IGFA Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund to Support Bahamas Angling Community

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is currently coordinating with its network of IGFA representatives, captains and members in The Bahamas to identify appropriate recipient organizations for financial support from the IGFA Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF) to be distributed to members of the recreational angling community impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

The IGFA and its partners at Costa Sunglasses created the WARF in September 2017 to provide financial support to charter captains, guides and crew in the wake of major natural disasters. To date, the WARF has disbursed a total of $46,000 to recreational angling associations in the Florida Keys, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Florida Panhandle to help local captains and guides recover from Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, Maria and Michael, respectively.

“The Bahamas have long been a favorite destination for recreational anglers from around the world,” said IGFA President Nehl Horton. “The rebuilding process after Hurricane Dorian will certainly be a long and difficult task, especially for the charter captains, guides and crew in the northern Bahamas who depend on recreational angling for their livelihoods.  With financial support from the WARF, we hope to help speed the recovery effort and get them back out on the water as soon as possible.”

The WARF accepts donations from the global recreational angling community and makes grants to local angling organizations and associations to support captains, guides and mates who depend on recreational angling for their income. Previous recipients of WARF support include: National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), the Guides Trust Foundation, the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, the Houston Big Game Fishing Club and Club Nautico de San Juan in Puerto Rico.  Grant decisions are made by IGFA leadership in consultation with major WARF supporters and local representatives in impacted areas to ensure the funds are used appropriately and responsibly.  

“Professional captains, guides and mates form the backbone of many coastal communities like the northern Bahamas,” said Costa Marketing Manager, Amanda Sabin. “Costa is proud to be a part of this rebuilding process helping those that rely on the water to get the much needed support to rebuild and recover in the wake of natural disasters.” 

To make a direct, tax deductible contribution to the WARF, please go to https://igfa.org/warf, or purchase a Costa t-shirt in support of recovery efforts at onecoast.net. The IGFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.