WHAT IS IGFA?
Sixty-one years ago when IGFA was founded, its main purpose was to maintain records
for a few large saltwater game fish, and create and maintain the ethical fishing rules
that would be accepted throughout most of the world. Today, that is just a small part
of what we do, but we think our founding fathers would approve of what we have become.
Conservation, education, encouraging youngsters to enter the sport, and maintaining
huge data bases on the subject of fishing are now part of our mission. Acting as
representative for recreational fishing interests in both salt and fresh water is also
an important part of what we do.
We still take our responsibility as the world's record keeper for all species of fish
very seriously, and nobody does it better than IGFA. However, if our gamefish species
are depleted, there is no need for record keeping. This is why conservation has now
become such an important priority for IGFA. More time, more money, more fishery
management hearings, more meetings with other organizations to network our
conservation efforts are all part of what we are doing to represent your interests.
The average angler can't begin to understand the complicated system of fishery
management in the United States or other countries, let alone the international
fishery management systems, nor do they want to. They just want to go fishing and
catch a few fish. That's why it's imporant to support IGFA and other conservation
groups who represent your interests in this wonderful sport.
Even IGFA couldn't keep up with all that's going on in fishery management, or lack
thereof, without our network of well over 300 representatives around the world. Often,
these are the conservation leaders in their communities. They are the eyes and ears of
IGFA, and this network grows larger and stronger each year.
Worldwide, most species of our important game fish are in serious decline. Not just
billfish, swordfish, tuna and sharks, but red drum, bluefish and even rockfish have
fallen victim to commercial overfishing. Landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans peaked many years ago and are in serious decline. The Indian Ocean may also be
beyond sustainable yield. Freshwater stocks are suffering from loss of habitat,
pollution and overfishing.
There is much work to be done, but who is going to do it? Certainly not the 95% of all
anglers who don't support any conservation organization or even belong to a local
fishing club. That leaves the 5% and the thin line of conservation and involved
sportfishing organizations that are fighting to improve our sport, and the gamefish
species on which our sport depends. IGFA needs your support to continue the fight.
Financial support, letter writing support, attendance at fishery management hearings
support, and asking your fishing friends to get involved with the conservation
organization(s) of their choice. The future of our sport depends on it.
Michael Leech
President
