.
After pausing a bit to savor the moment, I throttled the boat forward, methodically reset my lines, and trolled west to Twelve Mile Bank. My day of fishing excitement wasn’t done. Reaching the southwestern corner of the bank, I suddenly found myself hooked up with two jumping blues at one time. I’ve never felt so shorthanded in my life, and proceeded to lose one of the marlin after just five minutes. The other jumped all over the ocean before it finally broke the leader. My body was shaking with exertion and excitement. Fishing alone, I had hooked and fought three of these great fish, managing one — my first solo blue — to the boat for release.
And so, it was this remarkable day of fishing at the end of January that served as a starting point for the pursuit of my lofty goal of catching a blue marlin from Grand Cayman waters during each month of the year. In quite an exhilarating fashion, my quest had begun.
— Guy Harvey
Check this blog next month for my adventures in February, as I continue my quest to catch a blue marlin every month of the year.
I would like to welcome you to the Guy Harvey Sportswear web site. Here we will feature my blog where I will report on expeditions, adventures, and various marine conservation efforts. We will also include various guest bloggers, videos and photos that I believe you will find interesting, whether you are a serious fishing or diving enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the marine resource, loves living the coastal lifestyle, or just wants to learn more about Guy Harvey sportswear.
I would like to welcome you to the Guy Harvey Sportswear web site. Here we will feature my blog where I will report on expeditions, adventures, and various marine conservation efforts. We will also include various guest bloggers, videos and photos that I believe you will find interesting, whether you are a serious fishing or diving enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the marine resource, loves living the coastal lifestyle, or just wants to learn more about Guy Harvey sportswear.
