MCGives: Strengthen the local seafood industry

This is part of a series exploring the different areas of our work that are made possible by your contributions. We’re proud to join in the annual Monterey County Gives! campaign this year: November 11 to December 31, 2021.

Building the resilience of our local seafood industry is an important element of our work at Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust.

Small-scale fishermen and fishing businesses are often underrepresented and don’t have the backing and resources that larger businesses do. We want to make sure that they are supported and have the tools they need to succeed. Having access to up-to-date information and extra support can make all the difference.

Our team is working to make it easy for fishermen to stay informed and involved in the management process, so they have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that impact their livelihoods. We also provide business support, key resources, and technical assistance. For example, we track upcoming meetings and events; help navigate permits for off-the-boat sales; and continue to help fishermen navigate COVID-19 relief resources.

You’ll find many of these resources online in our Fisherman’s Portal and featured in our monthly newsletter for the fishing community: The Buoy Bulletin—now sent to over 600 subscribers.

We’re also working hard beyond the boat to cultivate a strong network of local processors, distributors, restaurants, and markets around Monterey Bay. From ocean to table, each player in the process is essential to creating a more resilient seafood industry.

Make a contribution today to support the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust and strengthen our local seafood businesses.

The Monterey County Gives! campaign is designed to inspire local philanthropy for local nonprofits—including the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust. You’re invited to contribute! Our goal is to raise $50,000 to support MBFT in the year ahead. At the end of the campaign, each nonprofit receives 100% of their donations, along with a matching gift from participating community partners.

Questions about the campaign? Learn more at montereycountygives.com/faqs