Governor Bentley Creates Commission to Market Alabama Seafood

(Montgomery) – Governor Robert Bentley today signed an Executive Order creating a new commission aimed at increasing business for Alabama’s seafood industry. The Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission (ASMC) will help provide advice, oversight, management and encouragement to the marketing of Alabama seafood.

“Our state’s seafood industry has a significant impact on our state’s economy,” Governor Bentley said. “Because of last year’s oil spill, Alabama businesses dependant on the seafood industry have suffered great financial losses.  This commission will benefit those businesses, from the fishermen to the restaurant owner.”

The creation of the commission was one of many recommendations made last fall by the Coastal Recovery Commission. The ASMC will be made up fifteen voting members appointed by Governor Bentley and will represent industries related directly and indirectly to the Alabama seafood industry. The members will serve three-year terms on a voluntary basis.

Non-voting ex-officio members will be a representative designated by the commissioner of each of the following departments:  the Alabama Tourism Department, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.

The Governor will also appoint three non-voting ex-officio representatives from the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation, the Mobile County Legislative Delegation and the Governor’s Office. The Commission will elect a Chairperson from the members.

In addition to providing advice and management of the seafood marketing efforts, part of the ASMC’s mission will be improving the consumer perceptions of Alabama seafood.

Click here to view the Executive Order.