The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is expanding its membership into the fishing industry. From line and reel manufacturers to apparel companies, seven fishing brands have joined TCA, including Abel, Airflo, Emerger Strategies, Dyna King, Rare Waters, Ross Reels, and Simms.

The non-profit that bills itself as “a coalition of like-minded businesses working to protect North America’s wild places and outdoor spaces” reported that these new member companies from the fishing side of the outdoor space “join an existing membership of nearly 300 companies from a range of industries supporting the organization’s established grant-making efforts and corporate advocacy to protect land and water in North America.”

“This represents an exciting moment for the growth and expansion of our membership at The Conservation Alliance,” said Conor McElyea, senior director of membership. “Fishing ranks second when it comes to annual outdoor participation, and having this group of reputable fly fishing brands join our membership is a key moment to improve representation from a segment that has long been absent from our membership“.

TCA also reported that its model has “proven to be an effective approach to conserve land and water over its 35-year history, and it has helped protect over 4,500 river miles, remove 38 dams and protect over 80 million acres of public and private lands.”

“As a founding member of TCA, Patagonia is stoked to see more companies from the fly fishing industry sign on as members of The Conservation Alliance. Our industry has been deeply rooted in conservation, but the effort has historically been brand by brand endeavor,” said Dexter LevandoskiI, North American fly fishing sales manager, Patagonia. “In solidifying these partnerships through membership with TCA, our industry has power in numbers and can make real change.”

TCA said the angling community has always been invested in conservation, emphasizing that “healthy waterways are not only critical to business but are critical to their way of life.” In joining forces with TCA, the organization believes these companies will have an outsized impact in conserving these “special outdoor spaces that millions of anglers across North America depend on for their sport.”

“The angling community is large and diverse. Despite differences in tackle preference, target species, and geography, we share a common desire to protect the resources that enable our pursuit. We are excited to join this broad and committed coalition of industry partners and look forward to the impacts we can have together,” said Ben Christensen, head of Simms.

While TCA and its new members have shared conservation values for decades, this new partnership will open a realm of opportunity. As TCA continues to expand its program work, collaborating with the fly-fishing community will support additional efforts to protect North America’s waterways.”

“In the same way AFFTA looks to bridge between economy and ecology in the fly fishing industry, we are excited to see The Conservation Alliance acting as a bridge between the greater outdoor industry and fly fishing. We speak the same language when we are outside in our natural places. It is time we speak up together for those places,” said Lucas Bissett, executive director of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.

“From Bristol Bay to the Boundary Waters, TCA has invested in fish and wildlife habitat conservation for decades, and now we are formalizing our partnerships with industry leaders who depend the most on conservation in order for their businesses to thrive. We look forward to developing cutting edge strategies with our new corporate partners that expand on our work in this space and increase our impact. Healthy waters, intact habitats, and guaranteed access for folks who hunt and fish is something we are deeply committed to at TCA,” said Shoren Brown, VP of public affairs at The Conservation Alliance.

For more information about TCA and its efforts to protect wild places and outdoor spaces, go here.