Shareholders' Alliance in the News

“I missed birthdays, baseball games – all the firsts for my kids growing up. ... But now I don't have to do that anymore," he added. "I can go fish whenever I feel like it, and I'm fishing in a fishery that's rebuilt – so it's fun to go fish.”  - Buddy Guindon, Executive Director

November 7, 2025

 Initially signed into law in 2021, the Young Fishermen’s Development Act has provided competitive federal grants for training a new generation of workers to join the commercial fishing industry. The USD 2 million (EUR 1.7 million) in annual grant funding can be used to fund mentorship programs, workforce training, and education initiatives. The program has been widely supported by commercial fishing groups. 

October 22, 2025

“The Young Fishermen’s Development Act shows what’s possible when commercial fishermen and Congress work together to secure the future of our industry. By investing in workforce development, this program strengthens fishing businesses, coastal communities, and the seafood supply chain that provides healthy protein to Americans nationwide.  We’re grateful to Senator Wicker, his colleagues from Alaska and Massachusetts, and Commerce Committee Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for recognizing the importance of this effort and helping ensure the next generation of fishermen can carry this tradition forward.” - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director

October 21, 2025

"I suppose others would say that my fishing is very noteworthy and I’ve done a few things along the way to help fisheries get better, like helping local fishermen, supporting the reef fish fishery, and I helped start the Gulf Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance." - Buddy Guindon, Executive Director

October 20, 2025. 

“The Young Fishermen’s Development Act is a great example of commercial fishermen and Congress coming together to protect the future of our commercial fisheries, fishing businesses, and seafood supply chain, ” - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director 

September 17, 2025

“Real change doesn’t come from a single meeting or handshake. It comes from building relationships, showing up consistently, and making our voices heard...” - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director 

July 21, 2025

"Florida has long held one of the Gulf Council’s “at-large” seats - a position not tied to any one state, but one Florida has used for decades to represent both commercial and recreational sectors. This year, that seat is up for grabs, and Louisiana is trying to take it."

June 20, 2025

 “The fleet’s getting older, and it’s getting harder to bring new folks into the industry. But we believe there’s a future here worth fighting for... it’s about building a future where this way of life can grow stronger, and where the next generation has a real shot at success." - Ashford Rosenberg, Director of Regional Policy and Special Projects

May 22, 2025

“Bad data, or no data, or gaps in the data, means disruption for commercial fishermen down the road.” - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director  

May 22, 2025

“The devil is in the details, and that’s why it’s really important to have a funded and functioning NOAA and regional fishery management council system in place to implement the president’s vision.” - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director  

May 15, 2025

"I'm a fishing-boat captain in Galveston. Cuts to NOAA put the U.S. fishing industry at risk." - Scott Hickman, commercial and charter fisherman

April 30, 2025