The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) recently announced a new research program for roosterfish that will take place throughout the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America. The goal of the new initiative is to determine the population structure of roosterfish throughout their range through genetic testing and then determine the most appropriate population management approaches on a national and international level.
“We are very excited to launch this new program to learn more about this game fish species that have been targeted by recreational anglers for decades,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “With our great scientific partners and the support of our IGFA Representatives and Corporate Partners, I am confident we will be successful in our efforts.”
The IGFA Roosterfish Research Program is being conducted in collaboration with the world’s leading roosterfish experts, Dr. Sofía Ortega Garcia of Instituto Politécnico Nacional-CICIMAR, and Dr. Jaime Alvarado Bremer of Texas A&M University in Galveston. Genetic studies will collect fin clip samples from roosterfish from Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Guatemala, and Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula over a two-year period. The IGFA is working closely with recreational anglers and lodges in these three areas to obtain the necessary fin clip samples.
“We really do not know much about roosterfish, despite the fact that they are one of the most popular game fish species in the world,” stated IGFA Conservation Director Dr. Bruce Pohlot. “We are excited to see what our samples reveal and I can’t thank our supporters enough for helping to bring this program to life.”
The IGFA Roosterfish Research Program needs to raise $100,000 to conduct genetic testing over the next two years of the study. You can support this program by participating in the limited-time campaign which offers custom IGFA roosterfish branded hats and YETI cups. To learn more about the program, and to make your contribution, please visit https://igfa.org/roosterproject/.
To learn more about the program and to get involved, please contact IGFA Conservation Director Dr. Bruce Pohlot at [email protected].
About the IGFA
Founded in 1939, the 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.
