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The Mississippi River is trying to change course into the its historic Atchafalaya Basin channel according to Dr. Jun Xu, a world-renowned hydrologist and Professor of Hydrology of Louisiana State University’sSchool of Renewable Natural Resource, in a recently released video on Bigger Pie Forum. A course correction Xu says is not a matter of “if” but “when”, placing Southern Louisiana on the verge of one of the worlds most detrimental natural disasters in history.
As a result of record flooding in the central United States, the gates of the Morganza Spillway are set to send fresh water into a fragile ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of Gulf seafood. Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, the Gulf Seafood Foundation and other Gulf-wide organizations are calling for Gulf State governors to make a coordinated request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to declare a state of emergency existing specific to Gulf seafood and its related industries.
A new study by the University of Louisiana Lafayette examining the people and industries on the frontlines of Gulf seafood and detailing how the industry has weathered challenges while capitalizing on opportunities for growth will be expanded to include all Louisiana parishes bordering the Gulf. A $250,000 grant by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board will dovetail with an initial grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the same amount expanding the initial study.
Founded by settlers from North Carolina in the 1880’s, Cortez is one of the last historic Gulf waterfronts with a working commercial fishing village. A short walk from the Florida fishing fleet waiting to unload Gulf seafood is the Florida Maritime Museum, home to interpretive exhibits as well as an educational program studying the Florida waters.
An internationally recognized leader in sustainability has joined the board of the Gulf Seafood Foundation. Florida’s Ed Chiles, founder of The Chiles Group and son of former Florida Governor and Senator Lawton Chiles, has been a driving force for best sustainability practices in his Anna Maria Island community, his state, across the Gulf of Mexico and around the world.
The recent Blue Collards’ Barleybrine Oyster & Craft Beer Weekend rallied craft brewers, celebrity chefs and beer-loving foodies to help Florida oyster growers affected by the hurricane. The dinner prepared by Chef Kelsey Barnard-Clark, winner of the latest season of Top Chef, raised funds for the Gulf Seafood Foundation’s “Helping Hands” relief efforts which distributes work gloves to fishermen, as well as other need aid.
The Gulf Seafood Foundation has announced a new slate of officers for 2019. Former Sysco Louisiana Seafood chairman Jim Gossen, a native of Lafayette, LA living in Houston, TX, will remain as the President of the organization formed to support and promote the high standards of the Gulf’s vast commercial and recreational fisheries industry.
Alabama’s Beth Walton, Executive Director of Oyster South, and Father Sinclair Oubre, a Catholic Diocesan priest and Treasurer of the Port Arthur (Texas) Area Shrimpers Association, have joined the Gulf Seafood Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The first oyster fishery in the United States has entered the Marine Stewardship Council fisheries standard assessment. Prestige Oysters of San Leon, Texas has entered full assessment for oysters harvested in Texas and Louisiana.
Craft brewers and celebrity chefs from across the South are rallying with beer-loving foodies to help Florida seafood workers affected by Hurricane Michael. Barleybrine Oyster & Craft Beer Weekend is an effort to raise funds for the Gulf Seafood Foundation’s “Helping Hands” relief efforts providing work gloves and other compensation to Gulf fishermen.
The Gulf seafood family has suffered a loss with the passing of Diane Menard Gossen, wife of Gulf seafood champion Jim Gossen. The 70-year-old Diane passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Dec. 5th, at the family home in Lafayette with her family at her side.
James Beard Award winning Chef Chris Shepherd has been named the Gulf Seafood Foundation’s first-ever recipient of the organization’s “Helping Hands Award.”
Southern Smoke, a charitable organization founded by Houston’s James Beard Award Winner Chef Chris Shepherd, has donated $10,000 to the Gulf Seafood Foundation’s “Helping Hands” program that distributes work gloves to Gulf fishermen.
Veteran journalist Ed Lallo has resumed the duties of Editorial Director for Gulf Seafood News after a two-year hiatus. The recently updated news site will serve as the newsroom for the Gulf Seafood Foundation, as well as the Gulf Seafood Institute.
Kristin McLaren has been named Executive Director of the Gulf Seafood Institute by the governing board of directors. McLaren’s passion and background in sustainable fisheries uniquely qualifies her to assume GSI’s Executive Director post as a voice for the Gulf.
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