December 2023 - Director's Corner

December is a moment where I like to slow down to reflect on where we’ve been this year, and how to prepare for the new year that’s just around the corner. As I shared at our recent community celebration event, 2023 was a year of rebuilding our capacity and structures, while also maintaining programs, tracking fishery challenges and promoting educational opportunities. 

By early spring, it was clear that fishermen would be facing at least a year with no salmon fishery. This was particularly painful for the fleet coming off another dismal year for dungeness crab and a series of storms that battered our region’s coast, including harbors and other key infrastructure. 

We worked around the edges of that massive challenge, holding a meeting with fishermen and US Congressman Panetta in February, and then requesting slip fee support from the harbors for affected fishermen. Internally, we worked with the Board and staff to develop a refreshed 5-yr Strategic Plan and a new mission statement. We’ll be rolling that out early next year. And this fall, we supported three local fishermen with $1k scholarships to attend the MREP workshop, which is a year’s worth of science and management training in one solid week, an invaluable experience to empower fishermen to engage in management. 

On November 21st, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo did approve a federal fishery disaster for the Sacramento River Fall Chinook (SRFC) and Klamath River Fall Chinook (KRFC). This opens up federal relief to those affected by the salmon closure, including commercial and recreational fishermen, support businesses, and even beleaguered ports and harbors that depend on salmon fishing activity for economic revenue. It will be another several months and a lengthy application process before individuals actually see relief in the form of payment or a loan from the government, but in these times, at least it’s a start.  

While we can’t make this government process go any faster, we can strengthen our efforts to support the fleet, to feed the people, and to build resilience together. That means #askforlocal wherever you buy or eat seafood, stay tuned for an update to our Local Catch Guide to make that effort easier, and thank you for your continued support. 

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season.