SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR'S CUP SERIES
ANNOUNCES
2003
BILLFISHING TOURNAMENTS
The 2003 South Carolina Governor's
Cup Billfishing Series will be composed of four tournaments along the coast from
Edisto Island to Georgetown, beginning April 30th at Edisto.
"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 fifteenth year," said Tom DuPre' of the S.C. Department of Natural
Resources, who coordinates the tournament series.
"The Governor's Cup encourages family participation and conservation of
our ocean's resources," DuPre' 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
sportfishing 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 2002, the live release rate for billfish caught off the
South Carolina coast exceeded 99 percent, significantly contributing to the
future of our billfish populations," DuPre' said. "We appreciate the
generous support of our major sponsors including Cummins Marine, Cummins
Atlantic, Wachovia, HMY Yacht Sales, Williams Marine Power, 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 support a broad range of
marine fisheries research and conservation efforts each year.
Tournament dates and contacts for the 2003 South Carolina
Governor's Cup Billfishing Series are:
DATE: April 30 - May 3
LOCATION: EDISTO MARINA
CONTACT: Buddy Smith email: delta520@aol.com
or Edisto Marina:
(843)869-3504
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DATE: May 14 - 17
LOCATION: Bohicket Marina, Johns Island
CONTACT: Damien Zanetti (843)768-1280
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DATE: May 28 - 31
LOCATION: Georgetown Landing Marina
CONTACT:
Ricky Ferdon(843) 546-1776
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DATE: July 9 - 12
LOCATION: Charleston Harbor Marina
CONTACT:
Deidre Menefee (843) 354-0369
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The top five boats from the South
Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia Governor's Cup Series will be showcased in
a prestigious, all-tag-and-release event called The Carolinas Shootout. The
Shootout for
the 2003 Governor's Cup Series will be held in the spring of 2004, and will
be hosted by South Carolina.
For more information on the South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing
Series contact Tom DuPre' of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources by e-mail
at dupret@mrd.dnr.state.sc.us, by phone at (843)
953-9365. Visit the website at
http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/etc/govcup/govcup.html
- Written by Jennie R. Davis -