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NEWS RELEASE #01 - GOVERNOR'S CUP BILLFISHING SERIES PLANS SIX TOURNAMENTS FOR 2001 The 2001 South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series will be comprised of six tournaments beginning May 2 along the coast from Murrells Inlet to Edisto Island. "The series, which encourages the tag and release of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, as well as tuna, dolphin and wahoo, is entering its thirteenth year," said Wayne Waltz, assistant director for the Office of Fisheries Management for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. "The Governor's Cup encourages family participation and conservation of our ocean's resources," Waltz said. "By awarding points for the tag and release of billfish and other blue water species, the series rewards anglers who release these magnificent fish, while at the same time promoting the South Carolina billfishing industry, coastal tourism and the coastal economy." The series has become a model program for other states and countries and has inspired an increasing number of saltwater anglers to tag and release fish of all species and sizes. Before the Series began, virtually all billfish caught were brought back to the docks. "During 2000, 98.2 percent of the billfish caught off our coast were released alive to contribute to the future of our billfish populations," Waltz said. "We appreciate the generous support of corporate sponsors including Carolina First, Cummins Marine/Cummins Atlantic, Williams Detroit Diesel-Allison, our board of directors and others. This program has made great strides to increase awareness and help conserve many valuable species through its emphasis on tag and release." Funds from each tournament are also used to finance marine fisheries research and conservation work beyond the scope of the Governor's Cup. Tournament dates and contacts for the 2001 South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series are:
To learn more about the 2001 South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series, and to keep up with the standings, visit its web site at http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/etc/govcup/govcup.html - Written by Jennie R. Davis - |