Fish for the future
NewIGFAPresidentNehlHortonisonamissiontoreinforcethe
association’sleadingroleinrecreationalanglingthroughoutthe
world. As Nehl outlines below, the program will have far-reaching
ramificationsforoursport,andbodeswellforitsfuture.S
ince taking the helm at The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) last September,
I’ve had the opportunity to meet a wide variety of IGFA supporters, including trustees,
international representatives, corporate partners and members around the globe.
Throughout all of these conversations I’ve been highly impressed by the passion,
dedication, loyalty and commitment that runs deep in the veins of the IGFA family.As the seventh president of this historic and venerable organisation, I’m honoured by the
opportunity to build on the legacy of our founder, Michael Lerner, as well as the contributions
made by all of the other IGFA leaders over the past 79 years. I am also humbled by the task
ahead as we look to modernise and strengthen the IGFA in preparation for our 80th anniversary
and beyond.
The IGFA has a unique position as a truly international, conservation-based recreational
angling organisation. Encompassing all species of fresh and saltwater fish, all styles of angling
from conventional to fly, and every ocean, sea, river, stream, lake and pond in the world,
the IGFA is the only non-profit association able to cast such a wide net across the entire
recreational angling community. To fully realise our vision of establishing the IGFA as the most
widely recognised authority on gamefish and angling-related matters in the world, I believe we
must embrace all kinds of anglers, as well as the full range of fish species and habitat types.This means reinforcing our leadership role in setting international standards for ethical angling
and good sportsmanship. Part of this includes recognising outstanding angling achievements
through world records, trophy clubs and slam clubs. It’s also about pursuing cutting-edge
research initiatives to study and conserve gamefish, holding fisheries managers accountable for
the health and sustainability of gamefish stocks, as well as teaching new generations of anglers
how to fish and how to respect our natural resources. In short, it means living up to our original
motto and striking a sustainable balance between ‘for ethical sport and productive science’.Looking ahead to our 80th anniversary next year, the time is ripe to renew our commitment to
IGFA’s founding principles, as well as to refresh our strategies for engaging anglers and refuel
our efforts to protect gamefish for future generations.
To do that, we will be focusing on five big initiatives as part of our Fish for the Future
campaign. These include:- Establishing International Angling Day
as a platform to reach new anglers, with
the aim of educating them about ethical
angling practices and activating them as
ambassadors for our sport and advocates for
gamefish conservation; - Strengthening and expanding our
international network of IGFA representatives,
clubs, captains and members in order to
increase our presence and relevance in
angling communities around the world; - Launching three major signature research
initiatives – two of which will be focused on freshwater science – as part of efforts to deliver
on our commitment to gamefish conservation; - Teaching 100,000 kids to fish in locations around the globe to help build a new generation
of educated, ethical and accomplished anglers; and - Re-establishing the IGFA as a leader in recreational angling competitions focused on
outstanding angler achievement rather than cash prizes.
I invite all recreational anglers – wherever you may live or travel – to join us in pursuit
of these ambitious goals. Together, we have a unique opportunity to define the future of
recreational fishing around the world. It’s an investment in ethical sport and productive science
that will pay dividends for generations to come.
Let’s Fish for the Future!
To support the IGFA on these
important goals, and to reap
themanybenefitsyou’llreceive
through an inexpensive IGFA
membership, sign-up now at:
THE IGFA
IGFA PRESIDENT
NEHL HORTONis an avid
andaccomplishedanglerwith
apassionforallformsofgame
fishing. He has fished in over
20 countries, from Argentina
to South Africa. Nehl is also
a seasoned business leader,
communicator and public
policy advocate with 30 years
of experience in corporations,
government,politicsand
journalism.Inhisprevious
career, Nehl represented
someofthemostsuccessful
companiesintheworld,
including Coca-Cola, Pfizer
and Novartis.
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