September 2024 - Director's Corner

By Melissa Mahoney - September 10, 2024

It’s a warm, sunny morning in Santa Cruz. I can smell the crisp, salty smell of the ocean mixed with eucalyptus. This stretch of days in late August reminds me why this is my favorite time of year. The kids are back in school, the crowds are few, and every visit to the bay is like a nature show. The volume of birds, mammals, and fish all feasting on the abundance of anchovies is a spectacular sight. As a surfer, I’ve had the privilege of sharing space with pelicans, otters, dolphins, sea lions and even a whale or two cruising along the edge of the kelp bed. Is this an amazing place to live, or what?!

I am also amazed at how quickly the time is flying. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we started the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust (MBFT). As I look back at the journey we’ve been on, I’m astonished at how much we’ve been able to accomplish with our small team. I can’t wait to show you the timeline we’ve created to tell that story in pictures and impact… you’ll have to come to our upcoming 10-year anniversary celebration to see it!

After 10 years, we’ve accomplished a lot, but we are not done. In fact, we are just getting started.

It takes a lot of effort to put this event together, and I’m so grateful to the sponsors andthose who have donated fabulous auction items, food, and beverages. Our team is working hard to ensure this 10-yr anniversary seafood celebration is one of the best parties ever!

As you prepare to enjoy the festivities with us in Monterey on September 29th, you can feel good knowing that the resources we create together will go directly into supporting a viable and thriving community that is celebrating its heritage, preserving food security, and co-creating a better future together.