The Wakulla Commercial Fisherman’s
Association voted last week to form a co-operative for commercial oystermen,
shrimpers, crabbers and fishermen.
The vote came after months of discussion recognizing the
need for Wakulla’s commercial fishermen to join forces and speak with one voice
in order to build its seafood industry.
Wakulla Commercial Fisherman’s Association President Keith
Ward said that coming together will boost Wakulla County’s ability to market their
seafood, strengthen their resources and have a voice in legislation,
regulations and commercial success.
He added that Wakulla fishermen want the state and the
county to understand what is keeping them from making a profitable living in an
industry that has been in this county longer than anyone alive can remember.
Before the vote, Fisherman’s Association members identified
several problems that need immediate attention, including:
Arbitrary closings of Wakulla County oyster beds while
competing counties’ beds remain open, Relocating oyster-farming beds away from
areas that traditionally provide income for Wakulla County’s crabbers and unfairly
citing violations for not meeting regulatory standards.
http://live.oysterradio.com/
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