Tagged blue marlin sets records in Australia
The southernmost recapture of a blue marlin, caught three times in 632 days off the Eastern SeaboardA blue marlin recaptured off Tuross, NSW, by Bermagui boat Hardaraddit on the February 28, 2016, has been logged as the southernmost blue-marlin recapture reported to the NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program.
The blue was first released by Gold Coast GFC boat Addixion on June 6, 2014. On release the fish was estimated 230cm lower jaw fork length (LJFL) and 120kg.
After 632 days at liberty the lean blue marlin was estimated at 240cm LJFL and 130kg.
Based on this relatively slow growth, it’s likely that the fish was a male, as their growth is known to slow considerably at the onset of maturity. Males are known to reach a maximum size of about 180kg whilst females can reach over 750kg.
The blue marlin travelled a straight line distance of about 532 nautical miles (985 km) in a south south-westerly direction; although it is likely the fish covered vast distances prior to recapture.
The blue was actually the second fish recaptured by Hardaraddit for the day, incredibly the other fish was a tagged black marlin of around 60kg, caught a few hours earlier! Details of this release are still being followed up.
It is interesting to note that the blue marlin had a longline hook in the corner of its jaw and it wasn’t until it was rolled over to remove the hook that the tag was noticed.
This means that the fish has in fact been caught at least three times: once by Addixion, once by a longline vessel and once by Hardaraddit and it’s now been re-released once again!
This recapture is also a good reminder to check your fish carefully prior to release for an already existing tag.
The NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program of Australia is the largest saltwater tagging program of its kind in the world and has been in operation since 1973.
Now in its 43rd year, the program is used to obtain information on the biology (distribution, movement, growth, exploitation) of billfish, tunas, sharks and sport fish and encourages game fishers to participate in the management of the fishery.
For more information on the NSW DPI Game Fish Tagging Program at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater/gamefish-tagging.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
