We Fish For You
We are a non-profit organization formed to promote fresh, high quality, domestic fish. Over the years we have worked hard to enhance the image of the American fisherman.
About Us
S.O.F.A. is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fresh, high-quality, sustainably sourced domestic seafood across the Gulf of America. Our mission is to support local fishermen, preserve marine resources, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the bounty of our waters.
We proudly partner with state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups to protect the Gulf of America, keeping its waters clean, ecosystems healthy, and fisheries thriving.
Partner With S.O.F.A.
Our Business Partnership Program offers a range of year-round benefits, providing businesses of all sizes the opportunity to support sustainable fishing while gaining valuable exposure within the community. We offer customized sponsorship packages to meet your business objectives, with affordable starter packages available to get you involved right away.
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SUSTAINABILITY
Highlighting marine conservation and responsible fishing practices. -
ADVOCACY
Keeping this term for representing the fishermen’s voice. -
INNOVATION
Retain to show forward-thinking solutions in fisheries management.
Join Our Association
The Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.) is more than just a network of fishermen it’s a community of dedicated fishermen, scientists, conservationists, local businesses, and supporters united by one goal:
Preserving the Gulf of America’s marine resources and strengthening our fishing communities.
Who We Are
The Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.) stands at the forefront of protecting the rights of American fishermen and the future of the Gulf of America’s fishing industry.
Recently, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved the final rule for Gulf Council Amendment 53 (A53) regarding red grouper. Despite our best efforts to prevent it, this decision threatens the livelihoods of countless fishermen and coastal communities.
To fight this unjust ruling, S.O.F.A. will be filing a lawsuit to protect our fisheries, our businesses, and the communities that rely on them. But we can’t do it alone we need your support.
Board of Directors
Every ship needs a good captain.
These are the men and women plotting our course to a vibrant fishing future.
President
V.P.
V.P. & Secretary
Treasurer
Fishery Management Consultant
Events
At the Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.), our events bring together fishermen, business partners, conservation advocates, and community members who share one goal: preserving the Gulf of America’s fishing heritage.
Our Story
SOFA is working for you!
SOFA has been working on a serious issue that can affect all fishing sectors. The National Marine Fisheries Service is instituting a new recreational data effort survey. The old survey was conducted by using a random digit phone dialing service sampling coastal county households. The new survey is done by USPS mail. The new mail survey has been accepted as the “best” by the NMFS.
Our Story
SOFA is working for you!
Protecting the Gulf of America’s Fishing Heritage: A Timeline of S.O.F.A.’s Impact
1990s – The Beginning
- S.O.F.A. Founded: Fishermen, businesses, and conservation advocates unite to protect the Gulf of America’s marine resources and fishing industry.
2000s – Building Partnerships
- Partnerships with State & Federal Agencies: S.O.F.A. begins working closely with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and other agencies to support sustainable fishing practices.
- Community Growth: Membership expands to include scientists, local businesses, and recreational fishing supporters.
2010s – Advocacy Gains Momentum
- Protecting Fishermen’s Rights: S.O.F.A. takes a lead role in advocating for fair regulations to protect both commercial and recreational fishing communities.
- Environmental Stewardship: Launch of initiatives to keep the Gulf of America clean and ecologically healthy.
2022 – NMFS Survey Changes Announced
- Recreational Data Effort Survey: NMFS transitions from random phone surveys to USPS mail surveys, impacting all fishing sectors.
- S.O.F.A.’s Response: Mobilization to analyze and challenge data methods that may unfairly affect fishermen’s livelihoods.
2023 – Amendment 53 (A53) Approved
- Red Grouper Ruling: Gulf Council’s Amendment 53 approved despite opposition from S.O.F.A. and fishing communities.
- Defense Fund Launched: S.O.F.A. creates a legal defense fund to challenge unfair regulations in court.
2024 & Beyond – The Fight Continues
- Ongoing Advocacy: S.O.F.A. works to protect fishing quotas, preserve marine resources, and defend fishermen’s rights.
- Future Goals: Expand membership, grow the defense fund, and secure fair, science-based fisheries management policies.
Supporting Members
Support
Our primary purpose is to raise money for litigation to protect commercial fishing quotas. In the process of doing this, you are also entrusted with the responsibility of outreach and education: to make sure that everyone who is impacted by this “reallocation-by-recalibration” understands what happened and how the seafood industry in the Gulf of Mexico (and throughout the country) is coming together to fight it. Whether it is an owner, captain, or deckhand; from the dock workers to the fish houses and processors; restaurants, wholesale and retail markets, even the consumers themselves — everyone should be aware of this battle to reduce public and consumer access and have the opportunity to support it.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
- Raise Critical Funds
- Grow Participation
- Foster Positive Communication
- Promote Leadership & Integrity
We are requesting the following entities to support this battle:
- Fish Dealers: Small $250.00
- Restaurants: Small $500.00
- Longline Permit Holders: $1,000.00
- Vertical Line Fishermen: $500.00
- Shareholders: Red Grouper Large $5,000.00 Allocation $.10/LB
- Captains- $100.00
- Seafood Consumer: $25.00
- Deckhands- $50.00
Gallery
Thanks to the generous support of the S.O.F.A. Humanities Council and the Island Institute, the Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.) has been able to preserve the voices and experiences of our fishermen. We’ve collected hours of oral histories from fishermen across the Gulf of America real stories of life on the water, the challenges they face, and the passion they have for preserving our fishing heritage.
Contact Us
Have questions about membership, donations, or upcoming events?
Want to learn more about how you can support the Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.)?
