DESPITE the miserable weather earlier this week, a few boats have gone offshore and been rewarded with what might be the first signs of a spring wahoo run. Numbers as high as 20 have been mentioned and some of the fish have been respectable, in terms of size. Many boats are reporting that the fish, despite their size, are biting like much smaller fish. This is probably indicative that the real run hasn't started yet. When it does the competition for food is keen and the fish aren't too fussy about what they hit. With any luck we have that to look forward to, probably after this weekend's full moon.

With the recreational bag limit debate still in the forefront of anglers' minds; this might be a good time to spread a little more clarity on what seems to be a confused scene.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is an organisation that oversees the stocks of tunas and tuna-like species inclusive of swordfish and marlins. The member countries, Bermuda included, provide data on catches and are bound by various regulations that are put into place. Most major fishing nations, fishing in the Atlantic and Mediterranean are involved in ICCAT.

A further comment on the proposed bag limits for recreational fishermen stems from the suggestion that Bermuda is overfishing the internationally agreed ICCAT limits on certain species. This suggestion is a bit misleading, especially where certain species are concerned. Although Bermuda does furnish ICCAT with details of catches, that information is limited to the commercial fishery which is required by law to submit catch statistics. There are only anecdotal records of catches made by amateur fishermen. Better numbers can be obtained from some of the larger tournaments but even this information is limited to the boats that actually weigh fish in. But, regardless of this, there are a few things that can be said that are relevant to this issue.

Bluefin tuna catches are indeed highly regulated and while Bermuda does have an allocation, we have never come even remotely close to achieving that level of catch. So concern for recreationally caught bluefin is simply not an issue here.

Albacore is another species that has come under the aegis of ICCAT. This species is of great commercial importance worldwide and there is plenty of it sold locally. Where, you might well ask. The answer is in tin cans in every supermarket and grocery. Albacore are caught occasionally by the Bermuda surface fishery (hook and line) but never so many as to cause a problem. Along with other countries, Bermuda is limited to a catch of 200 metric tonnes per year. Judging by the recreational and tournament catches in recent years, there would be a problem coming up with one tonne much less 200!

Yellowfin is another important commercial species that is caught all around the world. It is the 'other" species that is vital to the Bermuda commercial and sport fisheries. ICCAT's most recent analysis (2007) shows that landings have decreased, probably due to reduced effort. Again, with this species, there are no quotas in place at the present time. The Bermuda commercial catch is in the range of 60 metric tonnes. Taking the assumption that the recreational catch is similar, then that accounts for something in the neighbourhood of 100 metric tonnes per year - a mere drop in the bucket of total landings for this species.

ICCAT's scientific bodies also monitor landings of wahoo, blackfin, mackerel and other less important tuna and tuna-like species and make recommendations on landing limits and managerial procedures. The most recent reports (2007) issued by ICCAT indicate that there aren't any problems with wahoo or blackfin and that these species should be managed on a regional or sub-regional basis. At present, there are no restrictions on landings of these species. It is interesting to note that although wahoo is, arguably, the backbone of the local fishery; it is of little importance to global fisheries.

So, even if, as some contend, the Bermuda recreational fishery is as large as the commercial fishery, then the total catches might be double the reported landings but even this figure would be well within present limitations.

Statistic buffs might note that the entire Bermuda commercial catch of tunas and tuna-like species is less than 200 metric tonnes.

Government has a couple of options to consider. One would be to licence recreational fishermen. This has been suggested before and, not surprisingly, proved unpopular. To the contrary, many jurisdictions including Florida require such licences. The reasoning is that it puts a measure of control in place (if you have a licence then you stand to lose it for misbehaving) and provides a mechanism for gathering data on non-commercial catches.

Another thing which could probably work would be to work with the recognised angling clubs to collect data on the catches made by their members. It is sometimes forgotten that lots of people who enjoy a bit of fishing are totally happy to catch some coneys or barbers to augment the grocery bills. Not every so-called "sports fishermen" is hot after tuna or marlin. Many are content to chum or bottom fish for snappers, porgies or bonitas. Some never venture outside the reef areas. These smaller boaters have no impact on the ICCAT-regulated species, even though they are already subject to Government-legislated bag limits and minimum size restrictions.

If, as some suspect, the attempt to bring in bag limits is to protect the commercial fishermen from illicit fish sales, then the real solution is for Government to strictly enforce the existing laws which limit the sale of fish to properly licensed commercial operators. Recreational anglers who sell their catch are breaking the law knowingly and they are the ones who should be made to redress the situation, not the numerous other anglers who enjoy their sport with the occasional bonus in the form of a good day's fishing.

In this context it would be foolhardy to put bag limits into place, having already stated that they would not be enforced. It would also put a damper on some much-loved public events like the Bacardi and Mid-Ocean Wahoo tournaments. Presumably some special permit/licensing provisions could be made; but to quote an old adage, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

The Ninth Annual IGFA Offshore World Championship Tournament will be fished from 11th-17th May at Cabo San Lucas and Bermuda will be represented among the 60 teams from 30 countries that will be participating. This event claims to host the largest contingent of international teams to compete is a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Good luck to the locals travelling overseas. With luck, they will reinforce the positive image that Bermuda has on the international sport fishing scene. Here's hoping they enjoy lots of Tight lines!!