Certified Fisher Invested in Sustainable Harvests (CFISH) Program

“After a summer of great uncertainty due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which caused the closure of more than 88,000 square miles of federal waters and more in-state waters to fishing, charter fishing professionals are experiencing a sea change that requires an expansion of their services beyond solely catching fish” said Joanne McDonough, a nature tourism specialist with Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. “Today’s anglers must provide quality opportunities to engage the public with natural resources in ways that lead to greater understanding and appreciation, while protecting, preserving and sustaining Gulf of Mexico marine
resources and stimulating local economies.”

This dynamic program will encourage charter fishing professionals to lead by example and encourage sustainable fishing practices. The 8-hour certification process includes hands on training aboard a Dauphin Island Sea Lab research vessel, during which participants will:

- gain a vast knowledge of the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay
- participate in sustainable fishing practices
- discuss applicable resource laws and regulations
- review and follow a code of ethics
- learn how to promote good stewardship practices
- become familiar with responsible advertising
- learn how to conduct an educational briefing before the start of the fishing charter

After implementing these practices in their business, the captains or deckhands will request an evaluation of their business, which will include the observation of a fishing charter and the review of websites, brochures, a current business license and fishing license. Once the program director finds the fishing charter to be in
compliance with the program’s standards and rules, the captain or deckhand will receive the certification and a flag with the program’s logo and current calendar year to display on charters and in advertising.

The first CFISH training will take place in Orange Beach, Ala., at Caribe Resort on Feb. 15, 2011. The cost to participate in the first certification program is $75. A limited number of scholarships are available from Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.
Annual recertification includes submitting a charter fishing reporting form, completing a refresher course and an evaluation.

The founding program sponsors of the program are the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/Marine Resources Division Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and the Orange Beach Fishing Association This vision is shared not only by the program sponsors, but is supported by local
partners who assist the program sponsors in the regional growth and implementation of the program.

Charter captains and deckhands that would like to register for this certification program or would like more information may contact Joanne McDonough at 251-974-4634 or jmcdonough@gulfshores.com.