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Common Seas

📍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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The coastal beauty of San Diego is matched only by the richness of its fishing industry and culinary delights. Amidst this synergy, Bluefin Tuna stands out as a prized catch, gracing the menus of local restaurants. Yet, the path to legally selling Bluefin Tuna commercially to chefs in California involves various aspects. In this posting,

Here in San Diego, we are fortunate to be surrounded by an abundant and diverse marine ecosystem. Our ocean is home to a myriad of seafood options, offering not only delicious delicacies but an opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment. When it comes to making sustainable seafood choices, there’s no better option

Current Challenge: Market Disruptions & Instability This is part two of a six part series. As we built this platform, we surveyed commercial fishermen to identify pain points in the industry where we might be able to serve the community or fill a gap in the market. Over the course of two years we used