I’ve spent most of my life working in the waters off Steinhatchee. Fishing here isn’t just a job. It’s how families like mine pay the bills, how neighbors support each other, and how towns like Steinhatchee stay afloat.
Along Florida’s Big Bend, from Steinhatchee to Cedar Key, commercial fishing has always been a pillar of our economy. Statewide, it supports over 100,000 jobs and generates more than $18 billion each year. We haul fresh seafood that fills grocery stores and restaurants nationwide, and we do it while caring for the marine resources we depend on.
But today, we’re facing more than just rough weather and market shifts. Towns like mine are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. The storm hit hard, damaging homes, boats, docks, and the working waterfront that keeps our communities going. For many, including myself, recovery has been slow and painful.
That’s why Florida needs a strong voice on the Gulf Fishery Management Council. There are eight regional fisheries councils in the US. The Gulf of America Fisheries management council has 17 members – each state has had three, except for Florida which has had four, due to having the largest population of fishers.
The Gulf Council helps manage key fisheries in Gulf waters. They make decisions that affect how, when, and if we can fish. And if you’re not at the table, your needs aren’t considered.
Florida has long held one of the Gulf Council’s “at-large” seats – a position not tied to any one state, but one Florida has used for decades to represent both commercial and recreational sectors. This year, that seat is up for grabs, and Louisiana is trying to take it.
Giving up Florida’s seat now would be a mistake.
Florida leads the Gulf in seafood landings, fishing trips, and economic output. We have more fishermen, fish houses, seafood businesses, and coastline than any other state—and more to lose. Shrinking Florida’s voice on the Gulf Council, especially after a hurricane hit our coast, sends the wrong message to working families trying to rebuild.
President Trump has shown strong support for U.S. fishermen, most recently through his April 2025 Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. That order calls for stronger domestic production and fair treatment for American harvesters. Keeping Florida’s seat would help turn those goals into results, especially for hurricane-struck communities like mine that need every opportunity to get back on our feet.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about fairness and resilience. It’s about making sure people who’ve worked these waters for generations aren’t left behind just because another state wants a bigger piece of the process. It’s about making sure my voice, and the voice of thousands of fishermen and seafood consumers, is heard.
Florida must protect that seat. Our science is strong. Our fishing communities are vital. And our recovery, especially in Steinhatchee and Cedar Key, depends on having a real say in shaping our future.
We’re not asking for special treatment – just a fair shot.
The public needs to contact the Gulf of America Fisheries Management Council located in Tampa and voice their concerns over losing Florida’ s long standing representation on fisheries management. For more information, visit https://gulfcouncil.org/.
Folks can also call their federal representatives and the Governor’s Office.
President Trump has stood with America’s working men and women. I hope he’ll continue to stand with Florida’s fishermen by keeping our voice strong at the Gulf Council table.
Jim Zurbrick is a commercial fisherman from Steinhatchee. He has served on the Ad Hoc Red Snapper/Grouper-Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota Advisory Panel and on Governor DeSantis Boating Advisory Council.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida’s voice on the Gulf Council matters – Now more than ever | Opinion
Reporting by Jim Zurbrick / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
