In response to gaps in data collection and monitoring from the science community, the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation (CFRF) was started in 2004 by commercial fishermen. CFRF is a non-profit, private foundation that conducts collaborative fisheries research as well as educational projects. Through their work, CFRF aims to achieve sustainable fisheries for commercial fishers, consumers of seafood, and the public. This work is carried out by soliciting input on research, developing industry based data collection programs, facilitating the development of working partnerships, and communicating the results of their research to the public.
CFRF works with approximately fifty fishermen to research various fisheries including crab, whelk, black sea bass, and scallops. Some ongoing goals of CFRF include filling data gaps, communicating the science to fishers and consumers, creating opportunities in the fishing industry, recovering ghost gear, and more. The team at the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation currently has twenty-six active projects. The research that these fishermen contribute to directly impacting the fisheries management that they partake in. CFRF is based out of Rhode Island, but their work spans to much of New England.
Learn more about the work of CFRF here
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