Jane DeLay, Fisherman

Jane DeLay

Jane DeLay has always been motivated by her love for the ocean. In 2001, she coordinated the "Fisherman's Forum on Marine Protected Areas",  a three-day conference to explore options for establishing MPA's on the central coast. During this conference she met several local fishermen; some of whom invited her to go out on their boats with them to learn more about what they do, and to better understand the fisheries industry.  Not surprisingly, she loved it!

In 2003, she got her commercial fishing license, and began working as a deckhand, fishing for King salmon and Dungeness crab. “I always enjoy being outside and getting a break from a desk, “she said. “Fishing is so honest; every day is new, and no moment is ever the same.” Jane had hoped to have her own boat someday, but she found the cost of a boat, gear, the required permits, and the licenses were major obstacles. “It was daunting,” she said. So she went to nursing school, and is now working as a Registered Nurse in the Monterey area. She continues to stay active in the fishing industry by being board member of the California King Salmon Council. This allows her to support regional seafood and local fishermen. Whenever possible, she still gets out on the water. “If I have a day off, and fishing is good, and the weather isn't too bad, I’m out there," she said. “ But now, I guess that I am a fair weather sailor.”