New conservation effort at upcoming Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series


New conservation effort at upcoming Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series



The South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series, entering its 18th season, will feature five tournaments along the coast beginning May 3rd at Edisto Island and ending July 1 at the Charleston City MarinaĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs HMY/Viking MegaDock Billfishing Tournament.


This year, the GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Advisory Board, in an effort to continue a strong conservation ethic to protect the blue marlin, will award Series points only for blue marlin landed that measure 115 inches or greater, from the fork of the tail, to the tip of the lower jaw. The average length of the blue marlin brought to the dock during the 2005 Series was 116 inches, with one fish measuring 134 inches. Four of the five tournaments this season have advised that they will adopt this new size limit for the blue marlin. They have plans to implement alternative scoring procedures to promote this change and guarantee winners without harvesting fish less than 115 inches.


Advisory Board Chairman John Darby said, “It is important to emphasize to the Governor’s Cup participants that the recent change was made in an effort to further protect this wonderful game fish and to be a leader in conservation. The participants are encouraged to provide feedback to help improve the Series.”


Another Series rule change implemented this year pertains to the Outstanding Tuna Award. Previously the award has applied only to yellowfin tuna, and this year, all legal tuna species will be eligible for the award. This does not affect the Blue Water Conservation Award, which will continue to recognize and award points for yellowfin tuna only.


Advisory Board Vice Chairman Francis Johnson said, “The Governor’s Cup rule changes are a big step in the right direction for conservation. South Carolina continues to be a leader in conservation for marine fisheries.”


For more information on the South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series contact Tom DuPrĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹÂ ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂąâ€žÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂ…ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Â© of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources by e-mail at du****@dn*.gov. Visit the website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/etc/govcup/govcup.html to learn more about the South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series, and to keep up with the standings.


Tournament dates and contacts for the upcoming 2006 18th Annual South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series are:




May 3-6 Edisto Marina Billfish Tournament (contact: Deidre Menefee, 19 Forde Row, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 345-0369, Fax 406-4813, dp*******@ao*.com);


May 17-20 39th Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament (contact: Ricky Ferdon, PO Box 1704, Georgetown, SC 29442, (843) 546-1776, Fax 546-7832, gl******@sc.com, www.georgetownlandingmarina.com);


May 31-June 3 Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina Billfish Tournament (contact: Deidre Menefee, 19 Forde Row, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 345-0369, Fax 406-4813, dp*******@ao*.com);


June 14-17 Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament (contact Deidre Menefee, 19 Forde Row, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 345-0369, Fax 406-4813, dp*******@ao*.com);


June 28-July1 HMY/Viking Megadock Billfishing Tournament (contact: KC Rennie, PO Box 759, Charleston, SC 29402, (843) 577-7702, Fax 577-7704, kc******@ch******************.com).


“The GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series encourages the catch and release of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, as well as tuna, dolphin and wahoo,” said Tom DuPrĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹÂ ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂąâ€žÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂ…ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Â©, who helps coordinate the tournament series.


Prior to the Governor’s Cup, less than ten percent of billfish caught were released. Inspired by the conservation message of the Series, anglers are now tagging or releasing record numbers of billfish caught in South Carolina waters. Funds from each tournament are used to support a broad range of marine fisheries research and conservation efforts each year through the Wallace F. Pate Memorial Fund.


Boats participating in the Series amass points for billfish either landed, tagged, or released. Anglers compete for four major awards: Outstanding Billfish (single heaviest billfish), Outstanding Billfish Boat (most accumulated points) and Outstanding Billfish Conservationist (most points for tagged or released fish), and the Blue Water Conservation Award (most accumulated tag and release points for dolphin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna).


“The GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup encourages family participation and conservation of our oceanĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs resources,” DuPrĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹÂ ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂąâ€žÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂ…ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Â© said.


“By awarding points for the release of fish, the Series rewards anglers who properly land and release these magnificent fish, while at the same time promoting the South Carolina sportfishing industry, coastal tourism and the coastal economy.”


By encouraging live tag and release, the Series has focused attention on the sharp decline of Atlantic billfish and encouraged conservation of all marine resources.


S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers remind the public of Coast Watch, which was developed to better help citizens report violations of saltwater recreational and commercial fishing laws, as well as marine environmental laws. The Coast Watch hotline number (1-800-922- 5431) is toll-free and available 24 hours a day.


