About Us

  • Our Purpose
  • Directory
  • Member States
  • Coalition Members

State Offices

http://www.alabama.gov/: State of Alabama
http://www.myflorida.com/: State of Florida
http://louisiana.gov/: State of Louisiana
http://www.new.ms.gov/: State of Mississippi
http://www.texas.gov/: State of Texas

Coalition Member State Websites

http://eatalabamaseafood.com/: Alabama
http://www.fl-seafood.com/: Florida
http://louisianaseafood.com/: Louisiana
http://www.msseafood.com/: Mississippi
http://www.gotexan.org/: Texas
http://www.txshrimp.org/: Texas

Tourism Boards

http://www.alabama.travel/: Alabama
http://www.visitflorida.com/: Florida
http://www.louisianatravel.com/: Louisiana
http://www.visitmississippi.org/: Mississippi
http://www.traveltex.com/: Texas

Fisheries Management

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/management.htm: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service
http://www.fws.gov/FHC/: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries
http://www.gulfcouncil.org/: Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council
http://www.gsmfc.org/#:links@9:content@8: Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission
http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/saltwater/: Outdoor Alabama Saltwater Fishing
http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/: Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources - Marine Resources Division
http://www.fl-seafood.com/: Florida Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing
http://myfwc.com/: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
http://www.dmr.ms.gov/: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

National/Southeast Regional Websites

http://www.epa.gov/: Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.fda.gov/: Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fws.gov/: Fish and Wildlife Service
http://seagrant.noaa.gov/: National Sea Grant
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/: National Marine Fisheries Service Home Page
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/: NMFS Southeast Regional Office (St. Petersburg, Florida)
http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/: NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center
http://www.noaa.gov/: NOAA Home page
http://www.fishwatch.gov/: Fishwatch
http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/sedar/: Southeast Data, Assessment and Review
http://www.uscg.mil/: US Coast Guard

Industry Organizations

http://fkcfa.org/: Florida Keys Commercial Fisherman’s Association
http://www.louisianashrimp.org/: Louisiana Shrimp Association
http://seafoodsustainability.us/: Southeastern Fisheries Association
http://southernoffshorefishing.org/: Southern Offshore Fishing Association
http://www.shrimpalliance.com/: Southern Shrimp Alliance

Council/Commission Websites

http://www.gulfcouncil.org/: Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council
http://www.gsmfc.org/#:links@9:content@8: Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

Other

http://www.beoysteraware.com/: Vibrio vulnificus education
http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/commercial/index.html/: NMFS Commercial Fishery Statistics
http://www.oceantrust.org/: Ocean Trust
http://seafoodhealthfacts.org/: Seafood Health Facts

Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition Member States

Alabama

Alabama is the No. 1 processor of oysters in the U.S., one of the largest processors of crab and is also known as the red snapper capital of the world. The Alabama seafood industry provides jobs for more than 8,000 people eager to provide fresh seafood to consumers. Its quality and taste beautifully illustrates their culture, passion and dedication. From oysters to shrimp, Alabama’s seafood industry has a statewide economic impact of more than $336 million, including more than $135 million in generated income. Learn more at http://eatalabamaseafood.com/.

Florida

Florida fishermen catch more than 85 percent of the nation’s supply of grouper, pompano, mullet, stone crab, pink shrimp, spiny lobsters, and Spanish mackerel. All of the nation’s supply of spiny lobster and 97 percent of the stone crab supply comes from Florida waters. Florida seafood generates a total sales impact of $650 million. Learn more at www.fl-seafood.com.

Louisiana

Louisiana seafood is known around the world for its taste, quality and variety. When you enjoy seafood at home or in a restaurant, chances are it hails from Louisiana. Nearly one-third of the domestic seafood consumed in the contiguous United States comes fresh from Louisiana waters. Louisiana is the No. 1 producer of shrimp, crawfish, alligator, and oysters in the United States and the number two producer of fin fish and blue crab. Louisiana wild-caught seafood provides jobs for 29,185 people, generating income totaling $574 million and sales of $1.7 billion. Learn more at www.louisianaseafood.com.

Mississippi

Mississippi offers a delicious supply of blue crab, shrimp, grouper and many other seafood items. Mississippi is one of the top three oyster producers in the United States, and is home to many shrimp processors that work with neighboring states to provide Gulf shrimp throughout the country. Harvested seafood from Mississippi generates $109 million in income to the state and $272 million in sales. Learn more at www.msseafood.com/.

Texas

Texas is one of the top producers of “quality, wild shrimp” in the nation, consistently providing large, flavorful shrimp to grocery stores and restaurants nationwide. Texas also produces oysters, snapper, and other seafood for retailers and consumers around the nation. Texas seafood generates $846 million in sales and provides 14,134 jobs for Texans. For more information, please visit www.gotexan.org.

About Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition

With a reputation for great times and premium American seafood, the legacy of the country’s great seafood belongs to the Gulf Coast. Comprised of five states, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, Gulf Coast Seafood has been providing fishermen, grocers, chefs, foodies and many others with not only great food and memorable times, but also an economic engine that powers the entire region. High in demand, the Gulf Coast produces 70 percent of the nation’s oysters, 69 percent of domestic shrimp and is a leading producer of domestic hard and soft-shell blue crabs. And as pioneers in many commercial fishing practices, Gulf Coast Seafood’s taste profile is superior because of the nutrient-rich environment found in the Gulf.

The Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition (Coalition) was formed by The Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. as a result of a grant from the States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) (NOAA Award #NA10NMF4770481). Representing all components of the seafood distribution chain, including commercial fishermen, processors, wholesalers, associations, sea grant, tourism boards, restaurants, retailers, chefs and charter boat sectors, the Coalition has been established to coordinate all efforts and provide a cohesive vision and overarching strategy to showcase Gulf Coast Seafood. Strategies will focus on expanding global market share for wild seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. For current updates, please visit www.eatgulfseafood.com


Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition Objectives:

  • Create demand for Gulf Coast Seafood products through partnerships, sponsorships, incentives,outreach and education.
  • Develop projects and programs to create positive views that ultimately translate into increased consumer demand, sales and value for Gulf Coast Seafood.
  • Secure new market opportunities for Gulf Coast Seafood and promotional events.
  • Provide cohesive vision for the five-state agency seafood marketing organizations in addition to Chambers of Commerce, charter boat industry, tourism boards and regional organizations.
  • Develop social and digital media to create excitement and brand awareness of Gulf Coast Seafood.

Member States

Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas

About Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition

The Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition (Coalition) was formed by The Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. as a result of a grant from the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission) (NOAA Award #NA10NMF4770481). Representing all components of the seafood distribution chain, including tourism boards, restaurants, retailers, chefs and charter boat sec- tors, the Coalition has been established to coordinate the efforts and provide a cohesive vision and overarching strategy to showcase Gulf Coast Seafood. Strategies will focus on expanding global market share for wild seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.


Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition Objectives:

  • Develop overarching goals and objectives for Gulf Coast Seafood outreach, education and market recovery and enhancement to achieve synergy among all affected industries and improve confidence in Gulf Coast Seafood products.
  • Develop strategic marketing assistance to create positive opinions that translate into increased consumer confidence in Gulf Coast Seafood.
  • Secure new market opportunities for Gulf Coast Seafood and promotional events.
  • Provide cohesive vision for the five-state agency seafood marketing organizations, in addition to Chambers of Commerce, charter boat industry, tourism boards and regional organizations.
  • Develop projects that focus on increasing the value of Gulf Coast Seafood and improving public perceptions.
  • Develop programs and social and digital media to improve market access to, and brand awareness of, the vast array of Gulf Coast Seafood.

Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition Members

Executive Committee

  • Chris Nelson, Vice President, Bon Secour Fisheries - Chairman
  • Patrick Riley, General Manager, Western Seafood Company - Vice Chairman
  • William "Corky" Perret, Retired - Executive Committee Member
  • Bob Jones, Executive Director, Southeastern Fisheries Association - Executive Committee Member
  • Harlon Pearce, Owner, Harlon's LA Fish - Executive Committee Member
  • Chris Blankenship, Director of Marine Resources Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Executive Committee Member

Chef

  • Chef Brian Landry, Executive Chef/Partner - Borgne Restaurant
  • Chef Randy Evans, Alternate, Chef/Co-owner - Haven Restaurant

Retail Grocery

  • Kyle Stevens, Seafood Procurement Manager - H-E-B Seafood Procurement
  • James Breuhl, Alternate, Seafood Director - Rouses Supermarket

Restaurant Chain

  • Stacy Boyll-Stapel, Director of Strategic Integration - Bonefish Grill

Sea Grant

  • Dr. Charles "Chuck" Adams, Marine Economist - University of Florida
  • Dr. Mike Haby, Alternate, Seafood Marketing Specialist - Texas A&M University

For Hire/Charter Boat

  • John Greene, Owner - Intimidator Sportfishing, Inc
  • Pamella Dana, Alternate, Owner - Sure Lure Charter Company

Tourism

  • Jay Dardenne, Lieutenant Governor - State of Louisiana
  • Susan Estler, Alternate, Vice President of Marketing - Panama City Beach Convention Visitor Bureau

Seafood Market

  • Harlon Pearce, Owner - Harlon's LA Fish

State Association/Processors/Wholesalers/Fishermen

  • Chris Nelson, Vice President - Bon Secour Fisheries
  • Bob Jones, Executive Director - Southeastern Fisheries Association
  • Robert Novotny, Executive Vice President - Inland Seafood
  • Eugene Raffield, Jr., Alternate, Vice President - Raffield Fisheries, Inc.
  • William "Corky" Perret - Retired
  • Dr. David Veal, Alternate, Executive Director - American Shrimp Processors Association
  • Patrick Riley, General Manager - Western Seafood Company
  • John Williams, Alternate, Executive Director - Southern Shrimp Alliance

State Seafood Marketing Executives

  • Irvin Jackson, Mississippi, Director of Seafood Marketing Program - Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
  • Jason Rider, Mississippi Alternate - Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
  • Ewell Smith, Louisiana, Executive Director - Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board
  • Kristin McLaren, Louisiana Alternate, Assistant Executive Director - Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board
  • Martin May, Florida, Bureau Chief - Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture and Marketing, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Susannah Costello, Florida Alternate, Vice President of Brand - Visit Florida
  • Lee Sentell, Alabama, Director - Alabama Tourism Department
  • Brian S. Jones, Alabama Alternate, Regional Director - Alabama Tourism Department
  • Robert Champion, Texas, State Coordinator for Seafood Marketing - Texas Department of Agriculture
  • Mary York, Texas Alternate, Administrator of Marketing and International Trade - Texas Department of Agriculture

Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, Oil Disaster Recovery Program, Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

  • Chris Blankenship, Director of Marine Resources Division - Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • David Heil, Alternate, Marine Fisheries Management Section Leader, Division of Marine Fisheries Management - Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Ex Officio Member

  • Ralph Hode, Fisheries Disaster Recovery Coordinator - Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission
  • Alex Miller, Alternate, Economic Program Coordinator - Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation

  • Judy Jamison - Executive Director

To download a PDF of the Coalition Members, click here.