NLRI and the inaugural IGFA Murchison Falls International Fishing Competition

Lake Rescue has recently fostered relations of a more permanent nature with the world's biggest sustainable sports fishing entity, the International Game Fish Association (for detailed information about IGFA and their activities, see www.igfa.org ). The Ops Director of Lake Rescue, Jerry Burley, was recently co-nominated as IGFA representative for Uganda, along with long time friend Steve Willis.

Tragically, only a few weeks after receiving confirmation of his honorary new role, Steve was murdered in Uganda by what have been publicly stated as Lords Resistance Army rebels (see our NEWS section for more information on this awful happening and Steve's relationship with Lake Rescue).

So, Lake Rescue has a relationship with a fishing entity now does it? Big deal some may say. Well, it is a big deal in many ways. IGFA promote the environmentally responsible and sustainable use of the world's waters (inshore and off) for the purposes of sport fishing. Whether you may like it or not, more people fish than pursue any other outdoor activity in the world (and there may only be one indoor activity that is more vigorously indulged in!!!)

That means large numbers of people on, in or very close to water, interacting with water and getting into difficulties on occasion while doing so. Whilst the link is very young at the moment (and with Steve’s death some capacity rebuilding will obviously now be required), the potential positive gains and interactions between the two bodies over time can only be guessed at. However, we are very pleased with the new association and look forwards to working together with IGFA into the future on matters of mutual interest and concern.

For more information about the annual international fishing competition, please visit www.fishingmurchison.com