Virginia's Recreational Marlin And Tuna Fishery, 1983-1988: A Report To The Fishemen

Since the first billfish landing was recorded in Virginia in 1938, fishing for tuna and marlin has been a significant component of Virginia's recreational offerings and, as in many coastal states, continues to expand both in popularity and economic impact. With the availability of sophisticated navigational equipment, the fishery has become very popular with owners of trailerable boats. Researchers studying the pelagic recreational fishery throughout the coastal U.S. are attempting to assess the nature of the fishery, its impact on national, state and local economies, and the effect its harvest has on the species and stocks of fish supporting the fishery. This report summarizes general catch and effort information for the fishery between 1983 and 1988, focusing primarily on key species supporting the fishery, i.e., bluefin and yellowfin tuna, white and blue marlin, and dolphin. An assessment of the fishery's contribution to the economy for 1983 to 1986 is included.