An Open Letter to My Fellow Americans 
By Captain Mark Noble 
Founder, GoFishUSA.com — The Genesis 1:26 Project 

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The Genesis 1:26 Project, Game Fish Inc. (501c3)

St. Simons Island, Georgia

August 20, 2025

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Subject: Proposal for Game Fish Status in America’s Saltwater Fisheries

I am writing as the founder of Genesis 1:26 Project, Game Fish Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on fisheries restoration through stewardship. Our public education and outreach platform, GoFishUSA.com, communicates this mission to citizens nationwide.

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Focus of the Proposal

This letter concerns resident ground-fish populations in coastal and offshore federal waters, not pelagic species that migrate across open seas. The objective is to underscore the importance of managing and protecting these local fish stocks, which are significant to communities and natural resources.

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For over a century, the United States has recognized wild resources as belonging to the public. Game laws on land and protections for freshwater game fish have helped rebuild wildlife and fish populations. However, comparable principles have not been consistently applied to saltwater resources.

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In the 1970s, long-term effects of shrimp trawling and commercial bottom fishing were not fully understood, and aquaculture was undeveloped, leaving few alternatives for markets. Today, farm-raised shrimp and fish supply much of the demand nationally and internationally. This context provides a timely opportunity to adjust management practices with respect to wild populations. To date, there has not been an allocation of wild resources exclusively for commercial purposes outside of saltwater fisheries.

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The Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 introduced commercial allocations in federal saltwater fisheries, marking a change from previous conservation practice. Before that Act, policy generally treated wild fish and game as public resources rather than commodities.

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A National Covenant Already in Place

All 50 states have enacted laws designating game fish and game animal status. Although not yet established federally, these statutes collectively represent a consistent approach to wildlife management throughout the country.

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This definition, embedded in state law, forms the basis of modern hunting and fishing legislation and has contributed to successful wildlife restoration and recreational access. Extending such designation to saltwater species is anticipated to support conservation efforts and provide economic benefits.

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Potential positive impacts include strengthening segments of the coastal economy—such as boat builders, tackle shops, marinas, guides, hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals. Increased recreational activity may benefit local businesses and communities.

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The decision before us involves extending existing state-level protections to saltwater fisheries. Applying established conservation measures would continue wildlife management practices proven effective elsewhere.

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This proposal seeks to align conservation policies with economic and public resource management goals. Extending Game Fish Status to saltwater species is expected to contribute to restored fisheries and broader community benefits.

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Thank you for your consideration.

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Respectfully submitted,

Captain Mark Noble

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Founder, The Genesis 1:26 Project, Game Fish Inc. (501c3)
Outreach: GoFishUSA.com

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With respect and resolve, 
Captain Mark Noble 
St. Simons Island, Georgia 
GoFishUSA.com | The Genesis 1:26 Project 

 

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