Sec. 08.02.05.26. Billfish

A. In this regulation, "billfish" means the following species:

(1) Atlantic Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans);

(2) Atlantic White Marlin (Kajikia albidus);

(3) Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus); and

(4) Roundscale Spearfish (Tetrapturus georgii).

B. A person may not catch, possess, or land billfish when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration closes the fishery in accordance with 50 CFR 635.

C. A person may not catch, possess, or land billfish in violation of the:

(1) Catch limit established in 50 CFR 635; and

(2) Size specifications established in 50 CFR 635.

D. Before removing a landed billfish caught for recreational purposes from a boat or removing a boat containing a billfish from the water, a person shall:

(1) Immediately report to a reporting station designated by the Department;

(2) Complete a catch information form provided by the reporting station; and

(3) Affix a tail tag, provided by the reporting station, to the billfish.

E. A person that lands a billfish may eviscerate the billfish but it shall otherwise be maintained whole with its head, fins, and bill intact through offloading.