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Dear Fisheries Friend,
August is one of the best times to celebrate Monterey Bay's incredible fishing community. From peak-season local seafood and waterfront events to opportunities to connect with fishermen, researchers, and chefs, this month is full of ways to experience the people and places behind our local catch. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you on the docks—or around the table—this month!
Here’s what is on the menu:
• Meet one of our newest board members, Anthony Davi!
• Get excited for the Sept 15th Get Hooked Dinner at Pete's Capitola
• Join us at "Seas the Summer" in Moss Landing, August 30th
• Check out Melissa's anniversary reflection in this month's Director's Corner
• Make this delicious Halibut Crudo dish!
| | Meet our Newest Member - Anthony Davi | | |
Long before Anthony Davi became an attorney helping people shape the future of California's Central Coast, he learned some of life's most important lessons on the water.
Growing up in Monterey, Anthony's childhood revolved around fishing, surfing, and the close-knit Italian fishing community that has long defined the city's waterfront. Summers and fishing trips stretched from Monterey Bay to Alaska, while days spent running cross country, surfing Carmel Beach, and learning to fish instilled a lifelong appreciation for the ocean and the people whose livelihoods depend on it. Those early experiences didn't just shape his love for the coast—they shaped his sense of responsibility to care for it.
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Pete's Capitola - September 15th
| | | | Our Get Hooked dinner series continues with an unforgettable evening at Pete's in Capitola on September 15th, where exceptional cuisine meets the freshest local catch. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted multi-course menu celebrating Monterey Bay seafood, paired with the stories of the fishermen and working waterfront that make these meals possible. Join us for a delicious night of community, sustainability, and local flavor! | | |
Pete's Capitola
Tuesday, September 15th
| | | These dinners directly benefit the Community Seafood Program, ensuring each dish supports both our local fishing families and community food access. | | A special thank you to our dinner series sponsors! | | | | |
Bay Federal Credit Union
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Seas the Summer in Moss Landing
Seas the Summer is back in Moss Landing! This free weekend community series in Moss Landing runs August 1 through September 6, with a very special event day Sunday, August 30th. Explore the historic Western Flyer, tour the Sunflower Star Laboratory, enjoy Monterey Bay Eco Tours, hands-on activities, local vendors, and more.
Join MBFT at the August 30th event, featuring a free Monterey Bay uni tasting hosted by Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. As you sample this local delicacy, you'll learn how researchers are tackling the purple urchin boom through innovative aquaculture and kelp forest restoration efforts. It's a unique opportunity to connect with the science, history, and people working to protect Monterey Bay—all while enjoying one of the region's most iconic seafoods.
Come tast uni with us and learn more about our Moss Landing Pilot Project, part of our Future of Blue Initiative, and celebrate the amazing community of Moss Landing.
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A Monthly Digest from
Executive Director Melissa Mahoney
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August 1 marked my fourth anniversary as Executive Director of Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust. It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed.
When I stepped into this role in the summer of 2022, I hoped to be both a stabilizing force and a catalyst for new ideas—drawing on my background in fisheries research and policy to support the long-term viability of our fishing communities while celebrating the incredible seafood they bring to our ports. Looking back, I'm proud of how much we've grown, the challenges we've weathered, and what we've accomplished together.
Like many organizations, we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic facing uncertainty. Our immediate priority was keeping the Community Seafood Program alive through creative fundraising and new grant support while beginning to think more strategically about MBFT's future. Thanks to the thoughtful stewardship of my predecessor, Sherry Flummerfelt, we were able not only to recover, but to grow. We expanded our team, refreshed our five-year Strategic Plan, and embraced a broader vision: strengthening local seafood systems while helping revitalize our working waterfronts through community-led planning and strategic infrastructure investment.
| | There's no better time to enjoy local Pacific halibut than right now. A seasonal favorite in Monterey Bay, halibut is prized for its delicate flavor, firm texture, and incredible versatility. This month, our friends at Real Good Fish are sharing a refreshing Halibut Tiradito (Crudo) recipe inspired by the bright flavors of Peru and Mexico. Featuring ultra-fresh local halibut with vibrant citrus, melon, and chile, it's a light, elegant dish that's perfect for warm summer evenings and a delicious way to celebrate one of our region's finest catches. | | Thank You to Our Generous Donors | | We are deeply grateful to our 2026 Week of Seafood Giving donors. Your incredible support brought in 37 gifts, including a $10,000 match challenge from three loyal supporters. Together, we exceeded our goal and raised $21,000 for the Community Seafood Program! Every dollar helps put local fish on local plates. A special thank you goes to Other Brother Brewery for hosting a fantastic Ocean and Fisheries Trivia Night to kick off the week and for generously donating a portion of the proceeds from all pints and fish tacos sold. Thank you to everyone who made this week a success! | | | | |
