Blog

FCMS Proudly Deploys Carmanah M850 Solar Lanterns in Tampa Bay!

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Surrounded by the beautiful waters of Tampa and one of the fastest-growing ports in the United States, FCMS has found many opportunities to deploy products from world-class manufacturers, such as the Carmanah M850 self-contained solar lantern with remote monitoring and the Sealite SL-B1750 buoy. Watch this video to learn more and see it in action!

 

FCMS: A Memorable Trip to Honduras

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John Kincaid here, at First Choice Marine Supply and I had the unique pleasure of taking a trip to Honduras to secure a better understanding of how our products are used and implemented in that region. My trip lasted 12 days, during which I visited two of the three Bay Islands. I spent most of my time on the island of Roatan and 3 days on the key of Bonnaca off the island of Guanaja.

The islands have large commercial fishing fleets including both lobster and shrimp. I make an annual trip down to the lush island just before the opening of the fishing season to get a behind-the-scenes look at the vessels being prepped for use. This is an excellent opportunity for me as a sales representative to see firsthand how our products are used in the daily lives of customers and what tools are invaluable in making these fishing expeditions successful for those who depend on them.

A memorable and positive experience I had was meeting with several companies outside of the commercial fishing industry. From a fuel supplier and an aggregate transport company to a cargo shipping company and local resort managers – tourism and fishing, no doubt, are the backbones of the island.  In addition to learning that I need to brush up on my Spanish, I discovered how unique and ingenious the locals are and that things can be used in ways they were not originally intended. People of the islands can be most resourceful. 

There are countless products and tools used in commercial fishing that are very industry specific, and there are simple solutions to common problems when fishing for shrimp that I observed up-close and personal. As an example, Everfresh is a popular tool to aid in keeping freshly caught shrimp aesthetically pleasing by preventing black spots from forming on them. Few things are worse to shrimpers than having a fruitful fishing excursion only to lose precious product to a preventable oversight.

While our products are able to assist these vessels with almost everything from stem to stern, topgallant to keel, some of the more common items I saw in use were items like our Perma towing cables, shackles, swivels, & blocks. We provided the product which they use to build the trawling nets such as netting, twine, turtle excluder devices, bycatch reduction devices, rings, net line, and floats – and I was able to see and fully understand how a well-crafted product supports fishing in the region.

There are several memorable aspects I noticed while being in Roatan and Guanaja that go beyond the beaches and swaying palm trees. One of the most positive things I discovered while being in the islands is how polite everyone is. Manners are instilled at a young age. Everyone is Mr./Mrs., please and thank you. I also noticed the pride the locals took in their children and their education. Seeing the school children in their uniforms was endearing as many in the area are of lower socioeconomic status and may come from impoverished and repressed towns. Some schools do not have electricity. However, when the students show up for school, their clothes are clean and crisp, and they are focused on learning.  The tenacity and ingenuity of the local culture there was a sight to be seen.

I look forward to learning even more on my trip next year, and we hope to continue to discover ways we can create innovative marine products to make each fishing season better than the last! Until next year, nos vemos!

WorkBoat Event Recap

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Last month, our own Gary Guy and Tammy Castillo attended the infamous International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. The First Choice Marine Supply team has been attending this event for years and it’s always a great time!

With thousands of exhibitors and attendees from across the globe, it is an amazing way to create new opportunities while networking with the top professionals in the marine industry. Being on site allows us to stay up to date with all the latest news and innovative products hitting the market.

Here are a few photos from the event:

 

 

It was great meeting with everyone…until next year!

 

 

First Choice Marine Supply

Everfresh: An innovative solution for black spot prevention (melanosis) on shrimp

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If you are looking for a safe, effective, alternative to sodium bisulfite Everfresh is the answer. Everfresh is a sulfite free processing aid that helps your freshly caught shrimp maintain it aesthetically pleasing look by blocking black spots from forming. In an easy to use premeasured pouch, Everfresh quickly dissolves into solution in seawater, brackish, fresh or potable water. A single 200 gram pouch will treat 550 to 600 pounds of shrimp. Everfresh will not wash off, so once treated there is no need to retreat as needed by sulfites.

Benefits include:

  • Easy to use in premeasured packages
  • Treat only once
  • Exempt from labeling
  • “GRAS” status
  • EU approved
  • Safer to use and consume than sulfites
  • Does not affect the taste, texture, or color

To learn more about Everfresh please click the link below.

Everfresh Information

To purchase please contact sales@FirstChoiceMarineSupply.com.

First Choice Expands into Nicaragua

First Choice Expands into Nicaragua

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First Choice announces a relationship, originally forged from the Aids to Navigation industry, now into diverse markets in Nicaragua through a Memorandum of Understanding with Indegsna. Their deep roots into, and knowledge of, markets within Nicaragua and beyond, along with over 30 years of First Choice servicing diverse markets throughout Latin America, combined at the beginning of 2018 to create a Partnership that enables us to be a Total Solution Provider in the industries and markets we serve. First Choice se habla espanol.

Distribution Agreement with Premier Coatings Manufacturer

Distribution Agreement with Premier Coatings Manufacturer, Jotun

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First Choice announces their Distribution Agreement with Jotun, a premier coatings manufacturer located in the US. A long-term relationship led to a two-year strategy discussion of how best to service our clients through the synergy of a relationship. First Choice’s technical, industry knowledge and distribution capability, along with Jotun’s international reputation was brought together in an Agreement that was inked at the end of 2017. First Choice now holds an even larger inventory, higher tech equipment, in-house technical support and technical support from Jotun, which all allows for a Total Solution for all of your coatings needs throughout diverse markets.

Deepening Relationships in the Caribbean

Deepening Relationships in the Caribbean

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First Choice announces its deepened relationship and market expansion into Trinidad, Tobago and beyond. A long-term relationship with Twin Island Shipping Agency, a regional Supplier and Clearing Agent located in Trinidad, was further solidified as of the first quarter of 2018. Jointly, the two companies will be sharing all resources to even better serve our clients and expand our reach even deeper into the Caribbean.