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Common Seas

When it comes to preparing high quality fish, especially for raw preparations like sashimi or crudo, timing is everything. One of the most overlooked steps is letting the fish rest on ice before filleting. This simple choice makes a big difference in texture, flavor, and shelf life. What is Rigor Mortis? Why Does It Matter?

Our local waters are home to a rich diversity of seafood species that often go unnoticed or underappreciated. Expanding our seafood choices beyond the usual suspects can help ease pressure on popular fish stocks, support local fisheries, and promote healthier ocean ecosystems. From Spanish and Pacific Mackerel to Rockfish, Sheephead, and Kellet’s Whelk, these underutilized

By Local Fish Climate change is on everyone’s mind—and what we eat plays a bigger role than many realize. When it comes to seafood, choosing local fish isn’t just about freshness or flavor. It’s an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint, support healthy oceans, and fight climate change. Here’s why eating local fish is

It can be intimidating to ask questions at the fish counter or while ordering seafood at a restaurant—but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what to ask can help you make choices that are fresher, more sustainable, and better for your local community. This guide will help you shop and eat with confidence—whether you’re at

  San Diego boasts many markets, dockside sales, and restaurants dedicated to local catch. Below are just a few great spots to start your local seafood journey—there are many more! For a more complete and up-to-date list, check out the Local Fish Fishfinder page on our website. 1. Tuna Harbor Dockside Market Downtown San Diego

Summer is a prime time to eat local. The warmer months bring a dynamic mix of species into Southern California waters, from nearshore favorites to fast-moving pelagics. Whether you’re buying from a dockside fisherman, local market, or restaurant menu, here’s what’s swimming now—and why it’s worth seeking out. 🐟 White Seabass This SoCal classic isn’t

Below is your go-to list of CDFW contacts specifically tailored for commercial and recreational fishermen in California. This resource provides essential information for licensing, fishing regulations, and enforcement issues. 📌 License & Revenue Branch (Licenses, permits, validations, and general licensing questions) Commercial Fishing Licenses: 📌 Online License Sales Support (Assistance with online fishing licenses and

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

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

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

📍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

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