– Written by Anna Martin-


New conservation effort at upcoming Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series



The South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series, entering its 18th season, will feature five tournaments along the coast beginning May 3rd at Edisto Island and ending July 1 at the Charleston City MarinaĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs HMY/Viking MegaDock Billfishing Tournament.


This year, the GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Advisory Board, in an effort to continue a strong conservation ethic to protect the blue marlin, will award Series points only for blue marlin landed that measure 115 inches or greater, from the fork of the tail, to the tip of the lower jaw. The average length of the blue marlin brought to the dock during the 2005 Series was 116 inches, with one fish measuring 134 inches. Four of the five tournaments this season have advised that they will adopt this new size limit for the blue marlin. They have plans to implement alternative scoring procedures to promote this change and guarantee winners without harvesting fish less than 115 inches.


Advisory Board Chairman John Darby said, “It is important to emphasize to the Governor’s Cup participants that the recent change was made in an effort to further protect this wonderful game fish and to be a leader in conservation. The participants are encouraged to provide feedback to help improve the Series.”


Another Series rule change implemented this year pertains to the Outstanding Tuna Award. Previously the award has applied only to yellowfin tuna, and this year, all legal tuna species will be eligible for the award. This does not affect the Blue Water Conservation Award, which will continue to recognize and award points for yellowfin tuna only.


Advisory Board Vice Chairman Francis Johnson said, “The Governor’s Cup rule changes are a big step in the right direction for conservation. South Carolina continues to be a leader in conservation for marine fisheries.”


For more information on the South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series contact Tom DuPrĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹÂ ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂąâ€žÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂ…ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Â© of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources by e-mail at du****@dn*.gov. Visit the website at http://www.dnr.sc.gov/etc/govcup/govcup.html to learn more about the South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series, and to keep up with the standings.


Tournament dates and contacts for the upcoming 2006 18th Annual South Carolina GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series are:




May 3-6 Edisto Marina Billfish Tournament (contact: Deidre Menefee, 19 Forde Row, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 345-0369, Fax 406-4813, dp*******@ao*.com);


May 17-20 39th Annual Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament (contact: Ricky Ferdon, PO Box 1704, Georgetown, SC 29442, (843) 546-1776, Fax 546-7832, gl******@sc.com, www.georgetownlandingmarina.com);


May 31-June 3 Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina Billfish Tournament (contact: Deidre Menefee, 19 Forde Row, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 345-0369, Fax 406-4813, dp*******@ao*.com);


June 14-17 Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament (contact Deidre Menefee, 19 Forde Row, Charleston, SC 29412, (843) 345-0369, Fax 406-4813, dp*******@ao*.com);


June 28-July1 HMY/Viking Megadock Billfishing Tournament (contact: KC Rennie, PO Box 759, Charleston, SC 29402, (843) 577-7702, Fax 577-7704, kc******@ch******************.com).


“The GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup Billfishing Series encourages the catch and release of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, as well as tuna, dolphin and wahoo,” said Tom DuPrĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹÂ ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂąâ€žÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂ…ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Â©, who helps coordinate the tournament series.


Prior to the Governor’s Cup, less than ten percent of billfish caught were released. Inspired by the conservation message of the Series, anglers are now tagging or releasing record numbers of billfish caught in South Carolina waters. Funds from each tournament are used to support a broad range of marine fisheries research and conservation efforts each year through the Wallace F. Pate Memorial Fund.


Boats participating in the Series amass points for billfish either landed, tagged, or released. Anglers compete for four major awards: Outstanding Billfish (single heaviest billfish), Outstanding Billfish Boat (most accumulated points) and Outstanding Billfish Conservationist (most points for tagged or released fish), and the Blue Water Conservation Award (most accumulated tag and release points for dolphin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna).


“The GovernorĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs Cup encourages family participation and conservation of our oceanĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚ÂŹĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€šĂ‚ÂąĂƒÆ’Ă‚ÂąĂƒÂąĂąâ‚ŹĆĄĂ‚ÂŹĂƒâ€ŠĂ‚ÂŸĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Âąs resources,” DuPrĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™Ăƒâ€ Ăąâ‚Źâ„ąĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹÂ ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂąâ€žÂąĂƒÆ’Ă†â€™ĂƒÂąĂąâ€šÂŹĂ…ÂĄĂƒÆ’Ăąâ‚ŹĆĄĂƒâ€šĂ‚Â© said.


