The Billfish Foundation (TBF) was established in 1986 by Winthrop P. Rockefeller, Dr. Eric Prince, and a group of fifty dedicated individuals.

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to conserving billfish across the globe. TBF offers a wide range of programs and services to fulfill its mission. One of TBF's notable programs is its traditional tagging initiative, which has grown to become the largest international billfish tagging program worldwide.

Initially focused on research and education, TBF expanded its mission to include advocacy for responsible fisheries management. This shift recognized the importance of influencing decision-makers with credible scientific data to ensure successful billfish conservation. TBF has accomplished significant milestones over the years.

These include boosting stock assessments for Atlantic and Pacific billfish, transitioning the recreational billfish fishery to catch/tag/release, and implementing conservation regulations that prohibit the commercial retention and sale of Atlantic billfish in the U. S. Furthermore, TBF conducts socio-economic studies to establish the value of billfish species left alive in the water.

The organization also collaborates with scientists globally through scientific conferences and works to protect crucial nursery habitats by closing off certain areas to longline gear. The Billfish Foundation's commitment to research and policy synthesis has earned it recognition worldwide. It continues to lead in stock assessment methodology research and maintains the world's largest and most comprehensive private international billfish database.

TBF also works towards moderating the commercial tuna and swordfish vessels to reduce billfish mortality. By joining forces with Central American nations, TBF strives to develop a comprehensive management plan for billfish and migratory species in the eastern Pacific region. In addition, the organization assesses oxygen-depleted marine habitats in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Billfish Foundation is propelled by a team of caring individuals who are genuinely passionate about their cause. Learn more about the team on the organization's website. With a global reach and a dedicated focus on the conservation of billfish and associated species, TBF aims to improve the health of oceans and economies worldwide