Get Involved

IGFA Conservation Award

International Game Fish Association

Debris Division

The IGFA Award was created in partnership with Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest to promote youth education through fish, fishing, and aquatic conservation. IGFA is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rulemaking, record keeping, and recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the field of angling. 

The IGFA Debris Division was created on behalf of the IGFA’s Habits for Habitats initiative and the Plastic Portraits Project to raise awareness within the recreational angling community, and beyond, that we need healthy habitats for healthy fisheries. Over the past several years, there has been an increased focus and global effort to understand how plastic debris is affecting different wildlife in both fresh and saltwater habitats. Ingestion and entanglement are the direct and deadly effects of pollution on marine mammals, birds, sea turtles, and many fish species. The IGFA is launching this program in an effort to help raise awareness of these issues and encourage members of the recreational community to get involved.

To learn more about the IGFA’s Habits for Habitats program, please click here.

Requirements

 Participants interested in competing for the IGFA Conservation Award must conduct fresh or saltwater habitat cleanups in their community and utilize the plastic waste or found objects to create their work of a game fish. Refer to the IGFA’s Game Fish Database for a list of game fish around the world.

Suggestions

The IGFA has the following suggestions when creating your artwork.
• For the collected debris, utilize a bleach/water solution to clean and sanitize the materials.
• Any debris collected that is not utilized for the artwork, please dispose of it properly and recycle when possible.
• For the base, the artist may use wood, canvas, cardboard, or any other solid structure to hold the debris.
• Other materials like glue, scissors, and paint can certainly help create the piece!

Safety Guidelines

The IGFA has the following recommendations to remain safe while conducting habitat cleanups.
• Always go with a buddy and/or an adult.
• Please never trespass on Private Property.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially for potential dangers like cliffs, holes, rough seas, wildlife, etc.
• Utilize protective gear like gloves, sunscreen, shoes, hats, etc.
• Avoid picking up sharp objects or have an adult assist in safely removing those objects.
• Contact your local wildlife organization if you come across injured wildlife.

Prize Package Valued at $100:

• Your choice of (1) IGFA Game Fish Trucker Hat
• Your choice of (1) IGFA Game Fish Yeti Rambler
• IGFA Marlin Logo T-Shirt
• IGFA Logo Face Shield
• David Wirth Circle Hook Pendant

Plus, recognition in the IGFA’s social media publications and International Angler digital magazine.

About the International Game Fish Association

The International Game Fish Association is a non-profit organization accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). They’re committed to the conservation of game fish and seek to educate the public on ethical angling practices through science. You can learn more about IGFA, their mission, their conservation work, and their educational programs by visiting igfa.org