IGFA Advocacy Update for December 2024: Key Policy Wins for Recreational Fishing and Conservation

The IGFA is dedicated to championing the interests of the recreational fishing community and safeguarding the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. Through collaboration with industry partners, policymakers, and conservation organizations, we strive to ensure that fisheries management decisions reflect the values of sustainable angling and environmental stewardship.

In recent months, the IGFA has actively contributed to a range of initiatives, from advocating for innovative conservation measures to supporting legislation that strengthens the recreational fishing industry. These efforts align with our mission to protect the future of recreational fishing while promoting access, education, and ethical angling practices.

Below are highlights of the IGFA’s recent advocacy efforts and policy accomplishments, showcasing our commitment to meaningful, long-term impacts for anglers and the environment alike.

 

IGFA Supports Boater Education and Outreach Initiatives to Reduce Marine Mammal Interactions

September 16, 2024: The IGFA developed and sent two letters to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in support of proposals from the BoatU.S. Foundation and Conserve.IO to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Vessel Strike Avoidance Fund. These proposals sought funding for important education and outreach programs facilitated by both organizations to reduce vessel interactions with marine mammals, improving the safety of both wildlife and recreational boaters.

  • BoatU.S. Foundation: Proposed a multi-pronged education and outreach campaign focused on North Atlantic right whales and potential vessel interactions. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among recreational boaters and promote the adoption of available technologies to prevent such interactions. You can read the BoatU.S. letter here.
  • Conserve.IO: Proposed expanding the Whale Alert Feature Expansion and Outreach Initiative to strengthen the accessibility, availability, and reliability of the Whale Alert platform. This would significantly enhance its capacity to safeguard both recreational boaters and marine mammals. You can read the Conserve.IO letter here.

IGFA Commends Congressional Leadership for Addressing Federal Excise Tax Loopholes

September 20, 2024: The IGFA signed on to a letter sent to Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Blake Moore from sportsmen, professional societies, and conservation organizations. The letter commended their leadership in introducing legislation to address the issue of foreign manufacturers avoiding the federal excise tax (FET) on sportfishing and archery equipment through online marketplace facilitators. Closing this loophole would:

  • End the unfair advantage that foreign manufacturers have over domestic competitors.
  • Ensure they contribute their fair share to the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Programs, which are primarily funded by the FET, and increase industry revenue by an estimated $17 million annually.

 

IGFA Supports Long-Term Sustainability and Health of the Lower Mississippi River

September 30, 2024: The IGFA signed on to a multi-partner comment letter led by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. This letter was submitted for consideration as part of the Comprehensive Management Study in the Lower Mississippi River, a Congressionally directed study to evaluate alternatives for ensuring effective long-term management of the river from Cape Girardeau to the Gulf of Mexico. The comments urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize projects, programs, and alternatives that:

  • Enhance the long-term sustainability of the natural ecosystems of the Lower Mississippi River.
  • Improve public access to these resources.

Read the full letter here. 

 

IGFA Joins Sportfishing Industry Partners in Highlighting Policy Recommendations for the Next Presidential Administration

The IGFA and sportfishing industry and community partners developed a memorandum highlighting policy recommendations for the next Presidential Administration and the next two Congresses, including promotion of conservation efforts for our nation’s waterways, supporting local economies, and enhancing access for the 57.7 million Americans who participate in recreational fishing. With the administration’s support, the sportfishing community can grow our economic contributions, while providing a wholesome, traditional recreational activity that supports a sustainable outdoors.

Read the full letter here. 

IGFA Implores the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to Improve Conservation Status of Striped Marlin and Urges Precautionary Approach to Pacific Bluefin Tuna Management

The IGFA provided recommendations to the 21st Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) where we expressed concern for the ongoing overfishing and overfished status of striped marlin and urged the WCPFC to take a precautionary approach to potential increases in catch limits for Pacific bluefin tuna. Our recommendations also included improvements to overall billfish management, recreational fishing opportunities, fish aggregating devices, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

 See our position statement here. 

IGFA President and Conservation Director Awarded for IUCN Assessment of Tuna and Billfish

The IGFA is proud to announce the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature presented the SSC Chair’s Citation of Excellence award to the members of the IUCN SSC Tuna and Billfish Specialist Group. This group was tasked with assessing the extinction risk of 61 species of tunas, mackerels, and billfishes for the IUCN Red List. IGFA’s President, Jason Schratwieser, and IGFA’s Conservation Director, Dr. Bruce Pohlot, participated in the assessments of billfish species along with other experts across the world. The IGFA would like to thank the SSC for this award and we look forward to the next 10-year assessment.