Our 2026 AGM Recap
Officially heralding the start of a new membership year at Old Belize Food Market, members, volunteers, and curious fisher-enthusiasts alike were invited to meet on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 7 PM to tackle our event calendar, membership updates, industry-wide environmental education, and more inside our 2026 Annual General Meeting.
President Madelyn Bowen opened the floor with her official report ahead of the financials, a special award, guest speaker presentations, and membership-related feedback. For a full recap, read on below.
Slate: Our 2026-2027 Executive Committee
Meet our 2026-2027 Board of Directors (from left to right): Jovy Duran, Jacinta Usher, Madelyn Bowen, Sydney Griffith, Morgan Miles, Kerr Gomez, Nathan Duncker.
Madelyn Bowen - President
Kerr Gomez – Treasurer
Nathan Duncker – Tournament Director
Morgan Miles – Public Relations Officer
Sydney Griffith – Administrator
Jovy Duran – Weigh Master
Jacinta and Morgan complete their first two-year term and have agreed to continue serving, while Sydney and Kerr, serving one-year terms, also agreed to serve uninterrupted. Note that all slate positions were run uncontested. These individuals volunteer countless hours throughout the year to organize camps, coordinate conservation initiatives, manage administration, and ensure the success of our tournament. Tonight, we cannot celebrate our association-wide accomplishments without celebrating their unseen dedication: on behalf of our President and board, thank you for your continued service.
President’s Message
Conservation continues to be a core part of our mission, achieved through active collaboration—not only with our membership base, but also with important partners. As guest speakers of the night, we also took the opportunity to recognize two: Sea of Life Organization and Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute. The annual calendar of events highlights may be our flagship tournaments, but our fishing camps and community outreach via cleanups are two cornerstones of our work in environmental education and advocacy.
Together with more than a dozen partner organizations, the Belize Game Fish Association (BGFA) has participated in quarterly cleanups and TrashBlitz waste audits alongside Sea of Life Org (SoLO). Our cleanups this year were held on January 31st and April 25th, with our next cleanup scheduled for August 29th. David Benson, SoLO representative, presented to members in attendance on their leadership in this community initiative, as well as the long-term benefits of data collection and community education surrounding plastic pollution in Belize.
Reviewing Belize Sustainable Ocean Plan, Belize's Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework by CZMAI
Along with David Benson’s presentation for Sea of Life, we also welcomed Delwin Guevara, GIS Mapping and Spatial Analyst, Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. Presenting on the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework for Belize, the program’s two main objectives were discussed: develop a legally enforceable plan to allocate ocean space across sectors, and identify up to 30% of Belize's ocean (EEZ) for protection. Aside from reflecting on Belize’s current protection—which currently stands at 25.05% of ocean space protected—between high-protection zones and areas of concern, Delwin also spoke on behalf of the CZMAI about what areas are being proposed for deep-protection, which will ultimately impact recreational and sustenance fishers.
Discussions continued—along with feedback on methodology, challenges, and limitations for pelagic species and enforcement—thanks to members. Below, find a map of proposed sites; Conservation Director Jacinta Gomez confirmed that BGFA will draft and submit a formal letter to the Ministry, Coastal Zone Authority, and other relevant bodies outlining the association's official position on new EEZ boundaries and expansions.
Our 2026 Volunteer Awardee: Clayton Burks
To date, we have hosted 151 graduates through our Passport to Fishing camp youth biannual program—one of our most popular events. Using the curriculum of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the BGFA ushers each ‘student’ through a hybrid learning experience before taking their new skills to the outdoor classroom for FREE! The success of these camps depends on dedicated volunteers who consistently give their time, energy, and knowledge to the next generation of anglers.
And since launching our camps, one volunteer has never missed a single camp: Clayton Burke. On AGM night, we were proud to honor Clayton for his unwavering and outstanding support with a small token of our appreciation!
Hoping to volunteer or refer a child to participate? Save the date: our next 2026 camps are scheduled for August 8th and December 5th.
Financials
By the numbers, the association remains in good standing. For transparency, the total revenue is generated through sponsorships, entry fees, raffle ticket sales, and Calcutta. As such, the Blue Water Classic remains financially sustainable and continues to support the programs and initiatives of BGFA throughout the year.
Deciding Tournament Dates, Quotas, Merch, & More
During June 2026, the entirety of our membership—not just those in attendance on AGM night—can expect a survey regarding the following flagged proposals:
Species quota for tournaments: a maximum quota for pelagic species, specifically wahoo, given that our tournament takes place at the beginning of the season. Proposed quota: six-fish or eight-fish limit.
Day 2 start time of BWC: A number per day will be issued at 5:00 AM on the second day of the BWC fishing tournament.
Moving the BWC tournament to a different month: Members have suggested a schedule adjustment, primarily due to the financial strain of participating in multiple major tournaments in a short period. Proposed months: December, January, February.
The Blue Water Classic 2026 Tournament Dates: held two (2) fishing days during one weekend in October.
Responses above were not recorded for the member quota in attendance. If you are not a current member of the Belize Game Fish Association ($150 BZD per year), please reach out here to renew to vote in the above topics by June 10, 2026!
However, voting for the following topics was recorded by members present:
Retaining Calcutta as optional: Versus a fixed and mandatory Calcutta included in registration, confirmed by a show of hands.
Existing BGFA merchandise is currently on sale at reduced prices, with some items below cost, in preparation for our new cohort for the upcoming membership year. Contact us to purchase!
