Loss of top predators causing surge in smaller predators, ecosystem collapse

Loss of top predators causing surge in smaller predators, ecosystem collapse

The article discussed in this link points out the importance of protecting big predators. Release those sharks and billfish!!! Don't even drag them into the boat for a photo.

Leopard Grouper in Loreto

With the start of the management plan revision for Loreto Bay National Park I thought it would be good to post a link to this important paper on Leopard Grouper:

Viability Analysis of Reef Fish Populations Based on Limited Demographic Information

Despite the title this relatively straight forward scientific paper documents the condition of Leopard Grouper in Loreto Bay National Park. While the populations of fast growing, migratory, yellowtail, dorado, and sailfish appear to be maintaining decent populations and produce outstanding sport fishing opportunities, the inshore reef dwelling fish are vulnerable to sport fishing and are devastated by netting.

The new management plan needs to protect Leopard Grouper and other depressed populations from consumptive use. Its a perfect opportunity to experiment with no-take catch and release areas to provide for continued sport fishing - the economic base of Loreto, while rebuilding populations. Obviously, elimination of inshore gill netting in these depressed populations is key to preventing further declines.

Take Marlin off the Menu

The Take Marlin off the Menu campaign's webpage posses the question:

If you saw lion or tiger for sale in a restaurant or grocery store would you buy it?

The obvious answer for most people would be no. Its time to start thinking of marlin in the same way. Populations of these magnificent top predators are depleted by overfishing, deserve protection, and contain high levels of toxic mercury. It's time to get them off the menu.

Fortunately, the International Game Fish Association, the National Coalition for Marine Conservation, and the Billfish Foundation have teemed up to create this new campaign:

Take Marlin off the Menu

How you can help

Lets do our part and ensure healthy marlin populations for the future!

Catch and Release at Ranch Leonero

I see too many Internet pictures of bill fish hanging by their tails looking sad and half rotten in the hot sun. While checking out Rancho Leonero's webpage I was glad to see the following statement on their fish report page:

"In order to discourage our guests from killing bill fish just for the sake of a photo, we only display photos of marlin or sailfish that have been released after the photo was taken. We highly encourage our guests to preserve the future of this great fishery by releasing all healthy marlin and sails. Thanks."

I have never been to this East Cape resort but look forward to visiting one day. There are so many great tasting fish in Baja California there really is no need to kill bill fish, rooster fish, or sharks.

So as we say here at El Moscero - Por favor ¡Suelta lo!

Captain Eulogio Davis

One of my goals with this blog is to promote guides who are willing to release fish. Captain Eulogio Davis in Loreto is a fun, easy going guy, who really knows how to catch fish. I was happy to see the following review of his services on the Baja Nomad Forums today:

"...my wife had NEVER been fishing before and requested a patient captain.

...I was not really expecting a whole lot in the way of catching fish as the moon had been full the night prior. We headed out on Eulogio's panga. After making bait we drove to the fishing grounds. He explained to us what we were going to be doing.

After an hour or so, we caught our first fish, a smallish dolphinfish. I did not want to retain any fish and requested that the captain release it if he did not want it. No problem. He let it go. During the next two hours or so we continually hooking into, landed and released dolphinfish. We ended up keeping two that had been gut-hooked. After catching around (and releasing) another 3 fish I was pretty happy with the venture. My wife had caught and released a similar number. But Eulogio kept looking and did not seem at all to be in a hurry to get back into port. I had explained to him that I was more of a species fisher than one interested in size or prestige. He looked for billfish and other species but was unable to get any to bite. But he tried. Patiently.

Finally at around 1 pm I told him that I was happy and wanted to head back. He told me he did not mind staying out. When I assured him we had had our fill of fishing and were quiet happy, he drove to port. It was very obvious to me that this man loved his job, enjoyed helping clients and was out to give his clients a quality, fun-filled experience. I was impressed with his demeanor and willingness to honor what I wanted to do. I have had significant problems in the past with captains that practically refuse to release anything but he was not at all like that.

... As a person who has fished all over the world, I was very impressed... I plan to return to Loreto next year."

Note that dolphin fish is the english name for Dorado.

You can find out more about Eulogio on the Baja Big Fish Company's Web Page.

If you would like to recommend a conservation oriented captain who is willing to release fish send me an email at bajaflyfishers@yahoo.com or leave a comment here on the blog and I'll add him to my list.