FORT LAUDERDALE/DAVIE, Fla. – Shortfin mako sharks, the fastest shark in the ocean, scored an international victory when countries voted for a proposal to strengthen the protection of shortfin and longfin …
Panamanian President Outlaws Commercial Longlining
5 Jan 20115:28 PM
Great news from Panama – Terry & Mike Andrews, proprietors of Tropic Star Lodge, are reporting that Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli has signed Executive Decree 486, which immediately prohibits all forms of commercial and industrial longlining in all of Panama’s jurisdictional waters! Fishing boats of 6 tons are less will still be allowed to longline, but only with a strict license and only in designated areas.
Terry reports that this new law is the result of 20 years of hard work by many dedicated individuals, and cites Guy Harvey’s book, Panama Paradise, as a major influence in getting the president’s signature on the decree.
From Guy Harvey Outpost Ltd. – congrats and many thanks to all involved in the protection of Panama’s valuable marine life!
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, the treaty that governs international wildlife trade. Mako sharks had not previously been protected under CITES.
Shortfin makos are captured mainly as bycatch in other offshore fisheries but kept for their high value meat and fins. The biology and migration patterns of this species, also coincidentally the athletics mascot of Nova Southeastern University, is a major topic of study by researchers from the university’s Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI). A 2017 collaborative study by the GHRI, the University of Rhode Island and other colleagues highlighted that the fishing mortality rate of shortfin makos in the western North Atlantic was 10 times higher than previously estimated from catches reported by fishermen. The new data suggested that this ocean apex predator is experiencing overfishing, raising serious concerns about whether the current levels of fishery catches in the North Atlantic are sustainable.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Makoit.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5412" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Makoit.png" alt="" width="1880" height="1494" /></a>
“The CITES listing is a significant step in helping protect these animals,” said Mahmood Shivji, Ph.D., director of the GHRI and professor at Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography. “We’ve been studying mako sharks for many years, and have seen first-hand from our tracking studies the excessive exploitation this species is experiencing in the western North Atlantic Ocean.”
Under the just ratified CITES Appendix II listing, mako shark products can’t be traded across international borders unless it can be shown by the exporting country that mako fishing isn’t threaten their chances for survival.
“This increased protection for mako sharks is much needed,” said Greg Jacoski, executive director of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, which helped fund NSU’s GHRI study. “Mako sharks are very important, both ecologically and economically, and their population cannot keep up with the current rate of removal.”
The decline of mako populations is traced to overfishing of young makos, which impacts reproductive rates, and from the natural deaths of mature females over the last 30 years. According to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas shark species group, the mako population would continue to decline until at least 2035, even it fishing of the species ceased immediately.
The closest relative to the great white shark, makos are the cheetahs of the shark species. As the fastest species of sharks, makos can swim up to 60 mph.
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About NSU’s Guy Harvey Research Institute: Established in 1999, the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) is a collaboration between the renowned marine artist, scientist and explorer, Dr. Guy Harvey, and Nova Southeastern University. The mission of NSU’s GHRI is to provide the scientific information necessary to understand, conserve, and effectively manage the world’s marine fishes and their ecosystems. The institute is one of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to the science-based conservation of marine fish populations and biodiversity. The research, education and outreach activities of NSU’s GHRI are supported by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, AFTCO Inc., extramural research grants, philanthropic donations by private businesses and individuals, and NSU. Please visit http://cnso.nova.edu/ghri for more information.
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation: The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. www.GHOF.org https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/worlds-fastest-shark-nets-international-win/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Playing Tag with Roosterfish for Science&body=Roosterfish-- the hard-fighting, black-banded fish with the distinctive cock's comb dorsal fin--is one of the most sought-after recreational species in the eastern Pacific. Anglers happily catch them in the surf, from kayaks and in sport fishing boats along the coast from Mexico's Baja California to Peru using both live bait and artificial lures. They can grow to over 100 pounds, but they're not much good to eat so they've been spared from overfishing so far. But almost nothing is known about their life history, reproduction, and movements.
