GCCA intervenes in federal lawsuit to aid in the defense of Louisiana s gill-net law. The 2nd Annual GCCA S.T.A.R. kicks off Memorial Day weekend and runs through Labor Day. The goal of 4,000 S.T.A.R. entrants is reached, and anglers compete for 101 days. Over $300,000 in prizes is offered to contestants. GCCA board adopts plan for launching CoastWatchers, a program designed to help the hard-working agents of the Enforcement Division by being additional eyes and ears on the water. The program will be in full operation by spring 1997. GCCA continues as the largest supporter of Operation Game Thief. All CCA states announce intentions to change their states names by January 1, 1997. CCA of New York becomes the Coastal Conservation Association's fourteenth state chapter.


In 1997...

"We've changed our name to protect the innocent," becomes the catch phrase for the name change. GCCA of Louisiana officially becomes CCA Louisiana. Louisiana successfully defends legislative attempts to reverse significant conservation gains such as the 1995 law restricting gill nets and gamefish status for redfish. The family of the late Bubba Sealy joins CCA to endow a unique scholarship at Louisiana State University (LSU) dedicated to studies of Louisiana's recreational finfish populations. The late Mr. Sealy was a life-long conservationist served on CCA Louisiana's board of directors. The scholarship is officially known as the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana/J. Pollard Sealy, Jr. Family Memorial Scholarship. Intervention by CCA Louisiana supporting the gill-net law in federal and state lawsuits ensures continued enforcement of this critical law for responsible stewardship of our state's resources. Participation in Operation BeachSweep by CCA Louisiana reaches an all-time high. Louisiana's best-known outdoorsman, Governor Mike Foster, is honored as CCA Louisiana's "Conservationist of the Year" for his lifetime commitment to responsible use of our state's renewable resources. CCA Louisiana's 3rd Annual S.T.A.R. runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. $400,000 in prizes offered to contestants ensures that over 5,000 fisherman participate in the 101-days event. Preparations for CCA Louisiana's 15th Anniversary are launched.


In 1998...

"15 Years & Still Reelin'" marks the rallying cry for CCA Louisiana's 15th Anniversary. Over 15,000 conservationists statewide celebrate the milestone. CCA Louisiana continues its defense of Louisiana's gill-net law in both state and federal courts. The Coastwatchers Program grows as CCA Louisiana recruits more volunteers. CCA Louisiana's participation with Operation Game Thief and Operation BeachSweep intensify. The 4th Annual CCA Louisiana's S.T.A.R. attracts 7,500 entrants fishing from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. $500,000 in prizes is offered to those fishing the 108-day event. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary J. H. Jenkins, Jr. is awarded CCA Louisiana's "Conservationist of the Year" for his commitment to marine conservation. CCA of New Hampshire becomes the Coastal Conservation Association's fifteenth state chapter.


In 1999...

CCA Louisiana's Tagging Program approaches two milestones: 100,000 fish tagged and 1,500 registered anglers. Newspaper publisher B. I. Moody, III receives CCA Louisiana's "Conservationist of the Year" for spreading the good news of good stewardship in his 33 newspapers statewide. CCA Louisiana's intervention ensures that both state and federal courts finally rule in favor of Louisiana's gill-net law. CCA Louisiana successfully defends legislative assaults on significant conservation gains, including the laws restricting gill nets and gamefish status for redfish. The 1999 CCA S.T.A.R. Tournament concludes with nearly 10,000 anglers competing for 101 days for the $500,000 prize offering.


What began as the concern of 14 conservationists talking in a sporting goods store has grown into a groundswell of support of 75,000 CCA members nationwide for far-sighted, responsible management of our fishery resources. Many goals have been met. Many issues remain. But it is up to the members of tomorrow to maintain the standard of excellence of the Coastal Conservation Association.