Dan Murphy, Sea Watch International's chief commercial officer and a former Trident executive, has passed away.

"The seafood community lost a trusted leader, mentor and most importantly, friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues," said NFI President John Connelly.

Sea Watch Corporate Human Resources Manager Lisa Zeigler said Murphy died suddenly early on Friday July 8.

"Dan was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy to Sea Watch," she said.

Murphy joined Sea Watch after spending nine years as executive vice president of sales at Seattle-based Trident Seafoods.