The Importance of Membership

Times are changing

The fishing industry has convinced regulators to replace old-style derbies with IFQs for red snapper, and grouper will start-up in January. For the first time, we are moving to management that allows us to be real stewards of fisheries and run successful businesses. But, there is still a lot of work to fix our fisheries and protect our interests. The Alliance works with regulators, elected officials, and environmentalists to help commercial IFQ fisheries become an economic and conservation success, and to fend off ever-present threats to progress.

What Membership Does

• Expand commercial IFQs to include vermilion snapper, amberjack, grey triggerfish, yellowtail snapper and king mackerel.
• We have already convinced the Gulf Council to establish a control date and are working with members toward agreement on an IFQ design.
• Explore opportunities with national environmental groups to develop an eco-friendly designation for IFQ fish caught by our members to help us reach new and specialized markets.
• Head-off problems.
  • Develop a methodology for allocating (and reallocating) fish between the commercial and sport fisheries. We are already working with the Gulf Council to maintain the commercial share of the catch, and realize the negative impacts caused by reallocation away from well-managed IFQ fisheries to the poorly managed recreational sector.
  • Press for real and fast improvements to recreational management, and ensure that the commercial quota does not get cut when sport fishermen exceed their share.
  • Commercial fishermen are solving their overcapacity and overfishing problems with IFQs.
  • Recreational fisheries today face the same problems (even though many don’t recognize it) and need a management overhaul to achieve conservation and accountability.

Member Support

We sincerely thank those who became early members of the Alliance to help unify commercial fishermen to enhance and protect our industry. With your help, we have a first-year operational budget, members from all Gulf states representing about 45% of the red snapper quota, and a full time executive director to represent Alliance interests. We need your continued support, and many new members, to build and keep the momentum going. A small investment will help protect your business and improve the livelihoods of Gulf fishermen.

The time is NOW for our voices to be heard. Please join the Alliance today.

Membership Registration & Dues

To become a part of a leading organization supporting Commercial IFQ Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, please follow the below instructions:

$5,000- Sustainable Fishery Sponsor- For businesses, associations, foundations and others supporting the Shareholders' Alliance activities working for sustainable fisheries.

$2,000- Sustainable Fishery Steward. For full-time commercial fishing men and women within the IFQ fishery-voting membership.

$1,000- Fishery Steward- For full-time commercial fishing men and women within the IFQ fishery- non-voting membership.

$250- Associate Fishery Steward- Non-IFQ fishermen and women.

$25- Fishery Associate- fishermen and women, part-time fishermen who support sustainable fisheries.

Join now with secure online payment!

Sustainable Fishery Sponsor $5,000.00 Sustainability Steward $2,000.00 Fishery Steward $1,000.00 Associate Fishery Steward $250.00 Fishery Follower $25.00

Our online payment is safe and secure, utilizing the very popular PayPal Payment Service. If you do not have a PayPal account, simply locate the Credit Card images on the left side of the next payment screen (after selecting your category above and clicking "Pay Now") and click "continue" to enter your credit card or bank information safely and securely.

If you prefer, checks should be sent to: 

GMSA c/o Steve Matijevich
4415 Avenue S
Galveston, TX 77552

Wires should be sent to:
P.O. Box 3909
Galveston, TX 77552
ABA Route #113100570
Account # 82295
Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance

(Membership and t-shirt orders will be available via the website soon)


If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact:

Alliance Executive Director, Tj Tate at 904-669-8894 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or Treasurer, Buddy Guindon at 409-771-1447.