AN UPDATE OF THE TAG RELEASE AND RECAPTURE FILES FOR ATLANTIC ISTIOPHORIDAE

SUMMARY An update of the historical tag release and recapture files from western Atlantic tagging programs for Atlantic Istiophoridae (i.e. marlins and sailfish) are presented. Data sources include the Na- tional Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Science Centers Cooperative Tag- ging Center (CTC), The Billfish Foundation (TBF), the South Carolina Marine Resources Divi- sion (SCMRD), and the National Marine Fisheries Services shark tagging program. Data for Istiophoridae are available from 1954 to 1999 for the CTC, from 1990 to 1999 for TBF, from 1974 to 1999 for SCMRD, and from 1962 to 1999 for the NMFS shark tagging program. The data are presented by agency, species, gear type, and season for Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans), white marlin (Tetrapturus albidus), and sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus). RESUME