President's Message

GETTING INVOLVED!

In many of my conversations with recreational anglers around the world I hear the same thing. The number of fish we are seeing is declining, as are the opportunities
to catch those few remaining fish, and the impact of industrial fishing is becoming
greater and greater. So, what can we as recreational fishermen do? How can I as
an individual with seemingly insignificant influence have a positive and substantial
affect on such a massive and complexproblem? Well the answer to these questions can be summed up in one word – numbers. There are over 100 million recreational fishermen in just the US, EU, Japan and Australia alone. Additionally, the total worldwide recreational fishing industry is estimated to be worth approximately
100 billion USD$. The key to affecting change is mobilizing our troops one angler at a time. So how do we mobilize? Some answers are below:

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON HOW FISHERIES ARE MANAGED

Understanding how your fisheries are managed and by whom is the first step. This can be quite complicated in some countries, so you may want to work with local organizations or individuals that can help simplify the process.

SEEK AVENUES FOR PARTICIPATING IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Once we know how the management systems work, it is imperative we spend the time to provide the necessary input and influence when and where opportunities are provided. It is also effective to build a rapport with the men and women who make the decisions in fishery management. Simply understanding how fisheries are managed and not taking the time to influence decisions will not result in change.

SUPPORT A RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSE

The simple fact is that if you cannot be counted, your vote does not count. How does one argue for a percentage of a country’s quota allocation if there is no accurate record of participation or harvest? How do we convince politicians and fisheries managers that we are a significant and sizable constituency if there is no way to verify how many of us there are? Recreational fishing licenses provide a mechanism to conduct catch and effort surveys, which gives fisheries scientists information necessary to manage our fisheries and also include us in fisheries allocation decisions. Quantifying who we are and what impact we are having on the resource and economy is a vital first step in influencing the system.

SUPPORT THROUGH FUNDING

It has been said that we know more about the surface of the moon than our ocean’s ecosystems. This is a result of one thing and one thing only – the dedication of funds to gather information. We really have two choices in resolving this issue. One is to lobby government and hope they allocate more financial resources to obtaining the much needed data on game fish and their habitats. The other is to work through and fund private and academic institutions to seek the same information. This may require a direct expenditure on our part and collectively we have the ability to contribute substantially (remember - it’s a numbers game - 1,000,000 anglers multiplied by $1= $1,000,000!). I contend we do both. Another added benefit to providing funding is that it has the potential to increase our influence over the decisions managers make. If you had someone financially supporting your organization would you listen to them a little more attentively?

HOLD FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABLE AND DEMAND THAT EXISTING LAWS ARE ENFORCED

Many countries have developed fisheries regulations that are systematically being ignored for reasons such as not enough law enforcement personnel, not enough equipment, or too much political pressure to justify adhering to the laws. Regardless of the reason, it is essential that we put pressure on the decision makers to enforce existing laws.

OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO UNSUSTAINABLE FISHING PRACTICES

In many of the countries I have fished I see the same situation – artisanal commercial fishermen utilizing unsustainable fishing practices to put food on the table and a little money in their pockets. Converting commercial fishing operations to fishing tourism opportunities is in many cases a potential solution. Many small-scale fishing businesses have been in operation for generations. Asking these men and women to abandon the sea for other jobs is usually not an option. However, working with them to show them a more sustainable approach to maintaining an occupation on the water is sometimes better received.

PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH

Lead by example. Whether it be limiting your catch, modifying your gear selection or practicing catch and release, there are ways that we can improve how we impact our fisheries. We can also pass these philosophies on to the next generation. As we get older, time seems to move more rapidly. Before we know it, that child or grandchild of ours will be an independent, decision-making adult on the water. Influence every opportunity you have. The small lessons you teach today may have profound impacts on our game fish for years to come.

JOIN!

The above recommendations may seem complex, time-consuming and overwhelming. In some instances, they are more than one person can do. However, there are many good fishing organizations out there that can assist the individual
in producing a positive impact. These organizations work every day to make your fishing experience better and ensure that we have fishing opportunities for years to come. Whether they be local, regional or international,
my advice is join them all. This can probably be done each year for less than the cost of one tank of boat fuel. In closing, I believe we as anglers all want the same thing. More fish, bigger fish and the ability to fish. So take the time, get involved and make a difference.

For information on how you can support IGFA efforts, please email me at: rkramer@igfa.org.

Sincerely,

Rob Kramer
President