BLUEWATER MADEIRA

PROJECT OBJECTIVES: The intent is to promote Madeira and its coastline along with the splendid sportfishing opportunities that exist here for tourism. An important factor is the fact that for Blue & White Marlin which can be found in these waters, any 'captures' would immediately be followed by 'releases'. I am a billfish conservationist and have used my magazine MARLIN WORLD to promote the technique of 'Catch & Release' for all billfish for a number of years now, indeed I have also been a sponsor of the Billfish Foundation* for some time and they have also supported my efforts with MARLIN WORLD.

I will also be attempting to establish THREE WORLD RECORDS during this time. The largest Marlin ever caught and released, the largest Wahoo landed and the largest Big Eye Tuna landed, all from a Kayak!

Clearly this is also a great opportunity to obtain video, photographs and stories concerning 'extreme kayak fishing' which we shall be sharing with our sponsors.

*The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations around the world. A membership-based organization headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, TBF’s international network of supporters includes conservation-minded anglers, captains, mates, scientists, policy makers, tournament directors, clubs and sportfishing businesses.

BLUEWATER MADEIRA: This two year project has been brought to reality by local resident Paul Watson following months of planning and years of dreaming. "Being out on the water is a real privilege here in Madeira. There are sights and sounds that a few of us observe that so many visitors and locals are unaware of but would be amazed if they had the opportunity to see up close and personal for themselves. Seabirds, dolphins, turtles and whales ... these are the regular animals that keep us company on the water, however the real excitement starts when we are confronted by 1,000lb Atlantic Blue Marlin that can 'greyhound' across the water surface at incredible speeds, Big Eye Tuna that have the pulling strength of a 'raging bull' as they head for deeper depths to avoid capture, and of course not forgetting the world record size 'Wahoo' that swim in these waters during late summer and early winter. These beauties have thousands of incredibly sharp teeth that can slice open just about anything and with the reputation of being the fastest fish in the ocean, offer a challenge that any fisherman could find hard to refuse, especially when fishing from a KAYAK! "

There are some that have called me nuts, there are others like my mum (naturally) who are concerned about my safety, but most importantly of all there are a few hardcore supporters including my wife that are just downright excited about this whole project including of course ME and thankfully my sponsors!

During 2012 and 2013 I not only hope to bring you footage and stories of my fishing exploits and encounters with marine life, but I also intend to paddle around Madeira completely and film my adventures as I do so, showing above and below water images that only a few people have seen before. To add spice to the mix I'll also be meeting up with and talking with the 'locals on the shoreline'.

From the blog on this site you will be able to follow my progress throughout 2012 and 2013 as I report on what is an amazing island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean."
Paul Watson, January 2012