CONCUR facilitated the Audubon Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries (G.U.L.F.) Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Stakeholder Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 24th, 2017.  The meeting was convened by Audubon G.U.L.F. and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The purpose of the meeting was to get feedback on the implementation of the Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project and discuss options to strengthen the overall viability of the pelagic longline fishery in the Gulf.

Meeting attendees included fish buyers, fish dealers, and chefs who participate in the supply chain for pelagic longline-caught fish from Louisiana and Florida, as well as staff from the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Audubon G.U.L.F.

The meeting focused on sharing background on the Deepwater Horizon Ocean Fish Restoration Project; gathering information from supply chain participants to help improve implementation of the Project and overall viability of the pelagic longline fishery in the Gulf; and suggesting next steps to meaningfully engage regional stakeholders in a comprehensive strategy that complements the outcomes of the Deepwater Horizon Ocean Fish Restoration Project while simultaneously identifying priority actions that could enhance marketing, research, and capacity building opportunities for the Gulf fishery as a whole.