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Gulf Fishermen's Association


Mission Statements

Gulf Fishermen's Association (GFA) is a Florida, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to ensuring the fishing future for all fishermen. GFA is made up of primarily commercial fishermen who are concerned about their industry and their future. 

Join GFA to keep yourself informed about the current regulatory environment. GFA sends a  representative to almost all state and federal meetings and your input would be appreciated. 

A little about our history: GFA was instrumental in the adoption of the current 6000-pound trip limit. Our goal was to ensure a year-round fishery which we believe has been achieved. In addition, the reduced trip limit has resulted in a more stable market price. We are proud to have been a part of something that is helping to strengthen our industry. Some of the current issues other than VMS we have been dealing with include reviewing Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs) and quota reallocation.

If you would like to join GFA, the dues are 1% of your gross sales per trip. It's a small price to pay to help ensure a fishing future for all of us A list of our board members and their contact information is below. They too are available to discuss these issues. Thank you for your interest and support.

Sincerely, Glen Brooks 
brooksglen@yahoo.com


Team Members

President

Glen Brooks

Lecanto, Florida

Glen has been grouper and red snapper fishing for over 30 years, owns four bottom long-liners and is active in promoting sustainable management policies for the fishery. Presently, Glen is president of the Gulf Fishermen’s Association while concurrently serving on our board.


Staff

William Ward

Clearwater, Florida

William Ward has served the Gulf Fishermen’s Association as both a board member and as its Director of Government Relations for over a decade. He is a Coast Guard-licensed Master Captain; President and CEO of Captain’s Finest Seafood; and owner of both Ward Consulting Partners LLC, as well as the William Ward Law Group, PLLC. Will has served on numerous state and federal natural resources advisory panels, as well as on advisory committees of the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council. His consulting clients include the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Florida Institute of Oceanography. Named Florida Businessman of the Year in 2001 and 2004, Will holds a law degree from Barry University School of Law and a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of South Florida.


Staff

Jason DeLaCruz

Madeira Beach, Florida

Jason has been fishing since he was 5 years old. Starting out as a recreational fisherman, he has worked as a professional spear fisherman as well as an owner operator of commercial fishing vessels. He became actively involved in the fishery management process when he became a member of the Shareholders' Alliance and accepted a position as Vice President working to protect the fishery he loved. During his time on the Shareholders' Alliance Board, he helped develop and implement the Gulf Wild brand. Knowing that actions speak louder than words, Jason's company - Wild Seafood Co. - adopted the principles and guidelines of Gulf Wild so that it could provide the highest quality, responsibly harvested seafood, to the nation. Jason is the first Executive Director of Gulf Wild. In this capacity, he drives brand development, awareness and support. At the same time, he supports commercial fishermen who are dedicated to protecting fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico; committed to responsible harvest of their catch; and interested in innovative measures of seafood conservation.