FISH Cortez, Florida
The Mission

Mission Statement:
Dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and Florida’s commercial fishing and other traditional maritime cultures including the environment upon which these communities depend.
The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage - F.I.S.H. is a non-profit, grassroots organization established in 1991.
Its mission is diverse; to assist in the operation of a museum site within the historic village of Cortez, Florida; to conduct research and assist in collecting, preserving and interpreting the culture and folk-life of Florida’s traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities and 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.
Dedicated to the promotion, education and preservation of Cortez and Florida’s commercial fishing and other traditional maritime cultures including the environment upon which these communities depend.
The Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage - F.I.S.H. is a non-profit, grassroots organization established in 1991.
Its mission is diverse; to assist in the operation of a museum site within the historic village of Cortez, Florida; to conduct research and assist in collecting, preserving and interpreting the culture and folk-life of Florida’s traditional Gulf Coast maritime communities and 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.
The 2024 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
February 17-18, 2024
"It's a Way of Life"
February 17-18, 2024
"It's a Way of Life"
The FISH Preserve
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 the 3rd weekend of February attended by thousands which supports this mission. Land preservation and building restoration are major accomplishments of FISH.
You Can Make A Difference!
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. We are seeking grant opportunities and assistance in funding for many restoration and preservation projects. 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:
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:
Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage
Post Office Box 606
Cortez, FL 34215
941-301-4000
Send us an email via the contact page
Post Office Box 606
Cortez, FL 34215
941-301-4000
Send us an email via the contact page