Few people in the Monterey Bay fishing community have a resumé quite like Kathy Fosmark. Feeling that fishermen weren’t adequately educating themselves about their rights and how to navigate the complex web of bureaucracy that directly affected their livelihoods, she quickly became a fearless and respected advocate of fishermen.

For Monterey Harbormaster John Haynes, it’s a great vantage point on life: tides ebb and flood, tourists stroll along the waterfront, and people work on their boats for both pleasure and livelihood. In his job he must balance the interests of everyone.

Ricketts has remained a steadfast champion of commercial fishermen and sustainable fisheries. He is currently the president of the Monterey Commercial Fishermen’s Association. “I’m not gonna retire, I’m gonna fish until I die,” Ricketts says with a laugh. “I enjoy it, what else would I do?”