About Us
“If you’re not at the table,
you’re on the menu.”
Shawn Ryan – WFOA President
Western Fishboat Owners Association Since 1967
The Western Fishboat Owners Association (WFOA) is a non-profit organization that has been representing albacore troll-vessel owners and supporting businesses in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii since 1967. Our association began as an initiative by fishermen to stabilize market prices for albacore tuna and has since expanded to represent fishermen in areas such as markets, pricing, management, and regulation at both local and international levels. We take a seat at the table on behalf of our members.
Throughout the years, our membership has remained stable, as has the fishing and stocks we work with, with only a few seasonal exceptions. At WFOA, we remain dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing practices and supporting our members to ensure the continued success of the industry.
Our Key Priorities
As advocates of the fisheries, we have the power to sustain the livelihoods of our fellow members and their families. Let’s pave the way towards achieving our shared goals by supporting and educating one another. Together, we can spread awareness and educate the public about the importance of our fisheries and the hardworking individuals behind them. Let’s strive to make a positive impact on our communities and ensure a thriving and sustainable future.
Advocacy
We fight to have our members voices heard
Sustainability
We value our fisheries and work to preserve their viability for the future
Support
Our members face many challenges and we are here to help
Education
Our industry changes fast. We work to improve communication and understanding
Our Supporting Members
We wouldn’t be able to do our work without the partnership of our supporting members. These businesses share our commitment to the West Coast fleet.
