International Game Fishing Association NT Division Announcement

The Northern Territory branch of the International Game Fishing Association announced an extension of its annual membership renewal with an addition 25% discount to members. Northern Territory representative for the IGFA, Peter Cox, confirmed the membership drive to raise much need funds for the continued work the IGFA carries out on behalf of all recreational anglers.

“The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is a non profit fishing organization dedicated to ethical recreational fishing and to the conservation of game fish and their habitats world wide. IGFA has members in over 100 countries and has members of its International Committee of Representatives in countries fishing in the Indian Ocean in, Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Pakistan, Seychelles, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Thailand”, detailed Peter. In its latest initiative, the IGFA has recently launched its “Take Marlin off the Menu” campaign. The IGFA is campaigning to have several countries including the USA to have restaurants and fish wholesales remove billfish from their catch, sale and menu lists. “The commonly used reference or name of “Billfish” include Swordfish and several species of Marlin and Sailfish, which frequent many shared oceans of the world. The impact of commercial fishing is taking it’s toll on the Billfish stocks, and with the reduced migratory stocks comes the increased pressure on the available target species for the recreational angler’ tag and release efforts”, mentioned Peter.

Game fishing anglers should not estimate the effect commercial fishing has on Billfish and many other stocks, and support such organisations such as the IGFA and GFAA (Game Fishing Association Australia) when it comes to representing their interests on their sport and this precious resource.

The announcement of the 25% membership discount comes at a time when the IGFA calls on as much support as possible from recreational anglers. Decisions in the very near future will have a marked impact on fish stocks and memberships means voices and votes when it comes to influencing change. “I encourage all anglers to consider joining their local club, and various Associations including the IGFA, to make sure the best possible representation is made to Governments around the world”, stressed Peter. He went onto say, “If you wanted to buy a fisherman who has everything, a meaningful gift for Fathers Day, you could consider an IGFA membership. Those who join before August 31st will also receive a complementary lure from the NTGFA and IGFA as an added incentive”. The IGFA membership pack includes a current world record book, stickers, giveaways and member web site access.

The IGFA will have information and display at the Gove Peninsular Festival at Hindle Oval on the 1st of August. IGFA and local club membership forms can be obtained from Gove tackle and Outdoors, at the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club’s festival Stall or by calling Peter on 0417 879 031.

Regards,

Peter Cox

0417 879 031