The December 2024 Billfish News reports an early start to the New Zealand billfish season, with warm water and bait attracting tuna and billfish earlier than usual. The update highlights a remarkable satellite-tagged striped marlin that travelled approximately 4,740 nautical miles after being tagged off the Cavalli Islands, providing new insights into the long-distance movements of marlin across the Pacific. The report also outlines advances in tagging technology, including long-term satellite tow tags and behavioural sensors, and summarises recent striped marlin recaptures recorded through the New Zealand Gamefish Tagging Programme.
Billfish News – Dec 2024: Record Marlin Track and Early Summer Action
