IGFA Advocacy Update for April 2026: Key Policy Wins for Recreational Fishing and Conservation

The IGFA is dedicated to safeguarding the health of the world’s marine and freshwater systems and championing the interests of the recreational angling community. With partners in conservation and recreational fishing, policymakers, and conservation organizations worldwide, the IGFA has made important progress on several key conservation topics including whale-vessel interactions, improving data collection and management of South Atlantic red snapper, and reducing chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea. See below for an advocacy update from our Conservation Department:

 

Supporting Technology and Data Advancements for Reduced Whale-Vessel Interactions

The IGFA joined a broad coalition of recreational fishing and boating organizations in thanking U.S. Representatives Matsui, Malliotakis, Dexter, Buchanan, Elfreth, and Carter for introducing the Whale CHARTS (Conservation Habitat Analysis, Research, and Technical Strategies) Act. This Act seeks to mitigate the risk of vessel strikes on whales by investing in improved data and supporting the development and deployment of whale detection and awareness technologies, thereby strengthening the scientific foundation for decision-making and providing tools that can be applied on the water. This bill has been introduced in the House and has been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources as well as the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 

Advocating Against Reduced Regulations for Industrial Fishing for Menhaden in Louisiana

The IGFA joined a broad coalition of recreational fishing, boating, and conservation organizations in a letter to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission urging a “no” vote on the Notice of Intent that would reduce Louisiana’s current industrial menhaden fishing buffer zones. The Commission voted to reduce the ½-mile buffer zone to ¼-mile under intense industry pressure and support from the Louisiana Governor, and our Gulf coalition is supporting the passage of six bills in the current Louisiana legislative session that seek industry accountability, reporting, and data transparency measures.

 

Advancing the American Water Stewardship Act

The IGFA joined the nation’s leading recreational fishing and boating organizations in a letter of support to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and U.S. Representative Jeffries for the passage of H.R. 6422, the American Water Stewardship Act. This Act reauthorizes and strengthens Environmental Protection Agency programs, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, and the National Estuary Program which focuses on non-regulatory, collaborative, and science-based solutions to improve water quality and habitat conditions. This bill has passed the House and was received in the Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. 

Supporting Exempted Fishing Permits for State Data Collection and Management of South Atlantic Red Snapper

The IGFA joined the nation’s leading recreational fishing and boating organizations in submitting comments to Secretary of Commerce Lutnick on Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications submitted by Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina for Atlantic Red Snapper. These EFP applications seek opportunities to test state data systems designed specifically for South Atlantic Red Snapper fisheries and evaluate whether they can produce timely and accurate information in partnership with NOAA Fisheries. 

Reducing Chum Salmon Bycatch in the Bering Sea Pollock Trawl Fishery

The IGFA joined recreational and sportfishing businesses, interest groups, and guides in a comment letter on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement for chum salmon bycatch in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. These comments included requests for the Council and NOAA Fisheries to reduce chum salmon bycatch and maintain thriving salmon runs for the preservation of Alaska’s seafood and tourism industries, as well as subsistence, sport, recreation, and commercial activities. Briefly, the Council established a Western Alaska chum bycatch limit of 45,000 fish and a corridor closure once the bycatch cap is met. 

Conservation Program Update

Lastly, the IGFA is leading crucial research into recreationally important fish species and the broader forage base they rely on, through the Forage Fish Research Program (FFRP). Currently in its 10^th year, planning is underway for the 10^th Annual FFRP Data Workshop, to be held on June 4^th, 2026, at Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Headquarters. There, current FFRP Fellows Alex Walus, from the University of Florida, and Meredith Pratt, from the University of Central Florida, will present the results of their Fellowship projects, and FFRP Data Partners will provide an update on their project and data availability for incoming Fellows in 2026-2027. To learn more about the FFRP, check out our website and newsletter here.