There are many different organizations dedicated to conserving our oceans. One of these is the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). RFA is an organization of anglers and businesses that is fighting to rebuild some of our saltwater fisheries. Part of their mission involves working to restore “highly migratory species” such as tunas, marlin, swordfish, and sharks. Many of these species traverse the oceans and in the process, migrate through the waters controlled by many different nations. As a result, any effective plan to manage these species relies on working in cooperation with these countries to coordinate fishery management plans. To accomplish this, more than 20 countries belong to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). ICCAT countries meet once each year to review progress and plan for coordinated management of each species. RFA works closely with the U.S. Delegation to ICCAT, serving on advisory committees, as members of species working groups, and as unofficial advisors at the ICCAT meetings. It is the goal of the RFA is to make sure that our country takes a strong conservation stance and convinces others to do the same to help restore these species to sustainable levels.

RFA also collaborates with fishing groups in other countries to share information about fisheries management. Earlier this year, RFA sent a team of experts to Great Britain to inform fishing groups and government officials there about some of the ways that the U.S. has successfully restored coastal species such as Atlantic coast striped bass. Through information sharing and active participation with colleagues in other countries, the RFA is making progress toward improving fisheries throughout the world. For more information on RFA, email them at info@savethefishfoundation.org or visit their Web Site www.savethefishfoundation.org.