The gsmfc will coordinate and administer various activities of the gulf fisheries information network (gulffin) aimed at providing more effective collection, management, and dissemination of…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission for $24.773 million on October 1, 2025, under the Cooperative Fishery Statistics program (CFDA 11.434).

The GSMFC coordinates and administers activities of the Gulf Fisheries Information Network (GULFFIN) to enhance collection, management, and dissemination of recreational and commercial fisheries data across the Southeast region. Deliverables include conducting Marine Recreational Information Program APAIS surveys in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida; providing support to Louisiana's recreational data collection program; conducting headboat sampling; operating and maintaining the FIN data management system; operating and maintaining trip ticket programs of Southeast partners; and implementing Gulf of Mexico reef fish specialized surveys as developed.

The award runs through September 30, 2029, with place of performance in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The program maintains a cooperative state and federal partnership to provide fisheries-dependent statistics supporting fishery management in states' territorial seas and the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Funding for multi-year projects beyond the first year is contingent upon availability of program funds in subsequent fiscal years and the recipient's achievement of project objectives and reporting requirements.

The gsmfc will coordinate and administer various activities of the gulf fisheries information network (gulffin) aimed at providing more effective collection, management, and dissemination of recreational and commercial fisheries data in the southeast region. Activities include conducting marine recreational information program (mrip) apais surveys in MS, AL, and FL and providing support to the recreational data collection program of LA.; conducting headboat sampling; operating and maintaining the FIN data management system; operating and maintaining trip ticket programs of southeast partners; and, implementing GOM reef fish specialized surveys as developed.