Federation Amateur Big Game Tournament 2012

[frabel]

As part of the organising committee of this competition, I confirm that the matter whether the tuna should qualify for the competition was discussed between the organising committee members and there was unanimous approval that it should qualify due to the fact that when measured as explained during the pre tournament meeting it was 116 cm +. 

As stated by the competition director the committee is assuming full responsibilty for the decision.

[The_Gaffer]

So, I have a simple question.  Why was the Bluefin tuna reported in the official tournament results as being 110cm in length, this is what caused the confusion, and what hinted bigboy to put in his post.  No one was contesting the decision, except the Federation's tournament official results.  I see now that the Official results have been corrected to reflect the correct length according to competition rules of the Bluefin Tuna caught.  I will take down the attachment which reflects the original set of results posted on the Federation's website to avoid further confusion, and put up a link to the latest version from the Federation's website, which now 'corrected' reflects the correct length of 116cm

http://federazzjoni.webs.com/apps/documents/categories/show/103833

[frabel]

Gaffer you are right about the length shown on the original results.  Actually the participant contested the length shown and the organising committee immediately changed the length on the result.  An amended copy has been sent to the Forum Admin earlier on this morning to replace the original version that we sent out.  As you can imagine the administrator of the Forum website did not have the time as yet to change the results version as yet.

[Gogo]

To whom it may concern.

Please note that the ICCAT new measurement regulation is 115cm from nose tip to fork of the tail. The curved tail piece to tip of tail must not be included.
This was confirmed by the Fisheries Department.

Gogo

[The_Gaffer]

Further to Dr. Joe's (Gogo) post, here is the new reference guideline as issued by the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (ATCA) which provides authority to implement international agreements reached by the International Convention for the conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

CURVED FORK LENGTH MEASUREMENT FOR ATLANTIC TUNAS

Total curved fork length is the sole criterion for determining the size class of whole (head on) Atlantic tunas for regulatory purposes. Curved fork length means a measurement of the length of a tuna taken in a line tracing the contour of the body from the tip of the upper jaw to the fork of the tail, which abuts the upper side of the pectoral fin and the upper side of the caudel keel.The measuring tape must pass over (and touch) the pectoral fin and the caudal keel.
More info on the ICCAT website at www.iccat.org

[shanook]

the above means that the tape is not held tight to measure the size of the tuna but following (or resting on the tuna body) the natural curve of the fish
BUT whatever the rule is the rule of the federation clearly stated that it is from tip to tip and for the federation that holds.
I highly commend Gogo for taking the responsibility of the mishap with the fisheries who we great gentleman and did not enforce a fine for breaking the law but common sense prevailed and they showed great sportsmanship and maturity since the mistake was a genuine one.

Well done the Federation and Well done the fisheries department

[The_Gaffer]

I'm not quite sure it was a mistake Tony. I wholeheartedly agree with you that both Dr.Joe Carabott and the Fisheries Division should be commended on their approach and the way they have handled the situation.  
Back to the discussion though.
It seems that the guideline for measuring Tuna recently changed.  I have looked at the Special Licence issued by the Fisheries Control Directorate, and there is no reference to HOW the Tuna should be measured.  It just says that the Tuna caught need to measure at least 115cm or weight in at least 30Kgs or more.  Just one small reference, which government depts. like to include in the conditions sheet just to cover every possible angle.  Condition No. 8 of the Licence states: Is-sajd ghandu jitwettaq skond rakkomandazzjonijiet tal- ICCAT kif ukoll regolamenti tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea relevanti u l-legizlazzjoni lokali.  This means that this licence is subject to all guidelines as issued by the ICCAT and EU legislation office.  That my friend Tony, covers everything from regualtions to - yes, you guessed right, the new guideline issued by ICCAT on how to measure Tuna!

[digger0579]

I cant understand why all this fuss for one or two cm.

I think it's better for the fisheries Dept. to go round restaurants to check the sizes of the fish they sell there, mela one cm jew

[caldaland]

but the fisheries have been very understanding and cooperative. lol

[The_Gaffer]

Freedive is right.  Let us be objective here.  There is a time and a place to discuss everything, but this is not the right time. 

[bmamo]

It's obviously a genuine mistake. I have no idea who it is who caught this tuna, but let's just let this rest and get on with our lives. Issa ghall quddiem nafu li minn top lip sal fork tad-denb u timxi mal contours.

[shanook]

this happened to the most kind hearted man that I have known for a long long time. He wouldnt cheat even if his life depended on it. Well done matey......

[skip]

Official Results attached - Results can only be contested until the 14th July

This can be done by phoning the Competition Director on 79958522 or better still by sending an email to f.gh.s.d.malta@gmail.com

[baghira]

Totally agree wit gogo's decision......
Very well done....

[digger0579]

Hi,

does anyone have photos of the competition which he can upload on the forum ?

tnx