September 2025 - Director's Corner

By Melissa Mahoney, September 8th

On July 30th, local fishermen leaders sat down with U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta to speak directly about the challenges facing Monterey Bay’s working waterfronts. Each year, the Trust helps bring these voices to the table, ensuring that the realities of our fisheries are heard loud and clear in Washington.

Local fishing leaders with U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta

Not surprising that salmon was front and center. With back-to-back fishery disasters since 2023, our community has felt both the economic sting and the cultural loss of this iconic species. Fishermen spoke candidly about the inadequacy of 2023 disaster payments—funds that came too late and fell far short of covering real losses. Beyond the numbers, they reminded us that salmon is a cornerstone of local traditions, food sovereignty, and knowledge passed down through generations. Congressman Panetta has long been a strong ally on this issue, pushing for faster, fairer relief and smarter water policy.

The discussion also highlighted other pressing needs: fixing harbor infrastructure, federal funding support for hatcheries, balancing community well-being in the face of powerful energy and tech industries, and mitigating threats to young salmon in our rivers, like invasive striped bass. Each issue carries real consequences for the livelihoods of fishermen, the resilience of our ports, and the health of the ocean itself.

While solutions rarely come quickly, these conversations are a vital part of building them. We’re grateful for Congressman Panetta’s continued commitment to listening, learning, and taking action on behalf of our coastal communities. And we’re proud to help ensure that the voices of fishermen—those who know the ocean best—remain at the heart of these discussions.
You can help keep these voices strong. Join us in standing up for local fisheries—by attending community meetings, staying informed through our updates, or supporting the Trust’s advocacy work with a donation. Together, we can ensure a future where our working waterfronts thrive and our fisheries remain part of Monterey Bay’s identity for generations to come.