FEATURE | GLENN HUGHES
on helping to ensure clean water,
sustainable fi sheries and access to
those fi sh. Fortunately, there are
many organisations that focus, fi rst
and foremost, on pollution. Many
constituents want quick fi xes with
water issues in Florida, whether it’s the
algal blooms or red tide. We work with
these other organisations, as well as
state and federal governments, to come
up with solutions. Some will still take
another 10 years. Others we still don’t
have answers for ( such as red tide) but
we will continue to work with these
groups and share solutions.
Invasive species continue to be a
very real problem and we will invest in
efforts to limit the spread and impact
of these species. Again, we do count
on many local groups and will support
them to the best of our ability.
If you follow red snapper, salmon
or the MFA, then you know about our
efforts with sustainability. Working
with the federal government, state
governments, and other regulatory
agencies we will continue to fi ght for
fi sheries conservation that makes
sense for the fi sh, the anglers and the
industry.
TTW - ICAST is a huge event for ASA
and is THE show to be at. Looking ahead
to 2019, what’s in store and, also, how
do you think AFFTA’s (the American
Fly Fishing Trade Association) decision
to leave the collaboration with ICAST
with its IFTD (International Fly Tackle
Dealer) show will impact, if at all?
GH - ICAST 2019 is already in the
works and we are full steam ahead
on programs and projects to improve
it. The show exists to provide value
to our members, whether exhibitors,
retailers or media, and we want to
give everyone a tremendous return on
their investment. We don’t take this
responsibility lightly, so you can be sure
we have exciting additions and changes
on the way.
It was AFFTA’s board of directors’
decision to relocate to Denver and
we wish them the best. All those that
participated with IFTD are more than
welcome to join us in Orlando next
summer. We believe that retailers who
came specifi cally for fl y fi shing should
add ICAST to their calendar because
all fi shing gear, tackle and accessories
will be represented on the show fl oor.
It’s still the best investment for their
businesses.
TTW - With all associations come
challenges however what would you say
is the biggest challenge for the ASA and
how will it be dealt with?
GH - Another good question. We need
to lead and serve the industry. Right
now, most fi sheries are in good shape
and we generally have access to them.
With that said, we will remain forever
vigilant to continue in this direction.
If there are two other key challenges
that we face, it will be participation
and concerns with the retail landscape.
We’ve addressed participation and
we’ll continue to invest in programs
to increase growth. Retailers and
manufacturers need help to survive
and thrive in the next decade. Part of
that is participation. But we also have
a responsibility help them succeed in
the future through communication and
promotion, engaging audiences and
offering customer service that anglers
can’t get outside of
their local market.
I’m looking forward
to doing what we
can to help in the
process!
50 www.tackletradeworld.com
Glenn with EFTTA’s Victoria Seymour at ICAST 2018
The Modern Fish Act campaign posters
The Modern Fish Act - ASA
Conservation Director, Mike
Leonard, and the GA team,
as well as our conservation
partners, have worked tirelessly
to get us to this stage of the
proverbial game. The number of
visits to Congressional offi ces,
the conference calls and the giveand
take on the bill’s language is
unmeasurable.
ASA (703) 519-9691 info@asafishing.org www.asafishing.org
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