The Pelagic Ocean Conservancy Project
2010 brought forth the establishing of the Pelagic Ocean Conservancy Project which was materialized to show appreciation for the great world of sportfishing and to understand and protect the incredible species that inhabit it. The OCP has featured some stunning underwater photography prints by some of the top photographers and artists in the world including Pelagics own Tony Ludovico .
Lets take a look back throughout this past year and analyize some of the great species and encounters that Tony has been able to share with the world...
Dorado
Without a doubt, Dorado can be claimed as one of the most brilliant and visually vibrant gamefish in all the world's oceans. Also called the Mahi-Mahi or Dolphin (not to be confused with the marine mammal), Dorado are among some of the most fruitful gamefish on the planet with an exceptional growth-rate making them a stabalized species not likely to be threatened by overfishing. Due to their beautifully exotic and over-saturated look, these highly sought after fish are often one of the most requested saltwater species in taxidermy to replicate. Thanks to the invent of new technologies and procedures, fish can now be replicated simply by taking a few quality pictures and accurate measurements allowing for the release of the fish if the angler desires. However, mahi-mahi is quite edible and around the globe has well deserved ranks among tablefare.
Dorado maintain an exceptionally high metabolism, constantly eating and usually found near floating structure or colliding currents. Found in all the worlds tropical/subtropical oceans, these colorful predators can attain weights in excess of 40lbs while unheard of monsters nearing 90lbs have indeed been reported. Pound for Pound, Dorado are all-out warriors and in the world of sportfishing often put on an energetic leaping airshow. All of these reasons help factor in why the Mahi are some of the most pursued pelagic gamefish on the open water. It is important for humans to continue to understand and appreciate this fish so that future generations can have the chance to encounter one of the sea's great successful predators.
Mahi-Mahi by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
Sailfish
In the vast world of offshore fishing, perhaps the most noted billfish species to be encountered throughout the warm ocean waters is the magnificent Sailfish . Consisting of two species, the Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) and Indo-Pacific Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) are found in a wide portion of the worlds tropical oceans. Their long erectile dorsal dorsal fin (hence the name Sailfish) stretches for a great portion of their body. The colors and spotted patterns these fish display make them the most beautiful of billfish species. When stalking and chasing large volumes of bait or 'bait balls', they can vividly change the contrast and colors of their bodies to confuse prey.
Both species of Sailfish are highly targetted by sportfishermen for their spectacular fights and aerial displays. Not only are they a beautiful predator, but quiet efficient as they are also one of the ocean's fastest fish. They are also the only billfish species known to school/migrate/feed in such large and compact numbers. In some area's of the world such as Guatemala, it is not uncommon to catch and release sails in double digit numbers in a single day. The high concentrations in these area's help induce the targetting of this spectacular gamefish.
Like Dorado and Tuna, Sailfish have a hefty growth rate and may attain a length of 4' or larger in about a year. Like other pelagics, they are feeding machines and will hang around any type of structure or currents which may inhabit a supply of small prey. While not commercially targetted like Tuna throughout the world, their numbers have declined over the years. However, due to the strong presence of catch and release the Sailfish fishery is starting to recover. It is important for anglers and humans alike to continue to understand and appreciate the Sailfish so that future generations can have the chance to endure a great angling spectacle on the open ocean.
Sailfish by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
Roosterfish
In the Eastern Pacific from California to Peru resides a powerful inshore predator, the Roosterfish . They are often found in the waters off Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica. The beautiful fish with their comb like 'rooster' dorsals are a top notch battle on light/medium tackle. While closely related to the Jack family, the Roosterfish happens to be the only fish in the genus Nematistius and the family Nematistiidae.
Roosters are great predators in the shallows and inshore waters that will attack and hunt and great numbers. These great sportfish will gather bait up and trap them in the shallows allowing for a relentless attack where prey hardly escape. Over the past couple decades, area's like Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Costa Rica have all attracted anglers of all experiences to come and take part in the action. While quite edible, these fish are often better released to fight another day. There are not too many inshore fish that will pound for pound put up such a sporty fight.
Roosterfish may grow as large as 4' and top 100lbs. Even the smaller of the mix will fight like true brutes on matched tackle. While locals will often target fish like Roosters on a minimal commercial scale, a great catch-and-release promotion has been accepted through much of Central and North America. While not immediately threatened, their numbers are currently stable and as long as responsible anglers and harvesters condone appropriate action, this fishery will thrive for generations to come.
Roosterfish by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
Broadbill Swordfish
Perhaps one of the most unique and mysterious of all the billfish is Xiphias gladius, the Broadbill Swordfish. Their iconic long-bill (hence the latin name gladius for sword) and robust body make them superiour predators of the open sea. Though elusive and often feeding at night or in great depths, Swordfish remain highly prized in the world of sportfishing. While majority of all Broadbill are taken at night, the daytime sport of targetting these deep dwelling fish are on the rise.
