Who We Are
F.I.S.H.F.I.S.H. is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting our waters, preserving fish habitats, and promoting responsible, conservation-minded angling for future generations. Our mission is simple: protect the resource while celebrating the sport.
We bring together anglers, coastal communities, environmental partners, and outdoor organizations to strengthen stewardship of our fisheries and marine environments. Through education, hands-on conservation efforts, and responsible tournament practices, F.I.S.H. empowers anglers to become leaders in habitat protection and ethical recreation.
As the host of major competitive events including the USA Saltwater Angling California Qualifier and the USAngling 2026 Nationals Championships, F.I.S.H. blends world-class tournament experiences with a commitment to sustainability. Our programs highlight the importance of habitat health, ethical catch-video-release practices, and community engagement, ensuring that the growth of the sport directly supports the long-term vitality of our coastal ecosystems.
F.I.S.H. advances ethical angling, habitat stewardship, and community engagement by delivering conservation-driven fishing programs, education, and competitive events that protect aquatic ecosystems and inspire responsible recreation across San Diego and beyond.
What We Stand For
Habitat Conservation
Protecting and restoring the marine environments that sustain our fisheries.
Responsible Angling
Promoting ethical, sustainable fishing practices through education and example.
Community Engagement
Uniting anglers, families, and local partners around stewardship and outdoor recreation.
Excellence in Competition
Hosting high-quality tournaments that elevate conservation-minded angling at the state and national level.
Our Story
F.I.S.H. was born from a simple but powerful idea: the sport we love can only thrive if the waters we depend on thrive too.
For years, competitive anglers, conservation-minded fishermen, and community leaders across San Diego saw the same challenge. Our coastal habitats were under pressure, and there was no unified organization dedicated to connecting ethical angling with hands-on stewardship. Recreational fishing was growing, but the infrastructure to educate, protect, and sustain our marine environments was not keeping pace.
Recognizing this gap, Josephine Pemberton brought together a small group of anglers, conservation advocates, and community partners to create something new: a nonprofit that would elevate responsible fishing, protect habitat, and build a culture of stewardship from the ground up. That vision became the Fishing Initiative for Stewardship & Habitat.
What began as a grassroots effort quickly evolved into a regional movement. F.I.S.H. established conservation-driven programs, youth and community outreach, and tournament operations built on ethical catch-video-release practices. As momentum grew, so did the organization's role, eventually partnering with USAngling to bring national-level competitive kayak fishing to San Diego.
Today, F.I.S.H. stands as a leader in conservation-minded angling, uniting fishermen, families, businesses, and environmental partners around a shared mission: protect the resource, elevate the sport, and inspire the next generation of stewards.
Get Involved
5 Ways to HelpF.I.S.H. is a community-powered organization, and every angler, family, and partner plays a role in protecting our waters. Whether you want to volunteer, support conservation, or simply be part of a growing movement, there is a place for you here.
Volunteer Your Time
Join us for shoreline cleanups, habitat projects, youth education, and tournament operations. Your time directly strengthens conservation and helps us deliver safe, ethical, community-focused events.
Support as a Sponsor
Our sponsors make it possible to expand conservation programs, host high-quality tournaments, and reach more anglers across San Diego. Sponsorship opportunities are available for events, divisions, outreach programs, and habitat initiatives.
Make a Donation
Your contribution fuels stewardship. Donations help fund conservation supplies, educational materials, youth engagement, and the infrastructure needed to run responsible, conservation-driven events.
Participate in Events
Fish our tournaments, attend workshops, or join community days. Every event is built around ethical angling, education, and stewardship, whether you are a seasoned competitor or brand new to the sport.
Partner With Us
We collaborate with conservation groups, schools, fishing clubs, local businesses, and outdoor organizations. If your mission aligns with protecting habitats and promoting responsible recreation, we would love to work together.
Ready to make an impact? Reach out to learn more about volunteering, sponsorship, or partnerships with F.I.S.H.
Contact Us