However, that is about to change.
Marine scientist/artist/conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey and daughter Jessica, project manager for the <a href="https://www.guyharvey.com/ocean-foundation">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a>, recently completed the first-ever roosterfish tagging program in Panama.
The Harveys, together with guides and anglers in the third annual Roosterfish Tournament at Tropic Star Lodge in Pinas Bay, Panama, stuck 80 roosterfish with external streamer tags in three days. The tags bear the foundation's phone number and ask whoever recaptures the fish to report its GPS location and fork length. The crews also took some fin clips for DNA samples and sent them to the <a href="http://cnso.nova.edu/ghri/index.html">Guy Harvey Research Institute</a> at <a href="http://cnso.nova.edu/index.html">Nova Southeastern University</a> near Fort Lauderdale. And at the conclusion of the tournament, outdoors television host Mark Davis of "Big Water Adventures" and his team implanted Panama's first roosterfish with a pop-off satellite tag that tracks its movements in near real-time for about three months.
The Harveys also distributed additional tags to the Tropic Star fleet to continue the program throughout the year.
"There were no recaptures during the tournament, indicating the fish move around a bit and the population is quite large," Guy Harvey said. "This gives us a chance to study an animal that's not commercially exploited but is a very important recreational fish."
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/P8A3282.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4809" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/P8A3282.jpg" alt="" width="5760" height="3840" /></a>
The Harveys and their fellow tournament participants caught the roosters by bottom fishing with live bait on downriggers or working poppers on the surface in depths of 30 to 170 feet. More than 100 fish were caught and released in three days of competition.
The Harveys said they plan to work in collaboration with the Pompano Beach, Fla.-based Gray FishTag research program which has tagged scores of roosterfish in Costa Rica and Mexico---including one satellite tag in Costa Rica that popped off after the fish travelled more than 37 miles in 16 days.
Jessica Harvey said the object is to establish a baseline so that fisheries managers can gauge changes in populations.
"These fish occupy the same territory of other jacks, snappers, and tuna," she said. "In a world where overfishing continues, if we get to a point where there's no more snappers and jacks for people to eat, they could turn to roosterfish. Guy Harvey Research Institute and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation are always trying to fill in the knowledge gap, given it's a high-demand recreational fishery and not much is known about it.
"We've generated a lot of interest in learning about these fish. The more people learn about them, the more they care and the more people will be sustainable in their fishing practices."
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To learn more about the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and its research please visit <a href="http://www.GuyHarvey.com/Ocean-Foundation">www.GuyHarvey.com/Ocean-Foundation</a>. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/playing-tag-with-roosterfish-for-science/){kind=link}
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/enjoy-a-white-christmas-in-the-islands-with-old-bahama-bays-bahama-bucks/&media=https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/enjoy-a-white-christmas.jpg&description=Enjoy a White Christmas in the Islands with Old Bahama Bay’s "Bahama Bucks"!){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=GHOF and The Humane Society of the U.S. Team Up with Shark-Free Marina Initiative&body=I am pleased to announce that the <a title="GHOF web site" href="http://www.guyharveyoceanfoundation.org" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation</a> is participating in a new campaign with <a title="HSUS web site" href="http://www.humanesociety.org" target="_blank">The Humane Society of the United States</a> and the <a title="SFMI web site" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/" target="_blank">Shark-Free Marina Initiative</a> that will raise the bar in protecting shark populations in the U.S. and the Bahamas, while also generating awareness of shark conservation on a global scale.
<a href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-181" title="SFMI Logo" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/sfmilogo.jpg?w=280" alt="" width="196" height="210" /></a>
The <a title="Mission of the SFMI " href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/about/about-us" target="_blank">goal of this campaign</a> is to significantly increase the number of resorts and marinas that are designated "shark-free", which means they actively prohibit any sharks from being landed at their docks. In support of this program, the <a title="BBGC web site" href="http://www.biggameclubbimini.com" target="_blank">Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina</a>, has been officially declared a "Shark-Free Marina".
