AFRF NEWSLETTERS

AMERICAN FISHERMEN'S RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is AFRF? The American Fishermen’s Research Foundation is a California non-profit organization founded in 1971 as a cooperative research foundation between the albacore fishing industry and government agencies such as NOAA/NMFS.

Why was AFRF Founded? Fishermen and processors in 1971 recognized with foresight that in the future albacore tuna would come under management at international and federal levels. AFRF was formed to work with agencies to conduct cooperative research on albacore stocks and gather data in anticipation of this.

What are AFRF fees and who pays them? AFRF fees are what keeps the foundation functioning. Processors sign a contract with AFRF and agree to pay $20/ton over and above the dock price for all landed Pacific troll and baitboat albacore. WFOA member vessels selling to non-contracted buyers are obligated to pay this fee on their own.

What is WFOA’s role in AFRF? WFOA is the managing agent for AFRF, with co-located offices.

Do only WFOA members pay AFRF fees? No one but the processors pays AFRF fees, unless WFOA members sell to non-contracted buyers. All contracted AFRF buyers pay over and above the dock price. AFRF fees are paid on all troll and baitboat albacore landings to AFRF contracted buyers. If a WFOA member sells to a non-contracted buyer, or sells off the vessel to the public, they are liable for AFRF fees under the WFOA by-laws.

Is AFRF's role to find fish for fishermen? No, not at all. AFRF is a science-and-research based organization for projects that directly relate to science, stock assessments, migration patterns, environmental factors, and health aspects of the fishery and albacore tuna.

How much has AFRF spent on research since 1971? At least $6 million for research projects, vessel charters, studies, surveys, and participation in scientific forums and other fisheries management-related meetings.

Who are the contracted buyers? Bluewater Fisheries, Bornstein Seafoods Inc., Bumble Bee Seafoods, Chicken of the Sea International, Driscoll's Wharf, Interocean Fisheries, Island Trollers Inc., Jessie's Ilwaco Fish Company, JK Fisheries, Ilwaco Landing LLC, Mary-Lu Seafoods, New Day Fisheries, Pacific Seafood Group, Papa George Gourmet Albacore, Pelican Packers Inc., Seafood Producers Co-op, Shamrock Fisheries, Star Kist Seafoods, Trident Seafoods, Tri-Marine International, Whole Foods Select Fish, and Wild Planet Inc.

Let us know if you have other questions; we'll be glad to send you further information.