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The Billfish Conservation Project (BCP) recently announced it has appointed industry veteran Fred Garth as executive director. With decades of relevant experience, Garth will now lead the nonprofit committed to safeguarding billfish and other pelagic species, specifically in the Pacific waters off Central America.
A passionate scuba diver, sailor and fisherman, Garth’s deep connection to the ocean has driven his dedication to marine conservation throughout his career and personal life. Garth brings a wealth of experience as a past publisher and editor of marine-focused magazines and websites with a career that includes the creation of 14 publications, including the notable Guy Harvey Magazine, which he founded with Dr. Harvey in 2010 and led as editor-in-chief until 2023.
“Spending my life on and beneath the water instilled in me a profound commitment to protecting our aquatic resources,” Garth said. “It’s both a passion and a calling that I’m honored to continue pursuing.”
Billfish are increasingly threatened by illegal and poorly regulated fishing operations from both local and international fleets, particularly in the fertile waters of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Spanning from Baja California south to Panama and beyond into South America, this region is prized by anglers, scuba divers and marine enthusiasts alike.
“Fred and I have collaborated for over a decade,” said Ozzy Delgado, co-founder of the BCP. “He has consistently championed marine conservation in the organizations he supports and through his writings. We are fortunate to have him at the helm of our nonprofit, guiding us with his clear vision.”
The BCP is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization established to protect billfish and ocean resources. The program was co-founded in 2019 by Ozzy Delgado, Director of Operations for Pacific Fins in Guatemala and Niels Erichsen, avid billfish advocate and managing partner of the resort. The main objectives of the BCP include helping governments to enforce laws to stop illegal fishing, supporting marine conservation education, promoting sustainable tourism, and educating artisanal fishermen about responsible harvesting.