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/biminibiggameclub"><img class="size-medium wp-image-183" title="The Cleaning Station at the Bimini Big Game Club's "Shark-Free Marina"" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cleaning-station-shark-free.jpg?w=300" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>The Bimini Big Game Club's cleaning station proudly displays the "Shark-Free Marina" sign
To learn more about this program, read the <a title="SFMI press release" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/news/sfmi-news/602-october-campaign" target="_blank">SFMI press release</a> and then visit the <a title="SFMI web site" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/" target="_blank">SFMI web site</a> to learn how you can help sign up new "shark-free" resorts and marinas.
Cheers!
<a title="SFMI Press Release" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/news/sfmi-news/602-october-campaign" target="_blank">SFMI Press Release</a>
<a title="SFMI Advisors" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/about/board" target="_blank">List of SFMI Advisors</a>
<a title="Celebrity Endorsements" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/about/board/celebrity-endorsements" target="_blank">List of Celebrity Endorsements</a>
<a title="SFMI web site" href="http://www.sharkfreemarinas.com/" target="_blank">SFMI web site</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/ghof-and-the-humane-society-of-the-u-s-team-up-with-shark-free-marina-initiative/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Join Guy Harvey at the Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost, In Person for a Signing Event Sept 18th&body=Artist, Scientist, Author, Conservationist, Angler & Diver; Guy Harvey will be signing autographs at the <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/destinations/florida/islamorada-fl/islamorada-fl-overview.html">Islander Resort</a> Thursday, Sept. 18th from 10 am to 12 noon. Come join Guy at the Islander Resort, his latest signature hotel and get your autograph or a quick selfie.
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/gh-signing-at-islander.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2233" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/gh-signing-at-islander.jpg" alt="GH Signing at Islander" width="550" height="711" /></a>
If you need to pick up the latest <a href="http://www.guyharveysportswear.com/">Guy Harvey Sportswear</a> the Islander's Outfitter Shop has a nice selection of Guy's latest designs.
More information on Guy Harvey Outpost & our other great resorts: <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/</a>
For the Guy Harvey Outpost Blog <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com/">www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost">https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/GHOutpost">https://twitter.com/GHOutpost</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on YouTube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/GuyHarveyOutpost">http://www.youtube.com/user/GuyHarveyOutpost</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/join-guy-harvey-at-the-islander-resort-a-guy-harvey-outpost-in-person-for-a-signing-event-sept-18th/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Free Lionfish Workshop at Divers Direct July 8th, Fort Lauderdale&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/divers-direct-lionfish-101.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-2804 size-large" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/divers-direct-lionfish-101.jpg?w=660" alt="Divers Direct Lionfish 101" width="660" height="368" /></a>
Free Lionfish Workshop
Thursday, July 8, 2015 6:30PM
Our Friends at Divers Direct are hosting a workshop on hunting Lionfish. Please enlist in the army of divers and diners to help combat this invasive challenge. If you love the ocean we need your help.
Participants will get an informative briefing on methods of hunting and safe handling while our GearUp Experts share proper gear for safe collecting and handling.
Seating for this popular event is limited, so call 954-925-7630 to RSVP or stop by <a href="http://www.diversdirect.com/stores/dive-shop-fort-lauderdale?utm_source=SeaRadicals&utm_campaign=2d8e6a2bbc-FTL+Lionfish+101+Workshop+7%2F02%2F2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b483c1f0de-2d8e6a2bbc-235860273&mc_cid=2d8e6a2bbc&mc_eid=0584295998">Divers Direct Ft. Lauderdale </a>today!
