Shareholders' Alliance in the News

"You need to be a good steward of the fishery. The healthier the fish stocks are, the more fish I'll be able to catch. As a commercial fisherman, my livelihood depends on the stock. If the stock is in bad shape, I start losing access to what I can catch." Bubba Cochrane, President

In this episode of the National Working Waterfront Podcast, host Ashley Bennis delves into the significance of sustainable seafood, a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, facing stiff competition globally. With October being designated as Seafood Month, the episode aims to bring you up to speed on how the U.S. is advocating for sustainable fisheries. Special guests Ashford Rosenberg, from the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders Alliance, and David Aparicio, a Texas Oyster Farmer and Shrimp Fisher, join us to unpack NOAA Fisheries' groundbreaking 2023 National Seafood Strategy. Discover actionable insights on how you can directly contribute to strengthening local seafood industries. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of U.S. seafood, from policy to plate. 

"It is imperative the Gulf Council return to fair, balanced, and impartial representation that prioritizes science-based management and conservation. Diverse perspectives and expertise are essential in promoting effective resource management and decision making."

By appointing Captain Ed Walker to the Gulf Council, the Administration has taken a small first step in bringing someone to the table that makes a living on the water. However, this still leaves the Gulf Council with only one seat out of seventeen with full-time experience in federally managed commercial fisheries.

June 27, 2023

"Successful management of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico is best achieved by a management body whose membership – and decisions – balance the diversity of stakeholders who rely on the Gulf’s fisheries. Instead, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council’s seats and decision-making are dominated by private anglers and their supporters. "  - Hugh Cipparone, Policy Fellow

June 15, 2023

"I’m worried about the future of fishing in the Gulf. A big part of my concern can be tied to the lack of balanced representation on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council."  - Rachal Hisler, commercial fishing owner/operator. Chambers County, TX

June 7, 2023

Deputy Director, Eric Brazer, was a guest on "Waterside Chats" with the Marine Fish Conservation Network. He discussed the work the Shareholders' Alliance is doing in the Gulf of Mexico to promote conservation and the livelihoods of commercial fishermen. 

May 5, 2023

 “We’re grateful that these funds will be available to support the next generation of hard working commercial fishermen. The future of American seafood is in good hands.”  - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director

December 30, 2022

Establishing and building on shared principles like sustainable domestic seafood; robust food security systems; durable working waterfronts; and the humanizing belief that we are more alike than different; this workgroup engaged energetically in a very constructive, truthful, and heartening conversation that set the stage for future collaboration.  

December 16, 2022

"...serial overharvesting happened as the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) failed to develop and approve a viable solution in a timely manner and ignored the advice from NOAA Fisheries’ general counsel that a lack of ‘common currency’ was a violation of MSA,” - Eric Brazer, Deputy Director

December 6, 2022

The Gulf Coast Seafood Alliance (GCSA) supports the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholders' Alliance, Southern Offshore Fishing Association, and A.P. Bell Fish Company, who filed the suit, in their continuing efforts to challenge an unfair and unlawful decision by NOAA.

October 26, 2022

"It’s clear that we need some creative thinking. The current tools in the management toolbox aren’t working." - Jane Black Lee

October 24, 2022