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 the $9+ Million donated through our 10% Pledge here.
In 2025, we donated over $600,000 to support various conservation efforts.
Good News for White Seabass Anglers
Plus The Advancement of Proper Marine Aquaculture in the U.S.
HRI’s Shark Researcher Tool
AFTCO partnered with CCA and HRI to help launch HRI’s Fin Finder, an interactive map that focuses on apex shark tracking and research, using science to make sharks personal, exciting, and accessible, focusing on youth engagement.
Construction Underway on NCWRC Aquatic Plant Propagation Greenhouse
This new facility will produce targeted aquatic vegetation to improve bass habitat in North Carolina waters, with the potential to increase the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s vegetation production by 400–500%.
Over the last four years, AFTCO has donated $100,000 to this effort.
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute
Our Partners In Conservation
More About the 10% Pledge
How Does AFTCO Determine 10% Pledge Partners & Projects?
AFTCO’s conservation support focuses on areas that directly protect fisheries, water quality, and the future of fishing. These focus areas include fishing conservation advocacy, saltwater and freshwater habitat, fish hatcheries, protection of public fishing access, youth fishing engagement and education, clean water initiatives, scientific research, and fish tagging. Some donations are project-based, while others support the overall mission of our partners. Organizations classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits are prioritized in our selection process, although an organization or project is not required to be a 501(c)(3) to qualify for support.
How Are 10% Pledge Donations Accounted For?
AFTCO’s 10% Pledge is an annual, company-wide model designed to ensure that conservation contributions grow alongside the business. The annual donation goal is for combined contributions to equal or exceed at least 10% of company profits. Company profits are calculated internally using standard business accounting practices, with accurate nonpublic recordkeeping dating to 2005. Donations are calculated on a total company basis and are not separated by individual brand or division.
Qualifying donations consist of cash contributions made by AFTCO and the Shedd family, including contributions made through the Peggie Shedd Marine Trust, directly to approved 10% Pledge partners or toward designated conservation projects. These family-funded contributions are philanthropic in nature and support conservation initiatives aligned with AFTCO’s long-standing mission. As a privately held company, AFTCO does not publicly disclose financial records or internal accounting details. The 10% Pledge is calculated annually based on company performance and is not tied to individual product purchases or transactions.
$9+ Million Contributed Since 2005
From 2005 to 2025, AFTCO and the Shedd family have contributed $9,050,854 to conservation through the AFTCO 10% Pledge. Of these funds, approximately $1.69 million came from the Peggie Shedd Marine Trust, with the remainder contributed directly by AFTCO. Totals are based on internal records. These figures do not include tens of thousands of volunteer hours or millions of dollars in donated product.
What Is Not Included In The 10% Pledge Totals?
Product donations and employee volunteer time are not included in AFTCO’s 10% Pledge contribution totals or reporting. Beyond the 10% Pledge, AFTCO also supports conservation and fishing-related causes through donated product and volunteer efforts. These contributions are made in addition to, and not counted toward, the 10% Pledge.
In Addition to the Pledge: Donated Time and Leadership Involvement
AFTCO leadership and staff donate significant time to conservation, fishing access, and sustainability efforts that support the broader sportfishing community. AFTCO Chairman Bill Shedd has volunteered more than 400 hours annually for over 40 years, serving on boards and supporting organizations focused on fisheries science, access, habitat, and responsible fisheries management.
AFTCO staff also support these efforts through research, planning, and participation with conservation and fishing organizations. While precise staff volunteer hours have not historically been tracked, AFTCO is working to develop an internal method to better capture this information moving forward. AFTCO’s President, Casey Shedd, also remains highly involved in conservation initiatives, volunteering his time to serve on boards, committees, and projects that align with AFTCO’s 10% pledge efforts.
