Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Voice in the Seafood Industry Since 1954
The California Fisheries & Seafood (CFSI) has been the leading regional advocate for the consumer seafood supply industry since 1954. Our organization represents a diverse network of seafood brokers, exporters, importers, producers, restaurants, wholesalers, distributors, and allied businesses across California, the United States, and Canada. We actively engage in government advocacy, legislative representation, and industry promotion to protect and advance the interests of our members. Our dedicated team works closely with state and federal agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S.Food and Drug Administration, to ensure sustainable resource management and seafood safety. Through weekly newsletters, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, we empower members to address industry challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Our commitment to true conservation and sustainable yield practices aligns with national standards like FishWatch, reinforcing our role as a trusted authority in seafood sustainability. With decades of experience, we provide members with unparalleled access to policy discussions, regulatory updates, and market development strategies that drive the industry forward.
Services
Government Advocacy
Seafood Marketing
Sustainability Promotion
Member Networking
Legislative Representation
Details
- Year established: 1954
Highlights and features
- We represent the largest regional seafood industry network in the U.S.
- Our legislative advocacy protects members' interests at state and federal levels
- We promote sustainable seafood practices aligned with national standards
- Members gain exclusive access to industry networking and policy discussions
- Decades of experience in seafood safety and regulatory compliance
What people say
Strong advocacy
Policy expertise
Industry connections
Regulatory insights
Sustainability focus
Services
Government Advocacy
CFSI provides dedicated legislative advocacy to protect seafood industry interests. Our team engages with California's Governor, state legislature, and federal agencies to influence policy decisions affecting processors, distributors, and retailers. We monitor and address bills impacting seafood trade while maintaining relationships with key regulatory bodies like the Department of Fish and Game.
Sustainability Promotion
We advocate for science-based conservation practices through sustainable yield management. Our initiatives align with FishWatch standards, promoting responsible fishing and aquaculture. We collaborate with UC Sea Grant Programs to advance research on marine resource management and seafood safety, ensuring long-term industry viability while maintaining ecological balance.
Member Networking
CFSI facilitates business relationships through committee participation and special events. Members gain access to exclusive networking opportunities with seafood brokers, exporters, importers, and allied businesses. Our platform enables collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing across all segments of the consumer seafood supply chain.
Legislative Representation
Our organization actively defends members' rights against restrictive legislation. We combat proposals that limit commercial fishing access or impose unwarranted fees while promoting fair trade practices. Through direct engagement with the California legislature and Governor's office, we ensure members' voices shape policy outcomes affecting domestic and imported seafood markets.
Seafood Marketing
CFSI develops campaigns to enhance seafood's public image and consumption. We communicate the nutritional and economic benefits of seafood through targeted marketing initiatives. Our efforts support members by increasing consumer demand while addressing misconceptions about sustainability and safety in the seafood supply chain.
People
Robert E. Ross
Executive Director
Robert E. Ross leads CFSI's strategic initiatives, leveraging decades of seafood industry experience to guide policy advocacy and member services. He oversees government relations efforts and represents the organization in key regulatory discussions.
Michael Lee
Association Manager
Michael Lee manages day-to-day operations and member relations at CFSI. With extensive knowledge of seafood industry logistics, he coordinates networking events, committee activities, and implementation of organizational initiatives to support members' business growth.
Dave Rudie
Director
Dave Rudie represents Catalina Offshore Products on CFSI's board. As a third-generation seafood processor, he brings practical industry insights to policy discussions, focusing on sustainable fishing practices and market development opportunities for California's seafood businesses.
Chris Harmening
Director
Chris Harmening serves as Director for Seabreeze Seafoods International. His expertise in international seafood trade informs CFSI's advocacy for fair import regulations and expanded market access for members engaged in global seafood commerce.
Pamela Tom
Director
Dr. Pamela Tom contributes scientific expertise from her career in food science and technology at UC Davis. Her research background supports CFSI's efforts in seafood safety standards and sustainable aquaculture development initiatives.
Questions
What does CFSI do for seafood businesses?
CFSI advocates for seafood industry interests through legislative representation, regulatory compliance support, and networking opportunities to protect members' rights and promote sustainable practices.
How can I join CFSI?
Complete our online membership application or submit a printed form with payment. Membership categories include Regular, Consolidated, Associate, and Association memberships based on business type and location.
Does CFSI support sustainable fishing?
Yes, we advocate for science-based sustainable yield management and endorse NOAA FishWatch standards while promoting responsible aquaculture and marine resource conservation.
What areas does CFSI serve?
While based in California, our membership includes seafood businesses across the United States and Canada, representing all segments of the consumer seafood supply industry.
How does CFSI influence policy?
Our legislative advocate maintains relationships with California's Governor, state legislature, and federal agencies to address industry-specific bills and regulatory changes affecting seafood trade.
What resources do members receive?
Members get voting rights, committee participation, weekly industry newsletters, legislative updates, and exclusive networking events with seafood industry professionals and policymakers.