“By awarding points for the release of fish, the Series rewards anglers who properly land and release these magnificent fish, while at the same time promoting the South Carolina sportfishing industry, coastal tourism and the coastal economy.”


By encouraging live tag and release, the Series has focused attention on the sharp decline of Atlantic billfish and encouraged conservation of all marine resources.


S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers remind the public of Coast Watch, which was developed to better help citizens report violations of saltwater recreational and commercial fishing laws, as well as marine environmental laws. The Coast Watch hotline number (1-800-922- 5431) is toll-free and available 24 hours a day.


– Written by Anna Martin-

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Introducing the New NAVCEN Maritime Safety Information Application!

Dear Users of the Marine Transportation System,

We’re excited to announce the launch of the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center’s new Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Application! This enhanced platform is designed to improve your access to critical navigation safety information, including Local Notices to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists.

Key Features of the New MSI Application:
‱ Near-Real-Time Updates: Stay informed with the latest changes and updates.
‱ GIS Display: Visualize navigation information directly on an interactive map.
‱ Customizable Searches: Narrow your searches to focus on specific waterways or regions of interest.

The application is available now and ready to support safer, more efficient maritime operations.

Access the New MSI Application:
Click HERE to explore the platform and take advantage of its features.

We’re committed to ensuring mariners have the tools and information they need to navigate safely and effectively. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

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NAVCEN’s Upgraded LNM & Light List Application Launching the Week of December 2nd

During the week of December 2nd, the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) will launch its updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light List application.  The application will feature GIS-based tools, customizable downloads, and GeoJSON integration for enhanced maritime safety information. 

The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (NAVCEN) is excited to announce the launch of its updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light List application during the week of December 2nd, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing access to critical maritime safety information.

This upgraded application allows users to download and print LNMs for entire Coast Guard Districts or define their own area of interest using the GIS tools to zoom in and access localized data.  The form section enables users to organize and sort LNMs by waterway or category. For programmatic integration, GeoJSON files will be available to download for data ingestion into other applications.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and are confident this enhanced version will better serve the diverse needs of the maritime community.

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Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists
The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center announces upcoming changes to the Local Notice
to Mariners (LNM) and the Light List, as part of our efforts to modernize and improve the
accessibility, accuracy, and overall user experience for mariners and other stakeholders.

What Is Changing?

1. Transition From Paper Charts: In January 2025, NOAA will discontinue the production
of all paper charts. In alignment with this change, the Coast Guard will transition from
using NOAA Paper Chart Numbers and Editions/Dates for disseminating Marine Safety
Information (MSI) to using Official Waterway Names.

2. How You Will Access LNMs and Light Lists: The LNM and Light List data will now be
available in a geospatial format, which will allow you to visualize information interactively
on a map/chart. You can use your mouse wheel or the +/- buttons in the upper left portion
of the screen to zoom in or out and navigate to your desired area on the map/chart. Once
the area is displayed, you can generate a PDF of the LNM or Light List for that specific area,
which you can then save and/or print. Alternatively, you can use a fillable form on our
website to select your waterway by name from the Light List and generate the LNM or Light
List.

3. LNM and Light List Data Refresh Rate: LNM data will be refreshed every fifteen
minutes. Light List data will be refreshed every 24 hours. This will give you a much more up-to-
date operating picture, designed to enhance your efficiency and improve safety in your
area of transit or planned routes.

4. Elimination of Weekly Files: Weekly LNMs, Weekly Light List Correction Files, Daily
Discrepancy Files, and the Summary of Light List Changes will no longer be published to
focus on providing the most up-to-date and accessible format. In the near future, we will
also publish an Application Programming Interface (API) for interested parties to access the
data externally.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?
The modernization of MSI delivery is designed to improve the U.S. Coast Guard’s aid-to-navigation
data management and dissemination capabilities. By providing frequent
updates, geospatial visualization, and digital access, we hope to achieve our goals of:
‱ Enhancing Maritime Safety: By delivering the most current and precise information,
mariners can make better-informed decisions, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring
safer navigation.
‱ Improving Accessibility: The shift to geospatial visualization makes it easier for all users,
from commercial mariners to recreational boaters, to stay informed.
‱ Increasing Efficiency: The integration of LNM and Light List data into a geospatial format
to simplify the gathering of safety information and facilitate easy route planning.
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The transition to the modernized LNM and Light List platform (the Navigation Center
website) will be completed by Monday, October 21st.
How to Access the New Features?
Starting October 21st, 2024, you will be able to access the updated Local Notice to
Mariners (LNM) and Light List through the NAVCEN website, with a User Guide available to
assist you. While legacy versions of these products will no longer be produced or posted
after October 31st, previously available versions will remain accessible for download
indefinitely. Additionally, users can now generate updated LNMs in real time, with data
refreshed every 15 minutes.

