From left to right: Marlin Editor Dave Ferrell, President Allan Garcia, Ministers of Production and Tourism Rafael Rey and Mercedes Araoz and Billfish Foundation president Ellen Peel

Marlin Magazine was in Peru yesterday as President Allan Garcia and Minister of Production Rafael Rey finalized a Presidential Order that would prohibit the commercial sale and harvest of billfish from the country's waters. The plan will also help to establish conservation measures and is designed to promote a sustainable, catch-and-release sportfishing industry within the country.

Ellen Peel, president of The Billfish Foundation, and Russell Nelson, the Foundation's chief scientist, have been instrumental in working with the Peruvian government to get the Order completed.

"We are proud to stand with the great country of Peru as the world's eyes look to this extraordinary billfish conservation effort," said Peel. "We will continue to provide support to sustain and expand the impacts of this action."

All involved are hoping the action will help to revitalize a legendary blue and black marlin fishery, especially around Cabo Blanco on Peru's north coast.

"Tell the angling world we are back," said Minister Rey.

For more information, please visit The Billfish Foundation's site.

-Source: The Billfish Foundation