Following a typical ride into Cabo San Lucas, complete with the expected bump and roll, we bid our group of progressive anglers farewell as we continue the journey north in preparation for our San Diego arrival on February 27th. With a full day to decompress and reflect on the success of this voyage, and the progress we have made in the successful tagging of Wahoo and yellowfin tuna on board Royal Star, many thanks are in order for the opportunity to advance this concept through a collective effort.

First and foremost, The Government of Mexico, represented on Royal Star by Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INP) senior scientist and sub director in Mazatlan Gabriel Aldana Flores, deserves majority credit for embracing this project and allowing access to the Revillagigedo island federal reserve. I am still not certain that all anglers familiar with this project are fully aware of the scope of this undertaking. One analogy I can offer is that this project would be comparable to a study that captured, tagged, and released animals in a U.S. national park such as Yellowstone or Yosemite. I know the difference between sea and land is vast but this comparison is spot on to describe the significance and status of the Revillagigedo island reserve from Mexico's perspective. This project, as the first of it's kind ever in Mexico, is of extreme significance, and is under very close scrutiny. To say the very least, The Government of Mexico, and all agencies involved in the process of issuing permits for this study to be conducted on Royal Star, have taken a huge leap of faith on our behalf. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity.

Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Director Dr. Guillermo Compean, Senior Scientist Kurt Schaefer, and Scientist Dan Fuller have demonstrated tremendous support through their direct contributions to the tagging effort on board Royal Star and, as importantly, through their tireless lobbying efforts on behalf of this project with the Government of Mexico. It is appropriate to say that this project would never have come to fruition without the support, wisdom, and vision of the professional scientists at the IATTC. As great a privilege as our involvement in this project is, we owe our sincerest gratitude to the IATTC for expanding our voyages to include tagging projects on board Royal Star.

Also making significant contributions to the success of this project is Michael Joseph of Ecomar International. Michael's passionate enthusiasm for progressive fisheries science and valuable physical efforts during tagging projects conducted on Royal Star are greatly appreciated and well known. Michael's intimate knowledge of ocean fisheries, seasoned fish handling techniques, and familiarity with the off shore marine environment add an inestimable value to these voyages. In addition, his affable nature and colorful personality maintain high spirits during extended cruises on Royal Star. Thank you again to Michael from all of us participating in this project.

Finally, I want to extend my most gracious thanks to all the anglers who have participated in the Revillagigedo tagging project to date. Without the vision of anglers like these, we on Royal Star, as well as many who share our perspective in the San Diego Sport Fishing community, would be far behind where we are at today. Anglers who are willing to embrace this concept have been rewarded not only with incredible memories of fishing opportunities experienced, but the satisfaction of knowing they have made a huge contribution to advance the scientific knowledge of yellowfin tuna and Wahoo in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the overall image of long range sport fishing.
Our most sincere thanks again to every angler participating in these adventures. You are among a small fraternity of progressive anglers who deserve the highest accolades for your contributions to the success of this project.

While we make the passage north, I will continue the daily reports with plenty more information to share. Tomorrow will be the all important statistics day so the number crunchers out there can attach a tangible number that I believe should validate our claims of success. Either way, we have had a very good time.


Tim Ekstrom