Future & Resilience

Person in purple shirt and baseball cap unloading cooked crabs from a fishing boat at a marina.

Fishing Community That Lasts

The West Coast groundfish fishery went from federal disaster in 2000 to MSC-certified sustainable by 2014 — proof that recovery is possible when fishermen, scientists, and communities work together. Keeping it that way means holding fishing rights locally, supporting the next generation of fishermen through succession planning and leadership programs, and planning for the long term through the Future of Blue. The Trust takes the long view because the waterfront can't afford a short one.

Invest in the Future of Blue

Future of Blue

Revitalizing the Working Waterfront

The Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust, Regenerative California, and other regional partners have launched a groundbreaking initiative called The Future of Blue. This community-based effort aims to revitalize Monterey Bay’s working waterfronts and build a thriving blue economy — defined by the World Bank as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.”

Monterey Bay is one of the most productive and biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, with a long tradition of fishing that is vital to local culture and economy. However, our working waterfronts face urgent challenges, including outdated infrastructure, market vulnerabilities, and regulatory complexities. By revitalizing infrastructure, enhancing local seafood systems, and catalyzing blue economy investments, we aim to preserve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and protect marine ecosystems—while developing a replicable model for coastal communities across California and beyond.

Community benefits include:

Support for 3 major ports and 100+ active fishing vessels
Strengthening of 25+ seafood-related businesses and port vibrancy
Protection of and potential growth in annual seafood value, including additional jobs in the marine industry
Securing a healthy and sustainable local protein source with economic co-benefits to hospitality and tourism sectors
Direct and indirect impact on thousands of local residents, visitors, and workers

A diverse group of people engaged in a business meeting or workshop around a conference table. One person is writing on a large whiteboard, while others are looking at him or speaking. There are laptops, notebooks, coffee cups, and food on the table. A whiteboard with handwritten notes and diagrams is visible in the background.

Roundtable Meeting - March 2025

In collaboration with UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are currently analyzing state-collected fisheries activity data across our three major ports, Monterey, Moss Landing, and Santa Cruz. This research will culminate in the “Trends of Monterey Bay Commercial Fisheries” report—the first comprehensive analysis of its kind in over a decade. In 2026, we will utilize this baseline to bring together stakeholders to co-develop a shared vision and community action plan for at least one harbor, aiming to implement pilot activities by the end of 2027.

A colorful illustrated map highlighting community development, tourism, infrastructure, partnerships, environment, and local concerns, with sketches of buildings, boats, people, and environmental elements, including notes on various initiatives and issues.

Thank you to our 2025 funding partners!

We are currently seeking funding to implement our 2026 community planning phase.