The Gulf of America Reef Shareholders’ Alliance, alongside commercial fishermen from all five Gulf states, is tipping their hat to President Donald Trump for recognizing the role of American seafood in our economy, food security, and coastal heritage.
In a statement released by the Shareholders’ Alliance, members expressed their appreciation for the national spotlight on the industry that often goes overlooked, even as it fuels coastal economies and feeds millions of Americans with healthy, wild-caught seafood. “At the heart of this industry are the men and women who dedicate their lives to fishing — hardworking commercial fishermen whose livelihoods depend on the sea and whose efforts feed millions of Americans. These individuals are essential providers of healthy, wild-caught protein, and their small family-owned businesses are pillars of their coastal communities.”
The Shareholders’ Alliance represents a network of fishermen from Texas to Florida. Commercial fishing is a significant economic driver in the Gulf of Mexico, generating $24.6 billion in sales and $4.6 billion in income impacts. Nationally, seafood harvesters support 1.6 million jobs and produce $183 billion in sales, underscoring how much the fishing industry means to the broader U.S. economy.
From climate shifts to global trade, federal recognition could bring much-needed attention to longstanding needs in the commercial sector. The Shareholders’ Alliance says it’s ready to work closely with NOAA and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council to make sure the voices of working fishermen are not just heard, but represented in the decision-making process.
“NOAA and the Gulf Council have built relationships with fishing communities and, when their core mission and essential roles are functioning efficiently, are uniquely positioned to help deliver results that benefit fishermen and the economy alike.”
The Shareholders’ Alliance applauded the Executive Order for acknowledging that American fishing jobs and the generational communities that rely on them matter. They’re urging that this momentum leads to tangible outcomes: keeping commercial fishermen on the water, supporting local economies, and preserving the Gulf’s fishing legacy.
