LKGA Supports Local Commercial Fishermen

The LKGA has pushed out a press release is urging residents, visitors, and businesses to support the Florida Keys’ economy and heritage by choosing locally caught seafood and booking trips with full-time, local fishing guides.

Both commercial fishermen and guides are facing increasing pressures—from rising costs and imported competition to out-of-town operators. LKGA stands in solidarity with the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Association (FKCFA), which is calling for tariffs and seafood labeling reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in the market.

LKGA highlights a parallel challenge: seasonal and out-of-town fishing guides competing with full-time, professional local guides, who are deeply invested in both the community and the long-term health of the ecosystem. To address this, LKGA is working with Monroe County officials to balance open public access to waters with preventing ecosystem-crushing pressure.

Quotes from Allison Delashmit (LKGA Executive Director) and Jerome Young (FKCFA Executive Director) stress that “local is better”—whether it’s seafood or guiding—and that supporting local professionals sustains the Keys’ economy, culture, and environment.

The press release closes with background information on both LKGA and FKCFA, underscoring their advocacy, community partnerships, and shared commitment to sustainability.