May 2026 - Director's Corner
By Melissa Mahoney, May 4, 2026
At the April Get Hooked Event at the Monterey Beach Hotel
Another month has flown by, full of exciting news, fun events, and birthday celebrations.
On April 7th, we participated in the Monterey Union Football Club’s ‘831 night’ benefiting local non-profit organizations. No goals were scored on the field, but our team and supporters had a ton of fun that evening.
We also saw the start of the recreational salmon season, and anxiously awaited decisions on the commercial season, which has been closed since 2023. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC), the regional body that manages our salmon fishery and others, recommended a limited season, with a limit on the number of fish allowed for each region and specific open dates starting in May. Word on the docks could be described as mildly excited, “It’s not enough to make me whole, but at least we get to go scratch and enjoy the prospect of catching a few kings in Monterey Bay,” said one local fisherman I spoke with recently.
Our April 17 Get Hooked dinner at the Monterey Beach Hotel was an intimate and memorable evening that beautifully reflected the spirit of community—and the idea of “chosen family.” Set against a stunning coastal sunset, guests enjoyed locally caught blackcod and rockfish landed just the day before by fisherman Walter Deyerle of Sea Harvest, who joined us alongside his wife. We also heard inspiring remarks from Rick Richards, president of Al & Friends, one of our Community Seafood Program partners, whose dedication to feeding those in need across Monterey continues to motivate our work.
In late April, we had the pleasure of hosting a tour and meeting with Supervisor Chris Lopez to explore the unique community of Moss Landing. Accompanied by veteran fisherman Wilson Quick, we toured three key properties, reflecting on what the waterfront once was "back in the day," its current state, and the significant potential that lies ahead. For Supervisor Lopez, who now represents the Central Coast on the California Coastal Commission and is a passionate sport fisherman himself, the visit provided a firsthand look at the challenges of degradation and blight facing the area. Along the way, he met with longtime industry leaders Richard and Daniel Deyerle, as well as the new owners of the Moss Landing Boatyard and Eco Tours, who are working to revitalize their operations to better serve our local fishing fleet. It was also a timely opportunity to see the impact of grants from the Monterey Bay Air Resources Control Board (MBARCB), where the Supervisor also serves.
Hosting these visits fills me with optimism. I truly believe that with continued collaboration, this "diamond in the rough" can become a vibrant, cherished destination for residents and visitors alike—a place where marine research, sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and local seafood markets all thrive, showcasing the true culture and beauty of Moss Landing at the heart of Monterey Bay.
As I mark another year around the sun, I am grateful for health, family, our amazing team, and the many supporters, partners, and colleagues who make this work possible. Together, we are building a more resilient seafood economy, a healthier ocean, and a stronger community.