Swordfish are highly migratory fish, however can be found in many of the worlds oceans year-around. Broadbill Swordfish have been documented at weights in excess of 1000lbs and 14' in length. Their hugh eyes allow for the the night-time and deep-water feeding of squid and other various prey.
In the United states, Swordfish inhabit the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico waters. In New England, they are commercially fished and majority of the country's Swordfish tablefare come from these waters. Recreationally, Florida is one of the United States hot spots for consistent broadbill action. Numbers of Broadbill over the past several decades have declined and continue to diminish. While being exceptional table fare, their is a new campaign for releasing these beautiful billfish. It is a practice that is being promoted more and more to help future generations have the chance to take part in an epic encounter.
While moderately threatened, their stocks are still in good numbers and as long as responsible anglers continue to promote catch-and release and 'smart-harvesting', then this fishery will be able thrive for generations to come.
Broadbill Swordfish by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
Blue Marlin
Without a doubt, the most iconic gamefish in sportfishing history is the Blue Marlin . The Blue Marlin is the fish of legends and also the fish that Santiago battles in Enrest hemingway's timeless classic, The Old Man and the Sea. Marlin are caught all around the globe in warm and tropical waters. Whether the Atlantic Blue Marlin and indo pacific Marlin are a different species or not is still heavily debated til this day.
Marlin are great predators in the open ocean. They can be found in some of the most unexpected locations, but often around currents, sea mounts, or other offshore structure. These mega sportfish are well known for slashing at their food source, often being Tuna and Bonita. Throughout the years the Blue Marlin fishery has remained fairly constant, despite the harvesting of species for food in various less economic countries. Tournaments exists around the world and within the past 20 years catch and release has been heavily promoted especially by recreational sportfishermen.
Marlin may grow as large as 14' and top 2000lbs. Granders (fish over 1000lbs) are caught worldwide every year and the pursuit of the 2000lb beast is and will remain the holy grail milestone that may never be broken. While not immediately threatened, their numbers are currently stable and as long as responsible anglers and tournament conductors condone appropriate action, this fishery will thrive for generations to come.
Blue Marlin by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
Yellowfin Tuna
Over the past century, the most sought after commercial fish in the world has been Tuna. Of all Tuna, Yellowfin is perhaps the most sought after worldwide. Without a doubt, Tuna is the iconic fish for various sushi due to its tender, juicy flavor and at times fetches unbelievable prices in market. Found through most of the planets oceans, the Yellowfin Tuna is great efficient predator and pound for pound one of the top fighting sportfish in the ocean.
Tuna truly are the great predators in the open ocean. They are found in deep pelagic waters often around currents, sea mounts, or other offshore structure. These hydrodynamic torpedos are well known for destroying massive bait balls of anchovie and sardines in just minutes. A Tuna is an absolute eating machine. They have to constantly feed to maintain their exceptionally high metabolism. Throughout the years the Tuna fishery has dwindled severely due to the over-harvesting of this highly prized species for food.
Yellowfin Tuna are amongst the fastest growing species of fish in the ocean, which in return helps fight against the heavy harvesting. Some specimens have been captured maxing out between 300-400lbs! While on average though, these fish run around 100lbs or less. Their iconic sickles protrude from their dorsal and ventral sides, growing with age. Despite the size, Yellowfin (and Tuna in general) are also some of the fastest fish in the ocean. They can turn on a dime while blasting into a bait ball or breach the surface high into the air while chasing prey. Tuna are a remarkable species, which have evolved in so many ways to being the perfect predator.
Yellowfin Tuna by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
Wahoo
Spending enough time on the water, you will realize that Wahoo are a widely dispersed, and random pelagic fish. While often found around some floating structure or weedlines, they are often caught blind trolling in the middle of nowhere. Wahoo great ferocious predators and like other pelagic predators are built for speed. These great fish have also been known by sportfishermen to rocket out of the water when hooked. Wahoo, while quite similar to the King Mackerel, are great gamefish and also offer some top-notch tablefare.
Wahoo are a highly targetted and encountered gamefish for people and are also often a 'by-catch' when trolling for Tuna or Billfish. Since all these great predators share the same water, Wahoo have been known to suck down abnormally large baits for their size. Some specimens have been captured weighing in excess of 100lbs. This species of pelagics do at times school if they find a suitable location consisting of a developed structure. They are visually an incredible species and when excited, 'lite' up with very contrasting stripes and colors making them one of the most beautiful of pelagic gamefish.
Wahoo by Tony Ludovico (Order Print )
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