Scientific Billfish Investigation: Present and Future 

 Australia, New Zealand, Africa 1 



CHARLES O. MATHER 2 



ABSTRACT 



I. Scientists, anglers, skippers, and mates investigate and apply the scientific method. 



The importance of knowledge, organization, and skills required of the scientist, angler, skipper, 

 and mate in order to bring about a better understanding of the billfish and better methods of 

 catching billfish is discussed. 

 II. The need for more observations and recording of data. 



The following data should be given important consideration: temperature, depth, time, winds, 

 currents, strike-catch ratio, bait, and the ship's log; these topics are reviewed. 

 HI. Scientific research projects for consideration in the future. 



Potential research projects in Australia, New Zealand, and Africa are presented. Some projects 

 worthy of consideration include: ( 1 ) breeding of black marlin at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia; 

 (2) transplanting of small black marlin to a natural salt water lake for study and 

 observation of growth and development (Australia); (3) migration studies by tracking (Australia, 

 New Zealand, Africa); (4) general blood cell surveys (New Zealand); (5) general chromosome 

 surveys (New Zealand); and (6) sensory and motor responses of billfish in relation to sight, smell, 

 and pain (Africa). 



1 This paper was presented orally, but only title and abstract 

 were submitted for publication. 



2 Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles. CA 90029. 



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