GCCA attains gamefish status for redfish through 1991. Federal Management Plan for billfish signed by Secretary of Commerce, marking the first time federal authorities have declared a gamefish in federal waters. Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council recommends to National Marine Fishery Service that a new three-fish bag limit be imposed on red snapper for recreational fishermen.


In 1989...

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council adopts final proposal for the Reef Plan. The Plan includes bag limit of seven red snapper per day over 13"; bag limit of five grouper per day, Jewfish have a 50" size limit and black sea bass have a size limit of 8"; and amberjack limited to three fish per day with a 28" limit. CCA intervenes in lawsuit filed to challenge the Federal Management Plan for billfish. ACCA of North Carolina and ACCA of Virginia organize as the eighth and ninth CCA states, respectively.


In 1990...

U.S. District Court turns down a challenge by commercial interest to CCA-supported Atlantic Billfish Plan. Exxon approves grant to produce a video to be used in conjunction with the New Tide Program. South Atlantic Fishery Management Council bans drift nets in action supported by sister CCA state organization FCA, the Florida Conservation Association and all conservationists. CCA s New Tide Program membership surges.


In 1991...

GCCA institutes biologically recommended permanent gamefish status for redfish. GCCA establishes Commission management for speckled trout based on science and legislated policy standards. GCCA wins the White Egret Award for organizing the first and largest barrier island cleanup effort in the U.S. during Coastal Cleanup 1987 and 1988. GCCA donates enforcement equipment to both the La. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A New Tide, a video about coastal estuaries (funded by Exxon) is completed and distributed to all CCA state chapters. The video is used in conjunction with the New Tide program. GCCA tags and releases over 5,000 small marine fish. GCCA institutes an aggressive education and national advocacy program to address coastal erosion problems and solutions. GCCA passes an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution (Proposition 2) to guarantee the funding necessary to preserve the valuable wetlands of the Sportsman s Paradise. CCA's Tide magazine named top outdoor magazine. CCA forms its Legal Defense Fund in order to accumulate funds to underwrite the increasing challenges against states rights to establish fishery management regulations.


In 1992...

GCCA retains continued gamefish status for redfish. GCCA continues work with the Engineer Corps, other federal and state agencies, and private organizations in dealing with marine estuary and habitat issues. CCA assists with an appeal of a decision by a Miami federal district judge who ruled that Florida s landing laws for Spanish mackerel were unconstitutional. GCCA defeats legislation to abolish the La. Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and to allow for the sale of various gamefish. GCCA continues monitoring and maintenance of marine fishery conservation and management measures and law enforcement. GCCA increases involvement with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure that appropriate and timely science is generated for wise marine fishery conservation and management.


In 1993...

GCCA continues to further finfish preservation and coastal management ideals. GCCA fights back efforts to remove minimum size limit on speckled trout and to repeal gamefish status for redfish. GCCA begins planning stages for Louisiana s first statewide, summer-long fishing tournament. Maine organizes as CCA's tenth state; its name is NECCA, the New England Coast Conservation Association.


In 1994...

GCCA board adopts plan for the Louisiana S.T.A.R.: GCCA's Statewide Tournament and Anglers Rodeo. The tournament will be a major membership recruitment tool for the Association, will offer tremendous prizes and will be zero-budgeted to the operations of the GCCA. GCCA champions efforts to retain continued gamefish status for redfish. NECCA of Massachusetts becomes CCA's eleventh sister state.


In 1995...

GCCA successfully leads effort to protect marine fishery resources from most indiscriminate entanglement nets through the Louisiana Marine Resources Conservation Act of 1995. The American Sportsfishing Association names GCCA the Outstanding Grassroots Organization in America. GCCA intervenes in state lawsuit to assist in the defense of the new gill-net law. The inaugural GCCA S.T.A.R. (Statewide Tournament and Anglers Rodeo) commences signing up over 2,000 entrants. More than $300,000 in prizes are offered to participants who compete for 101 days from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day fishing from every corner of the Sportsman s Paradise. GCCA's Tagging Program approaches two milestones: 50,000 fish tagged and 1,250 registered anglers. NECCA of Maryland and of Connecticut join CCA as her twelfth and thirteenth states, respectively. GCCA successfully spearheads effort to defeat Constitutional Amendment #8 which would have allowed piece-meal local laws regulating fish and wildlife. GCCA board votes unanimously to endorse a name change from GCCA of Louisiana to CCA Louisiana, thereby bringing uniformity to all sister states of the Coastal Conservation Association. CCA board votes to phase-in the nationwide name change before 2000.