Every year, through its 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, AFTCO and the Shedd Family contribute at least 10% of company profits toward fishing conservation, protecting resources and ensuring future generations have access to sustainable fisheries.
In 2024, we donated $434,836 to support various conservation efforts and proudly welcomed two new partners to the program.
Harte Research Institute
AFTCO contributed $30,000 to the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. HRI is an interdisciplinary institute dedicated to advancing the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. Efforts range from clean water initiatives to habitat preservation. This year, AFTCO expanded its efforts with HRI to support shark-tagging programs, helping to improve understanding of this vital part of our ecosystem. More to come on this program in 2025. Learn more about the work here.
RFRI Redfish Stocking Program
AFTCO donated $25,000 to the Recreational Fisheries Research Institute to provide seed funding for Louisiana’s first-ever redfish stock enhancement program. This funding supported the collection and quarantine of broodstock from both sides of the Mississippi River. These fish are undergoing a 150-day maturation process to ensure they are in peak spawning condition. Juvenile redfish are scheduled to be released this summer at key locations, including the Rigolets, Grand Isle and Lake Calcasieu, with stocking events led by CCA Louisiana. AFTCO’s has a long-standing commitment to hatchery efforts and is proud to play a role in launching this groundbreaking program in Louisiana. Learn more about the program here.
The following partners received $25,000 or more in 2024 to help support crucial conservation efforts:
• Coastal Conservation Association
• International Game Fish Association
• Center for Sportfishing Policy
• Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
• Keep America Fishing
• Captains for Clean Water
In the reducing the environmental impact of operations, AFTCO, using its in-house baler, recycled 62,560 pounds of plastic and cardboard and diverted 500 cubic yards of waste to recycling and composting, including 11,622 pounds of paper (equivalent to 99 trees). Additionally, solar panels generated 270,978 kWh of electricity.
AFTCO also has transitioned all product hang tags to recycled materials. In 2021, it identified AFTCO products using plastic packaging and developed a plan to shift to alternative materials. It made significant progress — switching to roll packing, shipping some nylons without packaging and testing alternatives like glassine — and is on track to reduce poly bag usage by approximately 70% by the end of 2025, bringing the company closer to its goal of becoming completely poly bag-free.
Learn more at AFTCO.com.
