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IGFA Respnds to Journal Criticizing World Records

The IGFA has submitted a rebuttal to a recent paper published in the journal Marine Policy titled "Trophy fishing for species threatened with extinction: a way forward building on a history of conservation"

LINK

Scientists want end to trophy fishing of threatened species

In a newly released study, scientific researchers say the IGFA should stop awarding weight-based world records for fish species threatened with extinction.

The researchers found that 85 of the 1200 species the IGFA keeps records for are listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The proposed change would affect just 7% of the species on IGFA’s list and have only a small impact on anglers, according to the researchers.

LINK (via: Science Insider)

World Record Pacific Needlefish

Sliver of the month.

(via: International Fishing News)

IGWTFA

Now I'm assuming the IGFA gave Louisiana Senator David Vitter and Florida US Representative David Miller a 2013 Conservation Award based on their sponsorship of the Billfish Conservation Act? Unfortunately Vitter and Miller's entire record when it comes to important environmental issues is pathetic and detrimental to fish and fisheries.

Vitter is a vocal proponent of the Pebble Mine, Keystone XL, and has consistently voted against clean air and water. According to the League of Conservation Voters, Vitter's lifetime score of voting for the environment is a paltry 4%.

Miller scores slightly better with a lifetime score of 9% but he has also cast numerous votes to the detriment of environmental issues that directly impact fish and habitat.

After hitting their respective links you can filter their voting records by specific issues, sorting by "water" will show you how extreme these two are when it comes to not protecting the environment. Miller even voted to block the EPA from implementing new water quality standards to prevent toxic green slime from polluting his home state of Florida's lakes, rivers, and streams.

Given their respective records it's an insult to the true champions of conservation that the IGFA gave an award to these clowns.

Where The Stripers Are

They're ovah heah Bobby!