<a href="http://gearup.diversdirect.com/events/event-detail/lionfish-101-the-invasive-species?utm_source=SeaRadicals&utm_campaign=2d8e6a2bbc-FTL+Lionfish+101+Workshop+7%2F02%2F2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b483c1f0de-2d8e6a2bbc-235860273&mc_cid=2d8e6a2bbc&mc_eid=0584295998">Go here </a>for all the information!
Divers Direct
180 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-925-7630
<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/00-gho-logo.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2458" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/00-gho-logo.jpg?w=300" alt="00 GHO-Logo" width="300" height="300" /></a>
For more on the Guy Harvey Outpost Portfolio: <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/</a>
For Fishing with Guy Harvey Outpost: <a href="http://ghofish.com/">www.ghofish.com</a>
For the Guy Harvey Outpost Blog <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com/" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.guyharveyoutpostnews.com</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost</a>
For Guy Harvey Outpost on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/GHOutpost" target="_parent" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://twitter.com/GHOutpost</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/free-lionfish-workshop-at-divers-direct-july-2nd-fort-lauderdale/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Congratulations to Hubbs- SeaWorld Research Institute for IGFA Conservation Award&body=<a href="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hubbs-swri-logo-expanded1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1819 aligncenter" alt="Hubbs SWRI-logo expanded" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hubbs-swri-logo-expanded1.jpg?w=300" width="300" height="220" /></a>
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute in California to Be Awarded the International Game Fish Association's Annual Conservation Award for Organizations
Hubbs-SeaWorld officially celebrated 50 years of its mission "to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it" on June 3, 2013. To this end it is fitting that just two months later, in August, HSWRI released its two millionth white seabass – a testament to the success of their vision and the support of the California recreational angling community.
Science and Conservation are important elements of the Outpost experience. Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), is an independent non-profit 501(c3) organization. Bill Shedd, Co-Founder of <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">Guy Harvey Outpost</a> and President of <a href="http://www.aftco.com/">Aftco</a> manufacturers fine fishing tackle, is Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hubbs-SeaWorld. All of us at Guy Harvey Outpost are proud of Bill's leadership and commitment to Conservation.
For more information on <a href="http://www.guyharveyoutpost.com/">Guy Harvey Outpost</a> or Join us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuyHarveyOutpost?fref=ts"> FaceBook</a>
For more information on <a href="http://www.aftco.com/">Aftco</a> or Join Aftco on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AftcoFishing?fref=ts"> FaceBook</a> https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/congratulations-to-hubbs-seaworld-research-institute-for-igfa-conservation-award/){kind=link}
![](mailto:?subject=Guy Harvey Talks Fisheries Symposium & Guy Harvey Outpost Grand Opening with Fishing Florida Radio&body=<a href="http://www.fishingfloridaradio.com/mp3/guy_harvey_ffr_interview.mp3"><img class="size-full wp-image-1446 alignleft" title="Guy Harvey Interview with Fishing Florida Radio" src="https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/fishing-florida-radiologo11.jpg" alt="" width="130" height="88" /></a>Guy recently spoke with BooDreaux, Steve and Capt. Mike of <a title="FFR web site" href="http://www.fishingfloridaradio.com/" target="_blank">Fishing Florida Radio</a> to discuss the upcoming <a title="Fisheries Symposium web site" href="http://www.gulffisheriessymposium.com/" target="_blank">Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Symposium</a>, which is being held this week in conjunction with the Grand Opening of the new <a title="GHO on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.297039977030459.74495.238365306231260&type=3" target="_blank">Guy Harvey Outpost on St. Pete Beach</a>. Click <a title="Guy Harvey Interview with FFR" href="http://www.fishingfloridaradio.com/mp3/guy_harvey_ffr_interview.mp3" target="_blank">here</a> to listen to the interview. https://guyharveyoutpostblog.com/guy-harvey-talks-fisheries-symposium-guy-harvey-outpost-grand-opening-with-fishing-florida-radio/){kind=link}
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