Global FishTag Network

 

Following the inaugural “World Volunteer FishTag Summit” in 2023, the Global FishTag Network (GFN) was established to promote collaboration and information sharing among the world’s volunteer fish tagging programs.

Chaired by the IGFA and co-led by InfoFish Australia, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the South African Association for Marine Biological Research’s Oceanographic Research Institute, the GFN’s mission includes improving communication among the diverse volunteer angler-based fish tagging organizations located around the globe and advancing solutions to a variety of shared challenges, including integrating fish tagging data into management and conservation initiatives, overcoming barriers to success, establishing programmatic best practices, and improving the use of emerging technologies.  

On May 19, 2026, the GFN will host a virtual workshop titled “The Future of Volunteer Fish Tagging Programs.” A summary report of the workshop will be available here following the meeting. 

A major component of the GFN is the development of a publicly accessible database of existing volunteer angler-based fish tagging programs. Please see the map below to view participating organizations and email Jackson Martinez ([email protected]) if you would like to have your organization included.