The Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.) was founded over 30 years ago in Madeira Beach, Florida, with a mission to promote fresh, high-quality, domestic fish and support the American fishing industry.

What began as a social club for local grouper fishermen quickly grew into a powerful voice for commercial fishing communities across the Gulf of America. Over the years, S.O.F.A. has worked tirelessly to enhance the image of the American fisherman and ensure that our fishing heritage is preserved for future generations.

Our efforts have brought us together with state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and local partners to keep the Gulf of America clean, ecologically balanced, and environmentally secure.

The Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.) was founded over 30 years ago in Madeira Beach, Florida, with a mission to promote fresh, high-quality, domestic fish and support the American fishing industry.

What began as a social club for local grouper fishermen quickly grew into a powerful voice for commercial fishing communities across the Gulf of America.

Over the years, S.O.F.A. has worked tirelessly to enhance the image of the American fisherman and ensure that our fishing heritage is preserved for future generations. Our efforts have brought us together with state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and local partners to keep the Gulf of America clean, ecologically balanced, and environmentally secure.

Support the S.O.F.A. Defense Fund

Your donations help us continue our advocacy work, legal defense efforts, and community outreach to protect the livelihoods of American fishermen.

Ways to Give:

• Online Donations: Donate Now
• By Mail: info@southernoftshorefishermen.com
• Fishermen’s Association Pinellas County

Every contribution strengthens our fight to preserve the Gulf of America’s fishing industry and marine resources.

If you want, I can create a dedicated donation page layout with:

• Pre-set donation amounts
• Recurring gift options
• Impact messaging and visuals
• A fundraising progress bar

The Southern Offshore Fishing Association (S.O.F.A.) has been at the forefront of one of the most critical issues affecting all fishing sectors: changes in the way the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) collects and applies recreational fishing data.

The Shift in Data Collection

For decades, the NMFS relied on a random-digit phone dialing system to sample fishing effort among coastal county households. Recently, however, the agency switched to a USPS mail survey as its new method for collecting recreational fishing data.

This new mail survey has been accepted by the NMFS as the “best” approach. However, the agency is now attempting to retroactively apply this new data system back to 1981 to recalculate fishing effort over the past 40+ years—a move that has generated serious controversy.

Even the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has expressed major concerns, with staff noting that “the new effort numbers defy common sense.”

The Impact on Red Grouper Fisheries

At the October Gulf Council meeting, the recalculated data showed dramatic increases in recreational harvest estimates for red grouper dating back to 1981.

If the new data is adopted as-is, the historical allocation of red grouper harvests would shift from:

• 76% Commercial / 24% Recreational
• to
• 60% Commercial / 40% Recreational

While this might look like a win for the recreational sector on paper, the reality is very different:

• Under the new 40% allocation, the recreational sector would have exceeded its 2018 limit, forcing NMFS to consider:
  • Shortening the season
  • Reducing bag limits
  • Increasing size limits
  • Or combining all three

Under the current 24% recreational allocation, none of these cutbacks would be required.

S.O.F.A.’s Position

S.O.F.A. has urged the Gulf Council to have the Science and Statistical Committee (SSC) conduct a thorough review of the new data system before any changes are implemented.

We stand firmly with the FWC and other states in requesting:

• A clear explanation of the new data methods
• A review for possible modeling errors or misplaced data
• A fair and transparent process before any quota changes occur

Next Steps & Updates

The SSC will meet on January 9, 2021, to further examine the accuracy and implications of the new data system.

We encourage everyone to stay tuned to our website for updates as S.O.F.A. continues fighting for fair representation, accurate data, and sustainable fishing regulations.