Blacktip sharks. Credit: iStock.
Releasing a sandbar shark on a shark survey.
2022 Recreational Atlantic Billfish Landings Updates
These notices are a courtesy to Atlantic billfish fishery interests to keep you informed. Official notice of actions is made through the Federal Register. Catch statistics are also available by contacting Cliff Hutt (301) 427-8542.
Data tables below provide 2022 preliminary landings (number of fish) for Atlantic blue and white marlin, roundscale spearfish, and western Atlantic sailfish. The table also includes 2021 data for reference.
Landings are compiled using self-reported angler reports from the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Non-Tournament Recreational Swordfish and Billfish Landings Database; tournament landings from the Atlantic Tournament Registration & Reporting (ATR) system; catch card reports from North Carolina and Maryland; and individual billfish intercepted by the Large Pelagics Survey (LPS) and Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP).
Please note that estimates are subject to change due to receipt of updated information (e.g., data from late reporting). As specified in 50 CFR part 635.27(d)(1), the recreational billfish fishery is limited to a maximum of 250 Atlantic blue and white marlin and roundscale spearfish landings, combined, per year.
January 1 – December 31
Posted March 22, 2023
| Species | 2022 (Jan 1 - Dec 31) | 2021 Total |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic blue marlin | 100 | 98 |
| Atlantic white marlin | 38 | 56 |
| Roundscale spearfish | 12 | 21 |
| Total | 150 | 175 |
| Remaining landings limit (of 250) | 100 | 75 |
| Western Atlantic sailfish* | 84 | 72 |
*Western Atlantic sailfish are not included in the 250-fish landings limit for Atlantic blue and white marlin/roundscale spearfish.
January 1 – September 30
Posted November 1, 2022
| Species | 2022 (Jan 1 - Jun 30) | 2021 Total |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic blue marlin | 95 | 98 |
| Atlantic white marlin | 37 | 56 |
| Roundscale spearfish | 12 | 21 |
| Total | 144 | 175 |
| Remaining landings limit (of 250) | 106 | 75 |
| Western Atlantic sailfish* | 65 | 72 |
*Western Atlantic sailfish are not included in the 250-fish landings limit for Atlantic blue and white marlin/roundscale spearfish.
January 1 – June 30
Posted August 24, 2022
| Species | 2022 (Jan 1 - Jun 30) | 2021 Total |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic blue marlin | 54 | 98 |
| Atlantic white marlin | 4 | 56 |
| Roundscale spearfish | 1 | 21 |
| Total | 59 | 175 |
| Remaining landings limit (of 250) | 191 | 75 |
| Western Atlantic sailfish* | 46 | 72 |
*Western Atlantic sailfish are not included in the 250-fish landings limit for Atlantic blue and white marlin/roundscale spearfish.
Blacktip sharks. Credit: iStock.
Releasing a sandbar shark on a shark survey.
