In a May 15th New York Times article titled "Commercial Fleets Reduced Big Fish by 90%, Study Says," Andrew C. Revkin reports that according to a newly-released study funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and performed by Canada's Dalhousie University, large-scale industrial commercial fishing has reduced the world's predatory fishes by 90 percent over a period of 50 years.

Although the study included migratory giants like marlin, tuna and swordfish, it also noted that species other than the intended target species frequently become victims of by-catch, or unintentional kills, dying in trawl nets or on long line hooks. Oceanographers not connected with this study say it proves that current fisheries are sustained at high levels only because fleets now travel farther for more distant fish populations.

Revkin states: "This level of depletion not only threatens the livelihoods of fishers and an important source of protein, but could also unbalance marine ecosystems, experts and the study's authors said."

Written by a marine biologist and physician, "The Crimson Broadbill - Commercial Swordfishing the NW Atlantic" (www.Xlibris.com/thecrimsonbroadbill.html) is a personal sea story that describes the fine balance between conservation and commerce. From the history of the fishery to its current state, the reasons for our ocean's diminishing resources are explored, with suggestions as to what consumers and constituents alike can do to help protect our endangered billfish, tuna and sharks.

Title: 
The Crimson Broadbill - Commercial Swordfishing the NW Atlantic
Publication Date: June 2003
Price:    $18.69 paperback Xlibris/Random House  
          $28.79 hardcover Xlibris/Random House
Pages: 239
ISBN#: 1-4010-2907-8 softcover    
ISBN#: 1-4010-2908-6 hardcover  

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

Dr. Thomas Armbruster, a marine biologist and physician, presents a first-hand description of the excitement, danger, and challenges working aboard an offshore commercial long-lining fishing boat. Through his eyes we also see the devastation caused by overfishing to the magnificent swordfish. This is a most interesting and entertaining chronicle of his experiences; anybody interested in the ocean and its creatures will find this to be an excellent read. --David A. Ross, Ph.D., Scientist Emeritus, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The Crimson Broadbill is the most interesting combination of autobiography and sea story that I've ever encountered! It offers a thoughtful discourse on the plight of sharks, whales, and particularly swordfish, resulting from man's predation. Dr. Armbruster's treatments are well-reasoned and it is difficult to argue with a scientist who has actually done his sea time! --Dr. Robert B. Abel, President Emeritus, New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium Founding Director, National Sea Grant Program

The Crimson Broadbill is a proficient account of the problems facing swordfish, tunas and other migratory fish in the Atlantic. Against the backdrop of a dramatic and captivating storyline based on his own sea-going experience, Dr. Armbruster brings needed attention to the plight of these pelagic fish and the dire need to conserve them. The Crimson Broadbill is a must-read for anyone interested in either catching or studying the oceans "biggest fish." --Tim Hobbs, Fisheries Project Director, National Coalition for Marine Conservation

As depicted in "The Perfect Storm," longlining is a mixed bag of experiences ranging from the elation of a big catch and prospective riches to the grind of constant work and little rest ... A fresh look at that fascinating industry and its effect on the prime species sought is provided in Tom Armbruster's "The Crimson Broadbill." It's a fascinating story and Thomas lays it out with clarity and uncompromising honesty. --Al Ristori, Regional Editor Saltwater Sportsman Magazine, Conservational Editor The Fisherman Magazine and Saltwater Editor for Newark's Star-Ledger

Visit this book at www.xlibris.com/thecrimsonbroadbill.html. Available online at Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble and from local bookstores.

URL: www.xlibris.com/thecrimsonbroadbill.html

Source of news: Cottage Creek Designs for Sandy Hook Press