Our Community
In Monterey, Moss Landing, and Santa Cruz, commercial fishermen and women are central to the vitality of our working harbors and rich cultural heritage. Along with them are fish processors and delivery drivers, marine mechanics and chefs, harbormasters and scientists. It takes a village to make sustainable seafood in Monterey Bay possible. Meet some of the members of our fishing community.
Matt Rockhold, F/V Friendliest Catch
The day starts early for Santa Cruz-native Matt Rockhold, 49. Most days he wakes up before sunrise to motor his boat, F/V Friendliest Catch, out of the Santa Cruz harbor to fish for either rock crab or California halibut and lingcod. By lunchtime his boat is tied up at the dock and he’s off to his other full time job as marketing director for Buell Wetsuits & Surf. If the surfs up, he’ll paddle out before heading home. Learn more about Matt’s many talents and presence in this community.
Women are an integral part of the fishing community
Women are an integral part of our fishing community, often running the family businesses that bring seafood from the ocean to our tables. Meet Heidi Rhodes, Jenn Gerard Lovewell, and Kristen Deyerle, who all work in local family fishing businesses.
Kristen Deyerle, Sea Harvest Fish Market and Restaurant
Being the spouse of a commercial fisherman or woman is not easy: They’ll be gone for long hours if not days, income can vary wildly from year-to-year, and they make their living in one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. But for Kristen Deyerle, the challenges of being the better half of a commercial fisherman have been tempered by the adventure, community, and tradition of commercial fishing in Monterey Bay.