DANIA BEACH, Fla.-- Yamaha Rightwaters is a new International Game Fishing Association (IGFA®) sponsor, lending support to the IGFA Passport to Fishing Program and the IGFA Great Marlin Race. Together, Yamaha Rightwaters and the IGFA will work to generate and promote conservation efforts in North America.

“IGFA is globally-recognized for its efforts in marine conservation and education,” said Joshua Grier, Sustainability Program Manager, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “By supporting these two initiatives, Yamaha Rightwaters demonstrates its dedication to marine research and the education of future anglers.”

Yamaha Rightwaters’ support of IGFA Passports to Fishing funds youth-angling educational programs on an international level. Introduced in 2019, the IGFA’s Passports to Fishing program is a cornerstone of the organization’s global education efforts. This innovative initiative provides “Fishing Clinics in a Box,” equipping educators with the tools needed to teach the next generation of ethical and conservation-minded anglers. To date, 195 kits have been distributed in 45 countries across six continents, reaching more than 41,000 children. Available in 17 different languages and embraced by institutions including the National Park Service, the IGFA Passports to Fishing program continues to inspire and engage youth in responsible fishing practices around the world.

The IGFA Great Marlin Race, founded in 2011, is the world’s largest citizen-science billfish tagging program. Developed as a partnership between IGFA and Stanford University, the program pairs recreational anglers with cutting-edge science in an effort to learn more about the basic biology of billfish and how they use the open ocean habitat. Since its inception, the IGFA Great Marlin Race has deployed over 606 satellite tags on billfish species worldwide, collecting critical data that advances understanding of these iconic species and their migratory patterns. To date, data from the IGFA Great Marlin Race logged enough migration information to circle the globe over 32 times and contributed to 13 peer-reviewed scientific papers. By engaging anglers and the scientific community, the IGFA Great Marlin Race helps protect the future of billfish and the ecosystems they inhabit.

“Yamaha Rightwaters is an invaluable partner for IGFA’s conservation and youth education programs,” said Jason Schratwieser, President of the IGFA. “From reaching kids around the world through IGFA Passports to Fishing to advancing critical billfish research with the IGFA Great Marlin Race, Yamaha helps us engage anglers of all ages and safeguard the future of our fisheries. We look forward to continuing this impactful relationship to ensure a thriving environment for all game fish species and the anglers who pursue them.”

About the International Game Fish Association

Established in 1939, the International Game Fish Association is a global nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices. With members in more than 100 countries, the IGFA is the world’s leading authority on sport fishing and maintains the global database of game fish world records and angling rules. Through education, research, advocacy, and angler recognition, the IGFA strives to ensure the future of fishing and sustainable fisheries around the world. To learn more or become a member, visit www.igfa.org.

Yamaha Rightwaters is a national sustainability program encompassing all of Yamaha Marine's conservation and water quality efforts. Program initiatives include habitat restoration, support for scientific research, mitigation of invasive species, reduction of marine debris, and environmental stewardship education. Yamaha Rightwaters reinforces Yamaha's long-standing history of natural resource conservation, support of sustainable recreational fishing and water resources, and the Angler Code of Ethics, which requires pro anglers to adhere to principles of stewardship for all marine resources.

Yamaha’s U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., is responsible for the sales, marketing, and distribution of Yamaha Marine products in the U.S. including Yamaha Outboards, Yamaha WaveRunners®, Yamaha Boats, G3® Boats and Skeeter® Boats. Supporting 2,400 dealers and boat builders nationwide, Yamaha is the industry leader in reliability, performance, technology and customer service.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.