Over the past two decades, AFTCO has donated more than $9 million to fisheries conservation through its 10% Pledge, a company-wide commitment to give at least 10% of annual profits to conservation and sustainability initiatives. From 2005 through 2025, those contributions have supported fisheries science, habitat restoration, policy advocacy, and angler access projects across the country.
In 2025 alone, AFTCO donated more than $600,000, continuing a conservation effort that dates back to the early 1970s and spans three generations of family ownership.
A Longstanding Commitment
AFTCO’s conservation roots trace back to founder Milt Shedd, who believed that companies benefiting from the ocean should play a role in protecting marine resources. That philosophy was later formalized as the 10% Pledge and embedded into the company’s operating model.
Today, AFTCO remains family-owned and operated, and the company says its conservation funding is directly tied to angler support of the brand.
Where the Funding Goes
AFTCO’s conservation contributions span a range of organizations and initiatives, including:
- $635,000+ to the Coastal Conservation Association and its habitat arm, the Building Conservation Trust
- $407,395 to the Center for Sportfishing Policy, supporting fisheries management and access issues since 2010
- $219,000 to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA)
- $165,000 supporting grassroots Bass Nation club conservation projects
- $100,000 to Captains For Clean Water, focused on science-based water management solutions
While some initiatives are region-specific, several of these organizations, including the Coastal Conservation Association and the Center for Sportfishing Policy, are active on fisheries management, habitat, and access issues affecting Northeast saltwater anglers, from striped bass management discussions to coastal access and habitat work.
Long-Term Science and Volunteer Support
AFTCO’s longest-standing conservation partner is Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, founded by Milt Shedd in 1963. AFTCO and the Shedd family have contributed more than $2 million to support Hubbs, including the White Seabass Hatchery Program, which has released millions of juvenile white seabass into Southern California waters.
Beyond financial contributions, AFTCO reports tens of thousands of volunteer hours and significant product donations. The company says employees are encouraged to volunteer with partner organizations, and AFTCO Chairman Bill Shedd has volunteered more than 400 hours annually for over 40 years on conservation and fishing access issues.
According to AFTCO, the focus of the 10% Pledge remains on long-term partnerships and behind-the-scenes conservation work that supports sustainable fisheries over decades rather than short-term initiatives. The company says that approach will continue as new partnerships emerge, with funding tied to ongoing angler support of AFTCO and its products.
Source: AFTCO press release (January 8, 2026)