Southern Offshore Fishing
            Association

Several regional and national associations representing over 100 organizations from across the United States joined as a united voice seeking a common cause on Wednesday June 18, 2008. This was a historic day for fishing in the United States as all sectors (private recreational, charter, and commercial) stood together seeking legislative and financial relief from congress. Several of us represented over 20 associations from Florida and the Gulf. I represented the Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen (CCGF) and the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO), Greg Abrams and Bob Spaeth represented the commercial fishing sector from Florida and other parts of the Gulf as Bob represented the Southern Offshore Fishing Association (SOFA) and the Southeastern Fisheries Association (SFA), Dennis O'hern represented the Fishing Rights Alliance (FRA), Travis Palladeno, a charter/commercial fishermen from Madeira Beach represented other fishermen from his area.

The 5 of us met with staffs of Congressmen Bill Young, Gus Bilirakis, Allan Boyd, Jeff Miller, and Jo Bonner. We also met with the staffs of Senators Nelson, Martinez, Shelby, and Sessions. As you can see it was a very busy day. It was also the most promising and productive day I have had in DC. The fact that all sectors were sitting together and working for the common cause to be able to fish impressed everyone we spoke with and we received encouraging advice and support from everyone.

We have a lot of work to do now and will be providing more info to you and how you will be able to further help in this effort. We do not look for legislative relief for this year as the coming Presidential election has congress in a position of not passing any substantial legislation, but we are hopeful that there may be some economic help available before the end of the year.

Stay tuned for more.

Thanks,

Bob