S.O.F.A. CERTIFIED PROGRAM

Know Your Seafood. Support American Fishermen.

Fresh. Domestic. Trusted.

The Southern Offshore Fishing Association is developing S.O.F.A. Certified to connect consumers with seafood businesses committed to supporting American commercial fishermen and transparent domestic sourcing.

What Is S.O.F.A. Certified?

S.O.F.A. Certified is a developing industry recognition program designed to highlight businesses that prioritize domestically harvested seafood and demonstrate a commitment to American commercial fishing. From vessels and fish houses to distributors, markets, and restaurants, the program will help connect the seafood on the plate with the fishermen and communities behind it.

Why It Matters

Knowing where seafood comes from matters. S.O.F.A. Certified aims to increase awareness of American-harvested seafood, encourage clear sourcing information, and recognize businesses that support working waterfronts and fishing families.

Support American fishermen and coastal economies
Promote domestically harvested seafood
Encourage transparency and traceability
Recognize participating seafood businesses
Preserve America’s commercial fishing heritage

Who Can Participate?

Look for the S.O.F.A. Certified Seal

The S.O.F.A. Certified seal is intended to help customers recognize participating businesses that meet the program’s published standards. Once certification requirements and verification procedures are finalized, approved participants may display the seal on menus, windows, websites, seafood displays, and promotional materials.

Express Your Interest

Frequently Asked Questions

Is S.O.F.A. Certified a government certification?

No. It is an independent S.O.F.A. initiative and does not replace any regulatory requirements.

Is the program limited to the Gulf?

The initial focus is the Gulf of America, with a broader vision of supporting U.S. commercial fishermen nationwide.

Can restaurants participate?

Yes. Restaurants and seafood markets are among the intended participant categories.

Must all seafood sold by a participant be domestic?

Final certification standards have not yet been adopted. Published criteria will define exactly what certification covers.

How will sourcing be verified?

The program plans to establish documentation, verification, and ongoing compliance procedures before certifications are issued.

How much does it cost?

Fees, if any, have not been finalized.

How can I apply?

Submit the interest form to receive updates as the program develops.

Support the Fishermen Who Feed America

Choosing domestically harvested seafood supports fishing families, working waterfronts, and coastal communities. Help build a future where consumers know the story behind their seafood.

S.O.F.A. Certified — Know Your Seafood. Support American Fishermen.