For any questions or assistance, please visit our Contact Us page, select ‘LNMs or Light
Lists’ from the Subject dropdown, and submit your inquiry.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to enhance the safety and efficiency of
maritime navigation.

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (www.navcen.uscg.gov)

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LNM/Light List Application Delay

Good Day,

Availability of the modernized Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs) and Light List (LL) application will be delayed beyond the scheduled 30 September 2024 launch date as a result of Hurricane Helene.

The following legacy products will remain available on the NAVCEN website until 31 October to ensure customers maintain uninterrupted access to MSI products during the transition:

  • Weekly Local Notices to Mariners (pdf)
  • Light Lists (pdf)
  • Daily LNM Discrepancies and Temporary Changes (XML)
  • Weekly Light List files (PDF, XML)

We are working diligently to reschedule the application’s launch and will provide an update with the new release date as soon as it becomes available. 

For questions or comments, you may contact us via our contact us page (please select “LNMs or Light Lists” from the Subject pull-down menu).

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. 

Sincerely,
Navigation Center
U.S. Coast Guard
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov

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Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

Notice: Changes to the USCG Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and Light Lists

The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center announces upcoming changes to the Local Notice to Mariners (LNM) and the Light List, as part of our efforts to modernize and improve the accessibility, accuracy, and overall user experience for mariners and other stakeholders.

What Is Changing?

  1. Transition From Paper Charts: In January 2025, NOAA will discontinue the production of all paper charts. In alignment with this change, the Coast Guard will transition from using NOAA Paper Chart Numbers and Editions/Dates for disseminating Marine Safety Information (MSI) to using Official Waterway Names.
  2. How You Will Access LNMs and Light Lists: The LNM and Light List data will now be available in a geospatial format, which will allow you to visualize information interactively on a map/chart. You can use your mouse wheel or the +/- buttons in the upper left portion of the screen to zoom in or out and navigate to your desired area on the map/chart. Once the area is displayed, you can generate a PDF of the LNM or Light List for that specific area, which you can then save and/or print. Alternatively, you can use a fillable form on our website to select your waterway by name from the Light List and generate the LNM or Light List.
  3. LNM and Light List Data Refresh Rate: LNM data will be refreshed every fifteen minutes.  Light List data will be refreshed every 24 hours.  This will give you a much more up-to-date operating picture, designed to enhance your efficiency and improve safety in your area of transit or planned routes.
  4. Elimination of Weekly Files: Weekly LNMs, Weekly Light List Correction Files, Daily Discrepancy Files, and the Summary of Light List Changes will no longer be published to focus on providing the most up-to-date and accessible format. In the near future, we will also publish an Application Programming Interface (API) for interested parties to access the data externally.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?

The modernization of MSI delivery is designed to improve the U.S. Coast Guard’s aid-to-navigation data management and dissemination capabilities. By providing frequent updates, geospatial visualization, and digital access, we hope to achieve our goals of:

  • Enhancing Maritime Safety: By delivering the most current and precise information, mariners can make better-informed decisions, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safer navigation.
  • Improving Accessibility: The shift to geospatial visualization makes it easier for all users, from commercial mariners to recreational boaters, to stay informed.
  • Increasing Efficiency: The integration of LNM and Light List data into a geospatial format to simplify the gathering of safety information and facilitate easy route planning.

 

 

When Will These Changes Take Effect?

The transition to the modernized LNM and Light List platform (the Navigation Center website) will be completed by Monday, September 30th.

How to Access the New Features?

Starting on September 30th, 2024, you will be able to access the updated LNM and Light List through the NAVCEN website. A User Guide will be available on the NAVCEN website. Customers will still have the ability to download legacy versions of these products until October 21st.

For any questions or assistance, please visit our Contact Us Page, select ‘LNMs or Light Lists’ from the Subject dropdown, and submit your inquiry.

Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation.

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center (www.navcen.uscg.gov)

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Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

 

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.

Disclosure: Furnishing this information is strictly voluntary

Read More
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