F.I.S.H - The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage

The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage "FISH" is a non-profit, grassroots organization established in 1991 that received its IRS 501(c)(3) status in May of that year. FISH is dedicated to the preservation of manmade and natural heritage of Florida's traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities. Its mission is diverse; to acquire an appropriate museum site within the historic village of Cortez, Florida; to conduct research and assist in collecting, preserving, and interpreting the material culture and folk-life of Florida’s traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities with particular focus on the region from Cedar Key to Key West and particular emphasis on the commercial fisheries of Florida; to promote public awareness and support for protection of the marine resources and fisheries industry of Florida, and to preserve traditional maritime skills and values unique to Florida’s Gulf Coast through educational programs.

The Preserve encompasses over 100 acres of environmentally sensitive land and is the process of being restored by FISH. Each year the village hosts a Commercial Fishing Festival attended by thousands which supports this mission. In 2008,  a Folk Music Festival was added in November and will take place in November of every year. Land preservation and building restoration are major accomplishments of FISH.

This great potential success story has not yet reached its happy conclusion and we are looking for friends who want to help write the final chapter. Make that happy ending complete and make this grassroots success a part of your life’s story. There are additional small parcels of land within the boundaries of the Preserve that remain to be bought. The Burton Store needs funds to complete its restoration/renovation.  We are seeking grant opportunities and assistance in funding for all of these projects, and more. Volunteers are needed to help educate the public and promote the project, as well as to clear and clean up the property.

Donations are accepted in any amount, and are tax deductible. Every dollar helps. Checks should be made payable to: FISH and can be mailed to:

For more information about the Florida Commercial Fishing Industry, click here to visit In Their Own Words:  Perseverance and Resilience in Two Florida Fishing Communities .Special Thanks to Mike Jepson, University of Florida, Gainesville, 
who has done extensive research in Cortez.

“As a Florida novelist and former full-time fishing guide, I have a vested and passionate interest in the future of this great state as well as our rich, rich fishing history. Because of that, I fully support and endorse the objectives and good work being done by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, Cortez, Florida, and the historic fabric still visible there, is one of our small, bright treasures and deserves to be preserved.” Randy Wayne White, Author