June 11, 2018 — SEAFOOD NEWS — Bob Jones, Executive Director of the Southeastern Fisheries Association, is stepping down after 54 years leading the organization. SFA confirmed that Jones will be retiring at the end of 2018.
Jones served as an original member of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council in 1976, serving as vice-chairman from 1976-1980, and chairman in 1981. In addition, he also served on the U.S. State Department’s Ocean Affairs Advisory Committee when the Magnuson-Stevens was created. He celebrated his 50 years working with SFA in May 2014.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Bob for his open and honest interactions in the seafood industry over the past 54 years,” SFA President Peter Jarvis said in a statement. “Under Bob’s leadership, SFA has maintained respect for seeking the truth and presenting the facts. We are deeply grateful to Bob for his contributions to the fishing industry and his love of the Rule of Law.”
According to SFA, Jones “plans to stay involved with the seafood industry in the area of food safety, consumer fraud and promoting equal access to the nation’s fisheries for non-fishermen, especially seniors.”
SFA’s Board of Directors is currently searching for qualified candidates to becomes the next Executive Director. Jones will continue to lead SFA during this transition.
This article originally appeared on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.