The Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation is a result of a unique initiative. The Foundation was started in 2004 by a group of fishermen who wanted to develop a means of support to address issues in the groundfish fishery, including ways to improve gear selectivity and reduce bycatch. Its mission has since been expanded to include all fisheries important to the commercial fishing industry based
in southern New England. The CFRF is the only fishing industry led research foundation in the New England region. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised solely of commercial fishermen and individuals working in support businesses for the commercial fishing industry. The heart of the Foundation’s work is focused on establishing working relationships among managers, scientists, and members of the fishing industry through collaborative research projects. The major objective of the Foundation’s work is to help those engaged in the fisheries management decision-making process to move past contentious debates and towards the process of using timely, relevant research to better inform management decisions. The ultimate goal is to aid in the development and adoption of practical solutions to common problems affecting important fisheries in southern New England.
