After nearly a decade of growth of its two world championship tournaments, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) will end its direct participation and management of the competitive events, concluding after 2008.

“The 2008 Championships will take place and all associated commitments to sponsors will be honored,” said Mike Myatt, IGFA Corporate Relations Director and tournament director of both global events. The vote to discontinue the organization’s involvement happened at a recent meeting. IGFA’s involvement with education and conservation initiatives has increased significantly over the last few years, and a decision was made concerning the benefits of tournaments and its relevance to IGFA goals. IGFA looks to increase its effectiveness, by generating resources elsewhere—focusing on conservation and education in particular.

“There are many great individuals and organizations around the world conducting fishing tournaments,” stated Rob Kramer, IGFA’s President. “The IGFA wants to use its extensive international reach to ensure these tournaments have fish to catch.”

Other issues that raised concern were the increased liability associated with tournaments and the potential for financial loss. Most tournaments use the angling rules and ethics created by the IGFA as the basis for their competitions. The IGFA will continue to remain engaged with tournaments from an educational and conservation perspective. Preliminary talks with several persons and organizations who have expressed an interest in continuing the championships have already started, reports the IGFA.

Beginning December 31, 2007, the IGFA will no longer accept qualifying events for the IGFA Inshore and Offshore World Championship tournaments. No tournaments held after December 31, 2007 will qualify for the final championships.