Annual Report
Every year we publish our Annual Report to keep our friends and members updated on our progess. A summary of the report is found below. Click on 2009 Annual Report for the full version in PDF format.
2009 Annual Report Summary
Recycled Fish continued to grow in 2009 in both size and impact. Our message, “our lifestyle runs downstream” came to life through programs and events designed to engage, educate and equip anglers to live the “lifestyle of stewardship” every day.
Recycled Fish membership rose from 8382 domestic members 2008 to 10,294 by the end of 2009. Add in the 395 international members, and we grew by over 2300 people in 2009. That’s annual growth of 26% and a membership of over 11,000.
But does it matter? Yes!
We did a survey of our members to measure the impact of taking the Sportsman’s Stewardship Pledge. Over 92% said they had learned more about “living a lifestyle of stewardship” after taking the Pledge, and 65% said they had actually changed the way they live. With over 11,000 people, that’s not just a drop in the bucket.
Recycled Fish “On Ice”
In its second year on hard water, the Recycled
Fish “On Ice” Tour executed 23 live
event days across the Ice Belt. The program
brings the Stewardship Ethic to life for the ice
fishing community by providing bags for live
fish transportation and lake cleanup, an angler
hospitality station for angler engagement,
education, and to take the Stewardship Pledge, and distribution of
educational materials.
We covered a lot of ice! Our teams had 11,500 one-on-one interactions with anglers, seven media appearances, 4700 handouts, and over 700,000 event, online, and highway impressions to advance the ethic.
Recycled Fish 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon
The first year for the Recycled Fish 24
Hour Fish-A-Thon was a success.
Anglers around the country fished around the
clock to raise awareness for the problems facing our fisheries and
money to help solve those problems. At the same time, they competed
for prizes (based upon both fishing and fundraising) including
a trip with a PAA Pro Angler or to Minnesota’s North Woods at
Spring Bay Resort.
10 teams from Nebraska to Pennsylvania, Minnesota to Georgia put in a collective 720 hours, caught and released several hundred fish, and raised $6,000 for the cause.
What’s more, we generated extensive national grassroots and media
awareness - a critical component to our mission. This program is
setting up to become our primary annual fundraiser.
Stewardship Tip
Written by Recycled Fish’s Mark Olson,
the weekly ‘Stewardship Tip’ email gives
one simple tip that anyone can do to help our waters through
everyday living. It suggests the action, gives an outline of why it
matters and what to do, and where to go find more information. In
2009 we sent 52 tips to an average readership of just under 5,000
people per week.
The Fish Schtick
Recycled Fish, Moldy Chum (fly fishing blog at www.MoldyChum.com) and Mauro Media (www.MauroMedia.com) joined forces to create “The Fish Schtick,” a new online radio show / podcast in 2009.
Hosted by Teeg Stouffer, Brian Bennett and produced by Michael Mauro, the show features guests from across the world of fishing. Providing a cross-section of the sport and its personalities, each show has a conservation under-current.
We produced 25 episodes in 2009 with a listenership of roughly
500 - 800 per episode.
S.A.F.E. Angling
S.A.F.E. Angling (Sustaining Angling, Fish and Ecosystems) speaks to the lifestyle of stewardship when an angler is on the water.
Including products and practices to help us
make a positive impact on the waters we fish,
SAFE Angling entered the retail space in 2009
with SAFE Angling Tackle Kits.
These tackle kits include lead-free and biodegradable weights, lures and floats. Circle and cam-action hooks and educational information on the how, and why, to use all of it rounds out the kit.
SAFE Angling Tackle kits were launched in partnership with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota DNR and a handful of environmentally responsible tackle manufacturers.
In 2009 we sold roughly 600 SAFE Angling Tackle kits and got placement in 9 online and bricks and mortar retailers.
These seasonal events held at Islamorada Fish Company inside Bass Pro Shops taught outdoor and fishing oriented lessons in a fun, interactive environment. Together with live cooking demonstrations, wine and beer tastings, talks on stewardship, a silent auction and door prizes, these events generally had 60 - 90 attendees and raised $500 - $900 apiece.
For more detailed information please see the report in pdf format.
