Welcome to
Common Seas

Local Fish is built to support small-boat fishermen. We give you a more direct, transparent, and supported way to sell your catch in today’s market. Here’s what that looks like: Direct Access to Our Network of Buyers We connect you directly with a growing network of restaurants, chefs, and consumers who are actively seeking local

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed (*still awaiting senate and president) the reauthorization of the Young Fishermen’s Development Act, originally signed into law in 2021. Administered through NOAA and the Sea Grant program, this initiative provides funding to support emerging commercial fishermen and strengthen coastal economies. Commercial fishing in the United States is facing

Understanding California’s fish receiver rules for restaurants and seafood buyers.

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By Thomas Fies, Graduate Student Intern El Niño is the stuff of legends among fishermen in San Diego. Wahoo on the 9-mile bank, dorado on paddies, yellowfin tuna in abundance – the hype feeds itself. Stories of El Niño’s past stoke the fire and lend to the chatter any time the possibility arises. NOAA recently

If you are selling directly to a chef or restaurant, or smaller establishment for the first time, the invoice is usually necessary and a big part of establishing credibility.

Ever wondered what’s swimming in San Diego waters or what local fishermen are landing right now? Our Species Directory makes it easy (and fun) to get to know the seafood that’s caught right here along our coast. Start by heading to the Explore tab and selecting “Meet the Seafood.” From there, you can scroll through

Before submitting a public comment, take time to thoroughly understand the issue. Review the linked resources to learn more about the topic you are addressing. Being well-informed will strengthen the impact of your comment and help prevent miscommunication.

Drift gillnets, deep-set buoy gear, harpoons, and pelagic longlines differ significantly in how, when, and where they are used, as well as in their environmental and economic impacts. Drift gillnets are traditionally fished at night near the surface, around 200 feet deep, and are left to drift untended for long periods. While they historically offered

Electronic Landing and Reporting Requirements Electronic fish ticket reporting has been mandatory since July 1, 2019. This system replaced paper landing receipts and enables more timely, accurate catch reporting. Landing Fees and Reporting Fish businesses are responsible for submitting quarterly landing fee reports for fish landed during each calendar quarter.  Data Transparency and Fisheries Management

In California, catching fish with a Commercial Fishing License is only step one. If you want to sell that fish, either directly to the public, to restaurants, or through a buyer, you need the right business license. Here are the three main business licenses that we get a lot of questions about: Who needs it:

If you plan to fish for Highly Migratory Species (HMS) such as swordfish, bluefin tuna, or sharks in federal waters off the U.S. West Coast (if you fish beyond 3 miles), you’ll need a Pacific HMS Permit issued by NOAA Fisheries. As of September 2025, the application system is fully online through the NOAA Fisheries