NSU’s Oceanographic Center will partner with the Marine Industries Association of South Florida to present the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament on March 1, which raises merit-based scholarships for oceanographic doctoral students.
Around 150 participants, including NSU community members and local fishermen, are expected to attend.
Last year’s tournament raised $100,000, which went directly to fund scholarships for three students. The event’s organizers hope to award at least four scholarships this year, possibly more, depending on the total funds raised.
To be considered for one of the scholarships, students and their faculty advisers submit proposals outlining the student’s planned research and academic projects.
Joseph Donzelli, associate director of Public Affairs for the OC, said the tournament showcases NSU’s commitment to its students.
“Participants know they are going to be helping and educating the next generation of teachers, scientists and explorers,” said Donzelli.
NSU students and professors will gather tissue and other samples from the fish caught for further study at the OC labs.
Max Appelman, graduate research assistant at the OC, said the fish will be examined to find out the role they play in the marine environment.
“This tournament is a great way to bridge the gap between fishermen and fisheries science,”Appelman said. “Educating fishermen on the scientific methods practiced by marine scientists is always important.”
The tournament will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Contestants will be able to weigh in their fish from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bahia Mar Marina. Following the event, there will be a cocktail reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and an awards dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bahia Mar Hotel.
The tournament will be preceded by a kickoff party on Feb. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Center of Excellence in the OC. The party will include a cocktail reception, a tour of the OC and a Captain’s Meeting, in which individuals who have been designated as boat captions for the tournament will socialize and learn the tournament’s rules. The scholarship recipients will be announced at the Captain’s Meeting.
Tournament entry fees vary. Participants unaffiliated with NSU pay $1,000. NSU students, faculty, staff and alumni pay $500, which includes one boat entry and two tickets to the Captain’s Meeting and the post-tournament awards banquet. Tickets for only the Captain’s Meeting and post-tournament reception are $50 each.
Donzelli and Appelman hope the tournament will be filled with energy and enthusiasm, because participants know they’re benefiting students. Unlike other fishing tournaments, winners will be awarded inexpensive trophies rather than monetary prizes.
Donzelli said, “We want every last dollar to go towards benefiting our students.”
Appelman is looking forward to seeing the surprising catches made by participants.
“You never know what kind of fish are going to cross the docks,” Appelman said.
Interested participants and sponsors can RSVP and donate until the day before the event. To register and learn more, visit nova.edu/fishingtournament.
