Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen (CCGF) update

[capt_dalton]

I will pass this info along as I receive it -

Here is info on the Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen (CCGF). We had the initial organizational meeting on 1-3-08 in Destin, FL. We are establishing more contact info such as a web site, email address, and phone number and should have that to you shortly. We are also developing a membership application and a simple format expressing the mission and benefits that will be provided by CCGF to the membership.

Until then the address for CCGF is P.O.Box 53, Orange Beach, AL 36561.

The board is currently comprised of Mark Kelley (FL), Andy Vaughn (FL), Mike Rowell (AL), Bobbi Walker (AL), and Tom Becker (MS). The Interim officers are Bobbi Walker, President, Mike Rowell, Vice President, and Tom Becker, Secretary/Treasurer. Membership fees established are:

Regular membership (voting privileges); $500.00 for vessel owners, operators, crew members.
Associate member (non voting);
Business member; $100.00
Associate member; $25.00

A Regular member will have one vote regardless of the number of vessels paid for.
All contributions from businesses and individuals will be greatly appreciated.
Regular members will receive all benefits of the coop and be able to participate with and vote on all issues that affect the members, which includes but is not limited to, eligible for Board membership, election of Board, ratification of all documents and materials, provide direction of the coop, all benefits of associate members listed below, etc.

The benefits of associate membership will include but not be limited to, receipt of all correspondence to be informed of issues affecting fishing in the Gulf and being able to provide additional support to the CCGF cause, a CCGF logo sticker, consideration by the board of any suggestions to improve fishing and lessen regulatory impacts, be able to participate on an advisory board to the CCGF Board, be part of the recreational charter fishing community to make their voice heard in seeking control of our future.

The Board has provided direction for the immediate task of the coop to seek further development of and passage of the current proposed federal legislation to lessen the requirements of the Magnuson/Stevens Act to ease the overfishing and rebuilding requirements. We will also be working to propose cooperative research to obtain grants for various research needs, continue development of the coop, and recruit members Gulf wide.
I encourage everyone to broadcast our coop and seek membership from anyone you feel will benefit from our efforts and especially those willing to add additional support.

Should you have any questions, please contact me and I will be glad to try to answer them.
Thanks,
Bob


Capt. Bob Zales, II
bobzales@att.net
bus. ph 850-763-7249
fax 850-763-3558