Southeastern FisheriesAssociation, Inc. |
Click Here for Latest Updates on Hurricane Milton from NOAA
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Investment in Marine Infrastructure to Support Recovery Through the Florida Disaster Fund
FWC Hurricane Relief Surveys:
For-hire Charter Survey
Commercial Wholesale Dealer Survey
Bait & Tackle Business Survey
Blue Crab, Stone Crab, Lobster Trap Fisher Survey
Updates
As part of the Rebuilding Florida Fisheries Program, we are reaching out to encourage you to complete the attached application for disaster relief funding. This program is designed to support businesses and individuals impacted by the 2024 hurricane season.
To be considered for assistance, please fill out the application in its entirety and return it to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management no later than November 30th, 2024.
The application is for those in the following sectors:
· Commercial Fishermen
· Commercial Fishery Wholesalers
· Bait and Tackle Businesses
· For-Hire Charters
· Aquaculture Farmers
The deadline for submission is firm, and we strongly encourage you to complete the application as soon as possible to ensure timely processing of your request for assistance.
Sign and date this application and return it to the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Attn: Hurricane Relief - Dan Ellinor, 1875 Orange Ave East, Tallahassee, Fl. 32311, by mail or email to HurricaneRelief@MyFWC.com, by November 30, 2024.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, do not hesitate to contact us at 850-487-0554 orHurricaneRelief@MyFWC.com
FWC Application Link
BREAKING NEWS
We offer our congratulations to President Elect Trump and Vice President Vance on their overwhelming win. We look forward to working with the new Administration on issues facing the American Commercial Seafood Industry
Revised Reporting Requirements for Federally Permitted Seafood Dealers and Federally Permitted For-Hire Operators and Assistance for Fishermen Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Updated: Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Helene
SFA's Mission
SFA’s mission is to defend, protect and enhance the commercial fishing industry in the southeastern United States for present participants as well as future generations through all legal means while maintaining healthy and sustainable stocks of fish.
The SFA Board of Directors is happy to announce Bob Zales II as the new Executive Director for the Southeastern Fisheries Association. With an impressive 58 years of on-the-water experience, Capt. Zales II brings a wealth of knowledge and a steadfast commitment to the position. His journey in the fisheries industry began in 1965 when his family entered the charter and commercial fishing business in Panama City, Florida. Since becoming a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain in 1971, Capt. Zales II has emerged as a highly respected figure, serving in various capacities such as member, Vice Chair, and Chair of different advisory panels. We are excited to have Capt. Bob Zales II onboard, given his dedication to commercial fisheries that goes beyond his role as captain. In 1986, he immersed himself in the fishery management system, and quickly became an advisor to numerous state and federal agencies. His extensive involvement includes serving as a board member and officer for several charter boat associations and as the Fishery Management Consultant for the Southern Offshore Fishing Association. Capt. Zales II was the president of both the local Panama City Boatmen Association and the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), the premier national association representing the recreational charter boat industry. His expertise is further evidenced through his role as an original member of the Marine Protected Area Federal Advisory Panel, and active participation in critical fisheries meetings throughout the region. Capt. Zales II, with all this vast array of experience, has also authored and co-authored papers on diverse topics like hurricane impacts, survey accuracy, artificial reefs, and the economics of recreational saltwater fishing. Capt. Zales II is undeniably equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to lead the Southeastern Fisheries Association as its Executive Director. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will bring to the organization and its membership, as well as the broader fisheries community. | Featured member |
SFA announces Capt. Bob Zales II as new Executive DirectorBecome a member
Please help to keep Southeastern Fisheries Association fighting for the future of the commercial seafood industry and YOUR access to seafood - the cleanest, safest protein in the world. Partner with us by becoming a member.
SFA's Major Goals
Preserve harvesting access to the marine fisheries resources for future generations.
There are worldwide efforts to reduce the harvest of seafood and to reduce the number of fishing vessels and fishermen in the industry. One major effort of reduction is in fisheries identified as overcapitalized. Another effort is being made by groups who are opposed to harvesting animals for food purposes.
Promote and deliver continuing education programs concerning seafood safety.
There is a worldwide concern about seafood safety, so much so that the United States, Canada and the European Economic Union have initiated strict seafood safety regulations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established 21 CFR 123 in 1996 as the controlling regulations for all seafood and aquaculture products sold at wholesale in the country. SFA is developing new options for those needing to be HACCP-certified.
Chronicle the history of the southeastern seafood industry.
Manuscripts, rules and regulations show how the seafood industry in the southeast has been transformed from a valuable and respected industry to an industry considered by some groups as no longer needed.
SFA Board of DirectorsExecutive Committee Chairman of the Board: Tony Lombardi, Lombardi's Seafood President: Eugene Raffield, Raffield Fisheries Vice President: Mike Merrifield, Wild Ocean Market Treasurer: Sherri McCoy, Cape Canaveral Shrimp Co. Secretary: Jeanna Merrifield, Wild Ocean Market Directors Johnny Banyas, Cortez Bait & Seafood Pat Barker, Refrigerated Express Inc Karen Bell, AP Bell Fish Co. Greg D'Agostino, Stone Crab Inc. Dennis Henderson, Trico Shrimp Co, Inc Jimmy Hull, Hull's Seafood Market Peter Jarvis, Triar Seafood Mike Lombardi, Lombardi's Seafood Pat Lynch, Bionic Bait Steven Rash, Water Street Seafood Justin Versaggi, Versaggi Shrimp Co. Amy Wirtz, Pelican Point Seafood Jim Zurbrick, Fish For America |
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