The IGFA recently honored the significant conservation efforts of individuals and corporations at the 34th Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet. Recipients of the prestigous awards include Capt. Bouncer Smith, Theresea Labriola from Wild Oceans, IGFA Representative Steve Yatomi, and Patagonia.
Theresa Labriola of Wild Oceans Accepts IGFA Conservation Award
IGFA Individual Award winner Theresa Labriola is the Pacific Program Director for Wild Oceans – an organization that partnered with IGFA to pass the Billfish Conservation Act. Labriola works diligently to remove drift gill nets from California and has been a leader in building a coalition consisting of Coastal Conservation Association California, IGFA, American Sportfishing Association and her organization, Wild Oceans.
IGFA Representative Award winner Steve Yatomi has worked with the Apoteri Village in Guyana to develop a sustainable fishing eco-tourism program – helping the village gather income while providing jobs for area youth. The project has raised more than $384,000, led to five IGFA fly-fishing world records and expanded to include a stretch of fly fishing-only water that will create up to 100 additional jobs for villagers. Committed to the success of the operation, Yatomi spent 200 days on site this past year alone to help develop the project.
