OFL Satellite Tag
The Offshore Fishing League (OFL), the world’s first professional big-game, saltwater sport fishing league, has announced its support of two of the world’s most prominent sportfishing conservation groups, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) and The Billfish Foundation (TBF).
“The Offshore Fishing League has an innate passion and deep respect for our oceans especially the magnificent billfish species—marlin, sailfish and spearfish,” said Carlos Suito, CEO of the OFL. “Every OFL competition in our circuit is catch and release so we can help support the critical missions of both the IGFA and The Billfish Foundation.”
The IGFA is the sport’s time-honored institution of record-keeping and advocacy, with an international headquarters and fishing museum in Dania Beach, Florida. The Billfish Foundation, the leader in billfish research and conservation, works worldwide to advance responsible sportfishing and billfish conservation through research (including tagging), education and advocacy.
The OFL’s commitment to help ensure the future of the world’s great apex fish is woven into all aspects of the League. The circuit will adhere to IGFA sanctioned rules, which are the only internationally accepted big-game fishing guidelines, and promote ethical sportfishing around the world. As part of the competition score system, all OFL teams will be required to tag their billfish with tags provided by The Billfish Foundation. In addition, the OFL will provide financial support to both organizations.
“The relationship formed with the OFL will enhance The Billfish Foundation’s efforts to increase awareness of the importance of marlin and sailfish to the marine ecosystems and to related boating and sportfishing businesses,” said Dr. Ellen Peel, president of the Foundation. “Most people don’t know much about billfish, much less ever have the opportunity to see one in person. The OFL will help raise the awareness for billfish.”
Mike Myatt, chief operating officer of the IGFA, echoed those sentiments. “The IGFA represents sportfishing on a worldwide level. By working with theOFL we can continue to grow responsible fishing through education and outreach.”
About the OFL:
The Offshore Fishing League is the world’s first professional big-game sport fishing competition. The League will house a maximum of 30 teams for addicting high-stakes battles in a 10-competition circuit starting in June 2015. The OFL first seven month season will crown a new Offshore Fishing League World Champion. With a strong commitment to marine conservation, all League activity is catch and release, and a portion of proceeds will support marine life programs and education by the IGFA and The Billfish Foundation. For more information, visit www.OFL.com and join the conversation on Twitter @OFL.
