IGFA surpasses $1 million goal for billfish conservation

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) © IGFA

In a landmark achievement for billfish conservation, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) proudly announces surpassing its ambitious $1 million initial fundraising goal, including both cash gifts and pledge commitments, for the IGFA Billfish Research and Conservation Endowment.

This extraordinary milestone was reached and celebrated during the 41st Annual IGFA International Auction on January 25, 2025. Through the power of this historic endowment, which will ultimately exceed $3.3 million, the IGFA will ensure permanent funding to advance billfish research, protection, and sustainability. The endowment represents an ongoing opportunity for the sportfishing community to strengthen global billfish conservation efforts.

For decades, the IGFA has led global billfish conservation efforts through groundbreaking initiatives like the IGFA Great Marlin Race—the world's largest billfish satellite tagging program—and the passage of the Billfish Conservation Act, which effectively closed U.S. mainland commercial markets to billfish. This new endowment will mark the organization's next bold step forward in protecting these remarkable species, laying the foundation for expanded conservation efforts as the endowment grows.

"The future of billfish populations is literally in our hands," said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. "This endowment will drive forward critical research and advocacy efforts at an unprecedented scale. With an expanded scientific knowledge of these species, we can advocate for more effective billfish conservation measures that will safeguard these fisheries not just for the next generation, but for every generation to come."

Through a planned gift of an estimated $1.3 million from IGFA Trustee Bob Kurz and IGFA Representative Sally Kurz and a dollar-for-dollar matching gift from IGFA Trustee Emeritus Tim Choate, the endowment will power transformative initiatives such as:

• Expansion of the IGFA Great Marlin Race citizen science program, deploying satellite tags to track global billfish movements
• Funding studies on billfish life history parameters, which are critical for accurate stock assessments
• Developing strategic conservation partnerships with leading marine science institutions
• International advocacy to strengthen billfish protection measures

"Seeing this endowment reach its first $1 million fundraising milestone is an incredible testament to the passion and commitment of the global sportfishing community," said Tim Choate, IGFA Trustee Emeritus. "This fund ensures billfish research and conservation remain enduring priorities that will forever shape the future of our oceans. I am honored to be part of this legacy and look forward to seeing the transformative impact it will have on the future of billfish conservation."

For Bob and Sally Kurz, the endowment represents an investment in the future of billfish conservation and the sport of fishing itself. "Our love for billfish and the sport of fishing has shaped so much of our lives, and we are thrilled to contribute to the endowment's mission of protecting these incredible species," said Bob Kurz, IGFA Trustee, and Sally Kurz, IGFA Representative. "The progress made so far is just the beginning—through sustained scientific research and advocacy, we are creating healthier oceans where billfish thrive. We are proud to support this initiative and encourage everyone who shares our vision to join us in supporting this endowment."

"This achievement marks a significant moment in the IGFA's 85-year legacy," said IGFA Chairman Roy Cronacher. "I am profoundly grateful to our donors and the entire recreational fishing community who stepped forward to support this endowment. Their extraordinary vision and generosity will establish a permanent, dedicated source of funding for billfish conservation. This accomplishment belongs to every person who contributed and who shares our commitment to billfish conservation. Together, we have strengthened IGFA's enduring commitment to protect billfish in perpetuity."

This extraordinary milestone marks just the beginning of IGFA's bold vision for billfish conservation. The IGFA remains focused on growing this endowment to meet the increasing challenges of global billfish conservation. With each new contribution, the IGFA Billfish Research and Conservation Endowment will amplify our global impact, advancing critical research and protection initiatives that will ensure thriving billfish populations far into the future.

The endowment continues to welcome support from the international sportfishing community to expand these vital conservation efforts. To join us in shaping the future of billfish conservation through the endowment, visit igfa.org/igfa-billfish-endowment or contact Barbara E. Cini JD CFRE, Chief Development Officer, at or (954) 498-7153.