Jackson Martinez is the Conservation Programs Manager for the IGFA. A native of Houston, Texas, Jackson’s passion for fishing began at a young age on Galveston Island.  

Prior to joining the IGFA, Jackson worked at Environmental Defense Fund, where he developed and advanced science and policy solutions for sustainable federal fisheries and fishing communities, including the U.S. pelagic longline fishery. Jackson is passionate about engaging diverse fishery stakeholders and co-developing solutions to conservation and management issues. He looks forward to utilizing his experience in fisheries science and policy to advance the IGFA’s mission and conservation programs.

Jackson holds an M.S. degree in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where his research focused on the genetic stock structure of striped marlin in the central North Pacific Ocean. He also holds B.S. degrees in Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries from Texas A&M University at Galveston.