Created in March 2011 by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley with the signing of Executive Order 09, the ASMC was established to increase business for Alabama’s seafood industry. Alabama Seafood is defined as any seafood product sold by Alabama businesses and sourced from Gulf and local waters. The ASMC is comprised of volunteer members appointed for a three-year term by the Governor of Alabama that includes fishermen, processors, charter boat operators, retailers, restaurant owners and others directly and indirectly related to the Alabama seafood industry. Led by Chris Blankenship, director of the Alabama Marine Resource Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Commission will help provide advice, oversight, management and encouragement to the marketing of Alabama seafood.