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 New Teams Among Early Entries
Of the paid entries received to date for the 2010 Bahamas Billfish Championship series, new teams fishing their first BBC account for 30% of the registrations. "The BBC has always prided itself on its ability to attract new anglers and teams for the annual Series," said Al Behrendt BBC president. "This year an increase in new teams is particularly encouraging and bodes well for the BBC season ahead."
Each year the BBC experiences a small percentage of teams that 'retire' from tournament fishing. Recently, the added burden of a down economy has resulted in a larger than usual drop in overall participation. "The large percentage of new teams combined with our returning teams could push our overall participation numbers ahead of 2009," Behrendt added.
Among the early registrants were the 2009 BBC Champion, Double Dog and runner-up, Marlin Darlin. Lainey Jones and team Mama Who return for the 2010 season after "taking a year off to fun fish." Other long-time BBC teams returning include Sea Angel, Rum Bum, Wave Paver, Deguello, Our Dream, Reel Estate, Freebie, and Reel McCoy.
If you have yet to sign-up, there is no better time than right now. Click here for BBC's secure, online Registration and Entry forms.
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Purse-seine Banned in The Bahamas
Through the combined efforts of The Billfish Foundation, International Game Fish Association, the Bahamas Billfish Championship, US and Bahamas based fishing clubs, independent anglers and fishing captains, a potentially disastrous situation was averted when the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources agreed to prohibit the use of purse-seine or net fishing within the waters of The Bahamas.
An article in the February 12th issue of the Nassau Tribune told of a Freeport based, Bahamian-registered boat rigged with a mile-long, 900-foot deep net was poised to commence large-scale purse-seine tuna fishing in Bahamian waters. During the Billfish Expo, the BBC and TBF began investigating the validity of the Tribune article and within days had the Ministry alerted to the potential dangers involved with tuna purse-seine fishing. Faced with an overwhelming groundswell of protest emails, letters and magazine articles the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources issued the following statement:
The Government of The Bahamas is not minded to permit the use of purse seine or net fishing within the waters of The Bahamas.
This method of fishing could result in the possible depletion or signification reduction of the fishing stocks in Bahamian waters. Having regard to the importance of sportfishing to the Tourism Industry, the Government takes the position that purse seine or net fishing will not be permitted in The Bahamas.
Consequently, the necessary amendments to the Fisheries Conservation (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act and Regulations will be made, in order to maintain a sustainable level of fisheries resources within Bahamian waters. The legislation will prohibit the use of purse seine or net fishing to ensure that all fisheries resources, including migratory fish, are maintained at sustainable levels.
Al Behrendt, BBC president said, "There was a loophole in Bahamian law that did not prohibit the use of purse-seine nets in Bahamian waters. Our thanks to TBF for being at the forefront of this battle. The organization's depth of supporting statistical data regarding the damage caused by purse-seine fishing techniques provided a compelling argument for the needed amendments to the Bahamas Fisheries Regulations. We applaud the Government of The Bahamas for their swift, positive response to fishermen and conservation groups worldwide."
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BBC Welcomes New Sponsors
Épicé - Official Sunscreen of the 2010 Bahamas Billfish Championship
Épicé grew out of dermatologist Dr. Michael Spicer's concern that active men and women are not receiving enough skin protection in the sun. In his practice and research on Florida's east coast, he has spent many years trying to get his male patients to wear sunscreen for skin protection in the sun. He found that they don't like the feel of it and it interferes with their active lifestyles. After all, no one wants to hold a fishing rod with sticky or slippery hands just because of sun protection.
After testing many sun protection products, Dr. Spicer finally found one that dries like a powder, doesn't burn the eyes and, most importantly, keeps the sun's harmful rays at bay. He feels so strongly about Épicé Sunscreen that he started a company to take it to a global market.
Épicé is co-hosting the Harbour Island Championship as well as co-sponsoring the opening night cocktail parties at all five tournaments.
SANDS Beer - Official Beer of the 2010 Bahamas Billfish Championship
SANDS Beer, launched on December 15th, 2007, was brewed to quench the Bahamian thirst and created a specific definitive flair that was missing in the beer market. The combined knowledge of the German brewing experts, a local Bahamian Brewery team and owners helped the newly launched beer become the hit of the islands.
SANDS was originally scheduled to be distributed in Grand Bahama only, but by early January 2008, it was a national brand! Today Bahamian Brewery has Sands Light, Strong Back Stout and High Rock Lager all available throughout the Commonwealth. SANDS Beer is available through all Bristol Wine & Spirit stores. SANDS Beer is sponsoring a cocktail party during the Cape Eleuthera Championship and will provide complimentary SANDS Beer throughout the Digital Review at all five tournaments.
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