Welcome to
Common Seas

In this interview, Elmo reflects on a lifetime of fishing rooted in his upbringing in Point Loma and his parallel career as an educator. He discusses the challenges facing California fishermen while emphasizing stewardship, adaptability, and sharing the value of responsibly harvested seafood with the community.

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

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