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Common Seas

A collection of resources from recipes to stories that will get you hooked and reel you in.

Deep Dive

Resources

Local Fish Initiative: Implementation Plan

Objective 6: Develop Local Fish Initiative Implementation Plan Part 1: About the Implementation Plan (Purpose, Process & Timeline) Objective 6: Develop Local Fish Initiative Implementation Plan What: The Implementation Plan will serve as a guide outlining the necessary tasks to ensure the continued success and scalability of Local Fish beyond the project period. It provides

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🎣 Know Your Gear: A San Diego Guide to Sustainable Seafood Choices

Here in San Diego, we’re lucky to be surrounded by an abundant and diverse marine ecosystem. Our ocean is home to a wide variety of delicious seafood options—and with every bite, we have an opportunity to make a positive impact. When it comes to choosing sustainable seafood, there’s no better option than going local. Not

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Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: What It Means for U.S. Fisheries and California Fishermen

On April 17, 2025, the White House announced a sweeping new executive order: “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.” The action aims to strengthen the U.S. fishing industry by rolling back federal regulations, promoting American-caught seafood, and addressing unfair foreign trade practices. It marks one of the most significant seafood-related policy changes in years. Below is a

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AB 1056: Understanding the Proposed Changes to California Gill Net Fishing Permits

📍What Is AB 1056? Assembly Bill 1056 (introduced by Assembly member Steve Bennett in 2025) proposes significant updates to California’s commercial fishing regulations, specifically targeting gill net and trammel net permits. These types of gear are commonly used in the California halibut and white seabass fisheries. While still under legislative review, AB 1056 aims to

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Meet the Fisher: Andrew Hemstreet

Andrew Hemstreet is part of the next generation of fishermen committed to delivering high-quality, local seafood. He brings fresh energy and a deep respect for the ocean to everything he does. Focused on sustainability and responsible fishing, Andrew is determined to make local seafood more accessible while ensuring every catch meets the highest standards. His

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Findings from San Diego Chef Interviews

Experience & Cuisine Preferences: Vendor Relationships: Seafood Selection: Local Catch Demand: Barriers to Local Seafood: Ideal Solutions: Ordering Preferences: Quality Ratings: These findings were gathered through a targeted poll conducted with chefs in the San Diego area. The survey captured insights from professionals with varying years of experience in the restaurant industry, focusing on their

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Building and Expanding Seafood Literacy with Fishful Future

Introducing Fishful Future: Empowering San Diegans with Local Seafood Literacy Fishful Future is a San Diego-based initiative dedicated to fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the local seafood system. By providing educational resources and tools, Fishful Future empowers individuals to confidently source, prepare, and enjoy the diverse array of seafood landed by the region’s

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Building and Expanding Community with San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group

Introducing the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group: A Fishermen-Led Initiative for a Sustainable Future The San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group (SDFWG) is a fishermen-led initiative focused on ensuring the sustainability of the fishing industry in San Diego. By advocating for the region’s commercial fishermen, the SDFWG aims to elevate fishing’s role in the community, emphasizing

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Resources

Cheat Sheet to Creating and Submitting Electronic Fish Tickets

How to Create and Submit an Electronic Fish Ticket If you’re a commercial fisherman or a fish receiver in California, submitting landing data via electronic fish tickets (E-Tix) is mandatory. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started: For more detailed instructions and help, visit the CDFW website  or contact the Marine Fisheries Statistical Unit at

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Marketing Tips to Showcase Your Catch

How To make the most of your catch in the digital space Fishing has always been more than just a profession; it’s a way of life. For many fishermen, the focus has traditionally been on the catch itself. However, in today’s marketplace, storytelling and connection are key to building a loyal customer base. By taking

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Resources

New Groundfish Regulations for 2025-26: What San Diego Fishermen Need to Know

NOAA Fisheries has announced the final rule for the 2025-26 Pacific Coast Groundfish Harvest Specifications and Management Measures (Amendment 33). These new regulations, effective January 1, 2025, will impact fisheries in the U.S. exclusive economic zone off Washington, Oregon, and California, including San Diego-based commercial fishermen. Here’s what you need to know: What’s New in

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Resources

USCG Documentation vs. State Registration: What California Boat Owners Need to Know

In California, boat owners have the option to either document their vessels federally through the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or register them with the state. Here are some common reasons people choose documentation over state registration: While state registration can be simpler and more economical for smaller recreational vessels, documentation offers benefits for commercial

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