AFTCO’S Bill Shedd Presented OWAC’S Highest Conservation Award
OutdoorHub 05.19.14
Bill Shedd, president of the American Fishing Tackle Co. (AFTCO) and the latest in the family line to support conservation projects, was voted Californian of the Year by the state’s Outdoor Writers Association, one of the highest awards given by the group of over 200 of the top active members of California’s media.
Shedd was cited for exemplifying “the spirit of the outdoors through contributions above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the Outdoor Writers Association of California (OWAC).
He is the son of Milton Shedd, founder of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and SeaWorld San Diego. Under his direction, “AFTCO has made approximately $500,000 in financial contributions in both 2012 and 2013 for research and conservation efforts,” noted the OWAC citation.
Shedd is a co-founder of United Anglers of Southern California, California’s largest sportfishing organization, leading efforts to develop the white seabass grow-out facilities and the involvement in the white seabass hatchery program. He started the AFTCO TAG FLAG program in both the Atlantic and Pacific, which for 15 years has helped to increase awareness of and participation in tag and release.
In addition, he volunteers over 500 hours a year on marine resource and recreational fishing industry issues and is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hubbs/SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI). Shedd is a member of the International Game Fish Association’s Board of Trustees, serves as Chairman of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame Nominating Committee and is Co-Chairman of the IGFA Fishery Conservation Committee.
Shedd has served seven years on the Board of Directors of the American Fishing Tackle Association (ASA) and he currently serves as Chairman of the ASA Government Affairs Committee. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for Coastal Conservation (CCC), the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF), and the California Artificial Reef Enhancement program (CARE).
OWAC President, Bob Semerau stated that “Bill Shedd has devoted himself tirelessly to causes benefitting recreational fishing in California and beyond and he continues to dedicate his support to the sportfishing world he loves. Congratulations to Shedd for achieving a superior status as an outdoorsman and a humanitarian and earning a place in history as the 2013 OWAC Californian of the Year.”
