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Dear Fisheries Friend,
As spring approaches on the Central Coast, there’s plenty happening across our fishing communities and here at the Trust. In this month’s newsletter, we take a look at the evolving reality of crab season, provide details about our upcoming Get Hooked Dinners, and share reflections from our Director. You'll also find a favorite seasonal recipe, perfect for celebrating one of our region’s most iconic catches.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
• Crab Season's New New Reality Isn't What You Expect
• Get Hooked Dinner - Foray (Carmel-by-the-Sea, March 19th)
• Get Hooked Dinner - Monterey Beach Hotel (Monterey, April 17th)
• Director's Corner
• Recipe - Dungeness Crab with Citrus, Fennel, and Spring Herbs
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Crab Season's New New Reality
Isn't What You Expect
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For at least one crab lover, it was the best Christmas ever.
Pinch-me-fresh, straight-from-the-Monterey-Bay Dungeness crab was so plentiful that whole crabs were going for $7 down at the end of Monterey’s Municipal Wharf.
That’s not per pound, that’s the entire crustacean.
I bought as many as I had cash for—11 crabs, boiled that morning—and launched into what I remember now as “The Adventures of Crab Santa.”
That’s where you skip the chimney but still tiptoe into the homes of family and friends while they’re at work and stack fresh crab on fridge shelves in interesting formations, like you might with gifts under the tree.
Newsflash: That was a long time ago, early 2010s style, and crab season on Monterey Bay isn’t going to be like that again.
BUT, all caps and italics intended, that’s not entirely bad, because there are some things about the changing fishery that have insiders not just optimistic, but almost giddy.
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The next two Get Hooked Dinners are bringing us back to some of our favorite locations from last year's series, and we couldn't be more excited about it.
March 19th, we will be hosting a Get Hooked dinner at the critically acclaimed restaurant, Foray. Known their passion for local sourcing and unique and intimate Carmel-by-the-Sea setting, Chef Michael Chang will create a true Central Coast dining experience that is not to be missed!
You'll have to act fast - tickets are almost sold out!
Foray
Thursday, March 19th, 6-8pm
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Can't make it in March? No problem!
Mark your calendars for Friday April 17th when we'll be hosting at the
Monterey Beach Hotel in Monterey. You won't want to miss the floor-to-ceiling windows showing off Monterey peninsula sunsets while enjoying an exceptional seafood meal with friends and celebrating local seafood and community.
| | 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
| | We are looking for additional corporate sponsors to underwrite our 2026 Get Hooked dinner series. If you are interested in growing your company’s visibility by giving locally, please email us at info@mbfishtrust.org | | |
A Monthly Digest from
Executive Director Melissa Mahoney
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Happy Lunar New Year!
I'm especially fascinated by the advent of the 'Fire Horse' year. The last time this occurred, in 1966, was a period of turbulence and transformation in American history and politics. This year, too, is already proving bold and unpredictable.
On February 24th, we kicked off our 2026 Get Hooked dinner series with a lively and delicious event at Hook+Line Restaurant in Santa Cruz. With a full house, positive energy from our community, and the commitment of matching funds to help reach our goal for our July 2026 Week of Seafood Giving campaign, it was a fabulous start to the season!
| | At the same time, significant federal actions are unfolding. The Administration is moving fast offshore oil & gas lease sales off the coast of California (set for 2027), alongside new interest in critical minerals mining. These lease sales pose serious risks to our marine ecosystem and coastal economy. I've been meeting with business leaders in Monterey and have upcoming conversations planned in Santa Cruz to encourage informed engagement and strong public comment. If you would like to know more, check out www.saveourcoast.org or www.saveourshores.org for more information. | | | | Why Aging Brains Need Seafood | ➤ When we think about aging well, our minds often drift to wrinkle creams, hair dyes, and exercise routines - the visible markers of growing older. But perhaps the most crucial aspect of healthy aging isn't what we see in the mirror, but rather what's happening inside our brains. | | While we spend billions annually on products promising to preserve our youthful appearance, cognitive health - our ability to think, remember, and reason - has a far greater impact on our quality of life as we age. | | Dungeness Crab with Citrus, Fennel, and Spring Herbs | | | | |
It's feeling like spring, so head to the docks for fresh crab off the boat, and add some spring flavor!
Dungeness crab is naturally sweet and delicate. This preparation keeps it simple and lets fresh, early-spring produce — fennel, herbs, and citrus — elevate the flavor without overpowering it.
| | Thank You to Our Generous Donors | | Thank you to Lejla Borovac, Chef Santos Majano and the entire Hook & Line team for hosting such an incredible, sold out Get Hooked Dinner on February 24th! Thank you also to the Santa Cruz Warriors, New Leaf Markets, and Real Good Fish for donating to our raffle. We appreciate all who joined us—your support directly strengthens sustainable local fisheries and our Community Seafood Program, delivering fresh seafood to families facing food insecurity. We also gratefully acknowledge our newest Get Hooked dinner series sponsor, Montage Health. We truly appreciate renewed general operating support from The Campbell Foundation and our continued partnership. Together, we are working to realize a sustainable seafood future for Monterey Bay! | | | | |
