Well it's time to begin the most important ritual of all as these tagging voyages did not come to fruition of their own. As in all scientific projects, financial support is critical to success, and Royal Star Sport fishing, and the eighteen fishing participants, were not the only members of the sport fishing community who made cash donations toward the purchase of electronic tags.

Similar to 2006, all major tackle manufacturers and sport fishing oriented venues were encouraged to contribute towards the purchase of electronic tags for the project. Identical to 2006, AFTCO, Shimano, and SAC graciously donated towards the purchase of multiple electronic tags, all of which are presently carried in liberated yellowfin tuna. If even one of these fish is recaptured, and the recovered tag provides the scientific community with more incredibly valuable data, the entire sport fishing community, and most importantly, the yellowfin tuna resource on which we all depend, wins.

So our most sincere gratitude is extended to AFTCO, Shimano, and SAC whose vision extends far beyond the present with all of our future in mind.

Next on the list of well deserved thanks is my true best friend Michael Joseph whom many of you will remember as manager of our land operations while Royal Star operated in Panama. Among Michael's many interests is the success of such tagging projects as he is keenly aware of the goodwill they generate between the fishing and scientific community. Presently, there is no individual more qualified to assist in the tagging of large tunas as Michael boasts many years experience in the tuna farming industry in addition to a lifetime of additional fisheries occupations. Also, Michael sincerely enjoys the opportunity to participate and learn during such projects while his colorful, fearless character adds a welcome element to the environment on deck. As a veteran of all but two tagging projects on Royal Star, in addition to many other voyages where his participation was crucial, Michael's contributions to our operation are extremely valuable and sincerely appreciated. So when you see the burly guy in so many of photos while we are tagging wahoo and yellowfin tuna, take note and appreciate how valuable this man is as part of the Royal Star operation. I certainly do.

Finally, I want to thank Senior Scientist Kurt Schaefer and Danny Fuller from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, Gabriel Aldana Flores from Instituto Nacional de Pesca, and this exceptional group of anglers whom I will list individually. It is because of these dedicated men that we have enjoyed such overwhelming success on the 2007 Revillagigedo tagging voyage.

Thanks Again:
Bruce Posthumus
Warren Sakamoto
Steve Shaffer
Andy Cooperman
Lee Bull
Dave Hall
Arthur Blumer
Doug Hall
Jeff Cox
Bob Ryan
Steve Peters
Ron Sleight
Henry Bruce
Ron Jew
Matthew Bruce
Phil Bruce
Drue Cicchetto
Justin Greenburg