Every year, through our 10% Pledge to Protect and Conserve, AFTCO and the Shedd Family contribute at least 10% of company profits toward fishing conservation, protecting our resources, and ensuring future generations have access to sustainable fisheries. Learn more about our 10% Pledge here.
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. Their efforts range from clean water initiatives to habitat preservation. This year, we expanded our 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, in the meantime you can learn more about their work here.
RFRI Redfish Stocking Program
AFTCO donated $25,000 to the Recreational Fisheries Research Institute (RFRI) 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 by May 2025. 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 long-standing commitment to hatchery efforts makes us proud to play a role in launching this groundbreaking program in Louisiana. Learn more about the program here.
Our Partners Listed Below Received $25,000 or More in 2024 to Help Support Crucial Conservation Efforts
Optimizing Our Internal Resources
Operations
Using our in-house baler, we recycled 62,560 lbs. of plastic and cardboard and diverted 500 cubic yards of waste to recycling and composting, including 11,622 lbs. of paper (equivalent to 99 trees). Additionally, our solar panels generated 270,978 kWh of electricity.
Packaging
We’ve transitioned all product hang tags to recycled materials. In 2021, we identified AFTCO products using plastic packaging and developed a plan to shift to alternative materials. We've made significant progress—switching to roll packing, shipping some nylons without packaging, and testing alternatives like glassine—and we’re on track to reduce poly bag usage by approximately 70% by the end of 2025, bringing us closer to our goal of becoming completely poly bag-free.
How Does AFTCO Determine 10% Pledge Partners & Projects?
AFTCO’s support focuses on the following categories: Fishing conservation advocacy, saltwater and freshwater habitat, fish hatcheries, protecting public fishing access, youth fishing engagement and education, clean water initiatives, scientific research and fish tagging. Some donations are project-based, while others support our partners' overall missions.
How Are Donations Accounted For?
Our 10% Pledge model ensures that the more successful our business is, the larger our contributions. AFTCO’s annual donation goal is at least 10% of total company profits, as represented on financial statements. Over the years, AFTCO has contributed millions of dollars toward conservation efforts. In 2024, the Peggie Shedd Marine Trust made a $50,000 donation on behalf of AFTCO and the Shedd family.
Beyond Monetary Donations: Product and Employee Time
AFTCO also supports causes through product donations and volunteer time. In 2024, we contributed an estimated $450,000 in products to our partners, disaster relief efforts, and charities. Additionally, AFTCO staff dedicated significant time to initiatives such as fish hatcheries, CCA events, and cleanup projects. Notably, AFTCO Chairman Bill Shedd has volunteered over 400 hours annually on conservation and fishing access issues for over 40 years. AFTCO staff is encouraged to use company time to volunteer with AFTCO’s 10% pledge partners.
