Regional Councils Driving Growth, Conservation, and Engagement Around the World
IGFA Regional Councils continue to support anglers, conservation, education, and responsible recreational fishing through local initiatives and volunteer leadership around the world.
Over the past seven years, the IGFA has established Regional Councils throughout the world to help drive the organization’s strategy at the regional level. These Regional Councils provide an organizational structure that allows IGFA Representatives and other constituents to collaborate on relevant issues in their respective areas of the world.
IGFA Regional Councils are made up of elected IGFA Trustees, IGFA Representatives, IGFA members, IGFA Captains and members of select local recreational angling NGOs who represent the interests, fisheries, and issues affecting specific areas within the Regional Council’s purview.
Below is a summary of the recent activities of the six established IGFA Regional Councils. For any questions regarding the IGFA Representatives & Regional Councils programs, please contact Andy Saldana at [email protected].
South America: Supporting the Future of Recreational Fishing
The IGFA South America Regional Council met September 18–19 in Cartagena, Colombia, bringing together IGFA Representatives, Captains, and Clubs from across the region. We extend our sincere thanks to IGFA Representative and Council Officer Pedro Rodriguez and the Club de Pesca de Cartagena for their hospitality and for hosting the meeting.
A key focus was the importance of ensuring that the social, economic, and conservation benefits of recreational fishing are understood and considered in future fisheries management decisions. Following Colombia’s previous restrictions on recreational angling, the Council discussed how recreational fishing supports local economies and jobs, can contribute valuable citizen-science data, and introduces young people to the outdoors and conservation through ethical angling and catch-and-release. Better recognition of these contributions, as well as the relatively limited impact of recreational angling on fishery resources, can help inform future policy decisions and protect the sport from unnecessary restrictions. The meeting also included a Colombian government official tasked with developing the country’s new fishing legislation, providing an important opportunity for dialogue and a positive step forward for recreational anglers in Colombia. Members also discussed ways to strengthen IGFA’s appeal and engagement among South American anglers.
The event also marked the transition of Council leadership from former Chair and IGFA Trustee Juan Pablo Gozio, who served since 2019, to IGFA Trustee Ricardo Sola. The IGFA thanks Juan Pablo for his years of service and leadership and also thanks Ricardo Sola for taking the helm of the South American Council.
The meeting included presentations by Juan Pablo on the IGFA Golden Dorado Research Project and Marina Marrari of FECOP on “Costa Rica: pesca deportiva, ciencia y conservación para un desarrollo sostenible.”
The Council is also providing Regional Council funding to support the First Argentine Congress of Ichthyology, taking place October 18–21 in Santa Fe, Argentina. Juan Pablo Gozio is helping advance science-based fisheries management and conservation, further strengthening the IGFA’s engagement with fisheries science across South America.
Europe & Mediterranean: Building Partnerships and Expanding Outreach
The Europe & Mediterranean Regional Council continues to make steady progress on its 2026 Action Plan, with several initiatives focused on partnerships, conservation, education, and expanding the IGFA’s reach throughout the region.
The Council is planning partnerships with major fishing shows, including Pescare Show 2027 in Italy and Sportfische Massan in Sweden, creating additional opportunities to connect with anglers and introduce new audiences to the IGFA.
Conservation remains another key focus. The Council has secured sponsorship funding from Ethical Anglers and Strike Footwear for tagging initiatives supporting the Mediterranean Spearfish Project and Red Sea Billfish Project.
North America: Volunteers Strengthening Member Engagement
The North America Regional Council continues to benefit from strong volunteer participation and committee leadership.
Sally Kurz has been appointed Chair of the Education Committee, and the IGFA extends its sincere appreciation to former Chair Dave Matagiese for his leadership and dedication to advancing the Council’s educational initiatives. The Council has also welcomed Kelsey Gallagher and Steve Wozniak to the Rules & Recognition Committee.
Their appointments reflect the continued involvement of IGFA Representatives in supporting Council programs and initiatives throughout North America.
Central America & Caribbean: Supporting Recreational Fishing Advocacy
The Central America & Caribbean Regional Council continues to support initiatives that recognize the importance of responsible recreational fishing to communities and economies throughout the region.
In Costa Rica, Development Committee Co-Chair Federico Hampl has been actively involved in discussions surrounding the newly presented Ruta Estratégica Sectorial de Pesca Turística y Deportiva, a national roadmap designed to strengthen sport and tourism fishing through improved coordination, sustainability, and public-private partnerships.
The Council will continue monitoring these developments and supporting initiatives that advance sustainable and responsible recreational fishing throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
Africa: Growing Participation Through Local Engagement
The Africa Regional Council continues to focus on strengthening its Representative network and increasing regional engagement.
The Council is focusing on providing current IGFA Representatives and Council members with practical tools to help grow IGFA participation throughout the region. Discussions included the Council/Representative Seeding Program, Tournament Relations Program, and IGFA Program Reports. These resources give Representatives practical ways to introduce new anglers to the IGFA, increase participation in IGFA programs, strengthen relationships with local fishing communities, and support continued membership growth across Africa.
Asia: Building the Foundation
The IGFA continues to move forward with the formation of the Asia Regional Council, the seventh and final IGFA Regional Council. Key IGFA Representatives and regional constituents have been appointed to Council committee chair positions, and the Council’s first meeting is scheduled for October 2026. A formal announcement introducing the new Council and its leadership will follow.
One of the Council’s primary priorities will be expanding the IGFA Representative network throughout Asia and strengthening engagement with anglers across the region. IGFA Members are encouraged to nominate qualified candidates who may be interested in serving as IGFA Representatives. Nominations can be submitted to IGFA Global Relations Manager Andy Saldana at [email protected].
Oceania: Expanding Access and Supporting Conservation
The Oceania Regional Council continues to advance initiatives that benefit anglers across the region. Most recently, the Council helped establish a new partnership with New Zealand’s Marine Deals, providing IGFA Members in Oceania with access to the Official IGFA Measuring Device for All-Tackle Length records at a discounted member price. The partnership makes IGFA measuring devices more accessible to anglers and supports greater participation in the IGFA Length Record Program.
Council committees are also actively advancing initiatives in conservation, rules and ethics, education, regional partnerships, funding, and member engagement. Conservation efforts include support for black marlin research in partnership with the Australian Black Marlin Foundation, while education and outreach initiatives continue to introduce more anglers to IGFA programs and resources.