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Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge
For the past four years it has been held at the sea off the town and serene beaches of Kuala Rompin in Pahang, about 125 km south of Kuantan. The Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge actually takes advantage of the active migration season of the billfishes, such as marlin and sailfish (istiophorus platypterus), passing the Rompin area from the northern hemisphere to their destination in Australia, during the months of March to September. This annual billfish migration, passing through the area in their thousands, could be seen and identified through satellite tracking. And one reason for their presence in the area is the abundant availability there of shoals of anchovies and other small fishes that make up their food.
This was observed and confirmed during the years the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge competition was held. One of the objectives for the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge is to attract tourists to the state of Pahang, especially tourists who prefer adventure and eco-friendly sports. The tourism industry in fact contributes about RM1.5 billion to Pahang state’s annual revenue, with about 5 million tourist arrivals to the state in 2006. Hotels in Pahang, especially those along the beautiful beaches, have benefited from the increase in tourist arrivals.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE COMPETITION Like all competitions, there are important rules and regulations to be followed by participants of the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge. These rules of conduct are mostly based on the international standards set by The Billfish Foundation and The International Game Fish Association. The most important competition rule of course is that the competition is based on the concept of catch and release. This means that when a sailfish is caught, it is measured, weighed, tagged (and photographed) and then released back to the sea. There is a strict time limit of 3 minutes to record and do all these acts so as not to harm or injure the fish.
Participants are allowed and given specific time duration of 16 or 17 hours to catch the sailfishes during the 2 days of competition. Other rules to be followed by participants include the requirement that each team (each boat) must be at least 100 meters away from other competitors, meaning they cannot be too near fellow competitors as that may disrupt availability of the sailfishes or get their lines entangled. The rules also provide that only authorised and appointed marshals approved by the Malaysian Fishing Association follow the teams on the boat, ensuring a professional approach to the competition. The appointed marshals are tasked with the responsibility of making and keeping the record of catches by the team, and they verify the measurement and weight of the fish before release, so as to be in line with international billfish fishing practices and standards. GROWING POPULARITY OF THE ANNUAL CHALLENGE The Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge has grown in popularity and participation since its inception in year 2004. The growing interest is indicated by the increase from 69 participants with 23 teams in 2004, to 99 participants and 33 teams in 2005. And in 2006, the number of participants increased to 120 with 40 teams.
Also as an indicator of the competition’s popularity, during RPBIC 2005 there were 87 sailfishes caught and recorded, while in 2006, the number recorded was 185 sailfishes.
For the RPIBC 2008, cash prizes amounting to RM47,000 will be given out to the winners. This prestigious annual event, recognised by the International Game Fish Association, will be held from the 15th to 17th of August, 2008.
The skills and knowledge required of reeling in the sailfishes once they are caught, is very essential as many novice participants lost a few of their catches due to inexperience and lack of the necessary fishing skills. And of course, the joys and thrill of releasing these beautiful fishes back to the sea are as much or maybe more, as the fun and thrills of catching them. Let them live and thrive in their annual migration around the world, and the world will be an interesting and thrilling place to live for all generations of humans. As always, from me ...
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