Press Release: Guatemala Pioneers Protection of Sailfish with New Commission

Guatemala Pioneers Protection of Sailfish with New Commission
Commission to be introduced at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show

After two years of collaboration between the Guatemalan government, Guatemalan tourism officials, and the Guatemalan recreational fishing community, The Guatemalan Sailfish Commission has been established. The goals of the Commission are to identify and resolve problems due to illegal fishing, raise awareness of the importance of billfish, develop billfish protection programs, coordinate with local and international authorities to work towards billfish protection, and to promote the practice of sustainable fishing in alignment with Guatemalan tourism.

“Sportfishing offers Guatemala the opportunity for economic development by generating income through tourism derived both from national and international anglers enjoying our fishery. Protecting the sailfish guarantees long term sustainability for the sport and for the responsible enjoyment of the resource for many years to come.” said Commission Representative, Niels Erichsen

The Guatemalan Sailfish Commission will convene a press conference at the 2015 Miami Boat show. The purpose of the conference is to educate, update and inform all attendees about the tangible results Guatemala has achieved since the creation of the Commission and how upcoming plans and strategies will be the catalyst of change for sailfish conservation within Central America. The conference will be held at the 2015 Miami Boat show on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 2:00PM in room A101-102.

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Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organization and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries.

For further information, contact the IGFA, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299, website: www.igfa.org.

International Game Fish Association
300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida, 33004 USA