CFF Brings Coastal Massachusetts to the World’s Largest Fisheries Forum
11th World Recreational Fisheries Conference in South Africa
March 5, 2026
CFF researchers Tasha O’Hara and Luisa Garcia attended the 11th World Recreational Fisheries Conference in South Africa last week, where they shared their research on coastal fishing reliance and community resilience in Massachusetts. As the preeminent and largest international recreational fisheries conference, this event brings together fisheries experts, researchers, practitioners, and anglers from around the globe.
Tasha presented their talk on fishing reliance across diverse coastal Massachusetts communities, highlighting the critical importance of fishing for “invisible” vulnerable populations, particularly immigrant and senior communities whose dependence on local fisheries is largely unrecognized. The team also presented a poster featuring results from their 2024–2025 study examining fishing motivations and levels of reliance.
Led by CFF researchers Tasha O’Hara, Natalie Jennings, and Luisa Garcia, this research illustrates the profound importance of coastal fishing at both individual and community levels. Their findings show that fishing reliance extends far beyond meeting nutritional needs, playing significant sociocultural and health-related roles. This work contributes valuable insights to support more equitable, community-centered fisheries management approaches.