2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit highlights collaboration, communication and aquatic plant management
Category: Bass Tournament
Jul 22nd, 2026 by sworrall
Modified Jul 22nd, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Conservation leaders from across the country gathered in Knoxville, Tenn., March 14-15 for the 2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit which was held in conjunction with the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Photo by Gene Gilliland/B.A.S.S.
July 22, 2026
2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit highlights collaboration, communication and aquatic plant management
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — More than 100 conservation leaders, fisheries biologists and agency administrators representing 34 states gathered March 14-15 in Knoxville, Tenn., for the 2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit, held in conjunction with the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
Hosted biennially by B.A.S.S., the Summit brought together Conservation Directors from 30 B.A.S.S. Nation chapters and fisheries professionals to strengthen partnerships, exchange best practices and address issues critical to the future of bass fisheries and recreational fishing.
“This Summit provides a platform for sharing information and building relationships that benefit both our fisheries and the anglers who enjoy them,” said Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. National Conservation Director.
Presentations focused on two key themes: improving conservation outreach through social media and addressing the challenges of aquatic plant management. Experts from state and federal agencies, industry and media shared strategies for using podcasts, digital platforms and influencer partnerships to communicate science-based conservation messages, engage anglers and encourage advocacy for fisheries resources.
A second series of presentations examined aquatic vegetation management, highlighting the balance between controlling invasive species and preserving valuable fish habitat. Speakers discussed management approaches, regulatory challenges and case studies from across the country, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among agencies, conservation groups and stakeholders.
B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to conservation, calling the Summit “a testament to our dedication to ensuring the future of bass fishing for generations to come.”
During the Summit Awards Banquet, sponsored by AFTCO, Georgia’s Tony Beck and Florida’s Jayson Hooven were recognized as 2026 B.A.S.S. Conservation Directors of the Year for their outstanding service and leadership.
A complete summary of the Summit can be found on Bassmaster.com/conservation-
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Turtlebox Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Battery Tender, Nitro Boats Bassmaster Elite Qualifiers Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mercury B.A.S.S. Nation Qualifier Series presented by Lowrance, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Strike King Bassmaster High School Series, Tackle Warehouse Bassmaster Junior Series, TNT Fireworks Bassmaster Team Championship, Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series presented by Native Watercraft, Bassmaster College Kayak Series, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour.
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