FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jack Vitek, IGFA Marketing Director jvitek@igfa.org
IGFA Provides Relief Funding to Southwest Florida Captains & Guides Following Hurricane Ian
DANIA BEACH, FL – December 14, 2022 –
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced today
that it is sending an initial distribution of $50,000 from the IGFA’sWorldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF) to
the recreational fishing community in Southwest Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian.
The IGFA has partnered with the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO) and
the Florida Guides Association (FGA) to develop an application process for relief funding
that will be eligible for any licensed recreational captain or guide adversely affected in the
Southwest Florida area. All applications will be vetted by members of NACO and FGA to
ensure the funds are properly distributed.
To apply for relief funding, please visit https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nacocharters.org/component/rsform/form/14-hurricane-ian-assistance.
https://www.nacocharters.org/component/rsform/form/14-hurricane-ian-assistance.html.
“Although Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida in late September,
there are many captains and guides still struggling to get back on the water in
the aftermath of this devastating storm,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser.
“We are excited to provide this funding to help those in need, and we are very thankful
for all the individuals, companies, and groups that contributed to this effort.”
The IGFA and Costa Sunglasses created the WARF in Sept. 2017 to provide financial aid to
local charter captains, guides, and outfitters in the wake of major natural disasters. Professional,
recreational angling is often the cornerstone of local coastal economies, and the ability for these
small businesses and entrepreneurs to get back on their feet after natural disasters is critical to
re-establishing the cultural and financial well-being of the areas in which they operate.
“At its core, Costa’s mission is to support our angling communities and the waters we love –
and in times like these, we are all #OneCoast. It doesn’t matter what body of water you live on
or near, it’s the water that unites us,” said Costa Conservation & Community
Partnerships Manager, Joe Gugino. “The destruction in Southwest Florida was devastating,
but it has been truly inspiring seeing the angling community come together to help support
our friends in Southwest Florida and get them back on the water again.”
With this latest distribution, the WARF has now distributed a total of $275,000 to recreational
angling associations in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Belize, Louisiana, The Bahamas,
and Montana to help local captains and guides recover from natural disasters.
“We’re excited to once again be working with the IGFA on this important work,” said
NACO President Capt. Bob Zales, II. “NACO, along with our Sponsoring Association
FGA, are proud to be working with the IGFA and Costa on the WARF
again, where we will be able to make some meaningful and substantial changes in the lives of the
captains and guides impacted by Hurricane Ian.”
All funds raised and donated to the WARF are distributed to those impacted by natural disasters.
To make a direct, tax-deductible contribution to the WARF,
please go to https://www.google.com/url?q=https://
igfa.org/world-anglers-relief-fund-warf igfa.org/world-anglers-relief-fund-warf/, or purchase Costa
#OneCoast apparel in support of recovery efforts at https://www.google.com/url?q=https:onecoast.net.
Your support is greatly appreciated and will directly
benefit anglers, guides, crew members, and outfitters in need.
The IGFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. For more information about getting
involved with the WARF, please contact
IGFA Marketing Director & Chief of Staff Jack Vitek at jvitek@igfa.org.
About the IGFA
Founded in 1939, the https://www.google.com/url?q=https://IGFA is a nonprofit organization
committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling
practices through science, education, rule making, record keeping and recognition of outstanding
accomplishments in the field of angling. The IGFA also maintains world records in
freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. The IGFA has members in
more than 100 countries.
About NACO
NACO is the national association of charterboat owners and operators that was formed in 1991.
Representing thousands of individuals all across the United States, our membership
includes marine charters who provide fishing, sailing, diving, eco-tours, and other excursion
vessels who carry passengers for hire.
About FGA
The Florida Guides Association is a statewide organization of Professional
Fishing Guides, Corporate Affiliates, and Associate Affiliates who have been
working together since 1991, toward the goal of “Better fishing through conservation”.
We believe it is essential to lobby to protect the rights of all recreational anglers for
access and responsible use of the natural resources available in Florida’s State waters.
