California Small Fisheries Business Technical Assistance Toolkit
The Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust recently released the California Small Fisheries Business Technical Assistance Toolkit in partnership with California FarmLink. This document provides a foundation for how fisheries lenders can structure and offer TA services for fisheries businesses and potential borrowers—and it includes many resources to support fishing business planning and management. It includes the following topics:
Fishery Stock and Ecosystem Status Assessment
Fishery Management, Regulations, and Permits
Markets, Marketing, and Buyers
Major Costs: Vessel, Equipment, and Fuel
Employees, Business Partners, and Business Types
Insurance
Business Planning and Financial Management
Succession Planning and Exit Strategy
Triple Bottom Line Sustainability: Environmental, Social, and Economic
Summary Borrower Checklist
Port and Harbor Regulations
The Toolkit was created through collaborative research, guidance from industry experts, and conversations with fishermen and community organizations. This is a living document, which we plan to adapt as new information comes in—any and all feedback is welcome.