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OCTOBER 2025

Monterey Bay Semi-Secret Seafood Star: Abalone

Abalone made Monterey Bay what it is today. Full stop. 

If that seems like a mouthful, fair enough. It’s also true.

Don’t take my word for it, though. Fourth-generation Californian Tim Thomas, a historian and Monterey waterfront tour guide, has been researching abalone’s impact on the area for more than 40 years. 

“Honestly, without abalone, I think the area would be very different,” he says.

He notes abundant wild abalone first drew Chinese and then Japanese immigrants to local shores. That led to the discovery of the salmon harvest, which in turn triggered other waves of immigrants, which led to the discovery of the sardine fishery, which cultivated the emergence of Cannery Row.

Solstice in Big Sur is hosting our final Get Hooked Dinner of the year on Sunday, November 16th. Mark your calendars for this unique evening – tickets are available now!

Experience an unforgettable night at Solstice's picturesque Big Sur valley setting, where we'll celebrate the treasures of Monterey Bay waters. Chef Tim Eelman will prepare a three-course feast featuring sustainably harvested, locally caught seafood. He'll be joined by guest chef Zach Ladwig of The Ranch at Rock Creek. This dinner directly benefits the Community Seafood Program, ensuring each dish supports both our local fishing families and community food access.

Don't miss this exceptional culinary experience nestled in Big Sur's breathtaking landscape.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Pinnacle Bank!

Solstice

46840 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920

Sunday, November 16th

5pm-9pm

~Tickets include discount code to lodging at Big Sur River Inn~

We are looking for corporate sponsors to underwrite future Get Hooked dinners. If you are interested in growing your company’s visibility by giving locally, please email us at info@mbfishtrust.org.

*2026 Get Hooked Dinner Schedule Coming Soon*

In late September, I visited Sacramento to attend two important meetings: the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) meeting and the 50th annual Zeke Grader Fisheries Forum. My intention for both meetings was to raise the visibility of the Monterey Bay region as a focal point for research and new ideas to address the challenges facing our commercial fishing fleet. This includes our potential to work together to improve port infrastructure, boost local food production, create maritime jobs, and strengthen the economic development capacity of our three working waterfronts. 

The Role of Fish in Gut Health

➤ In matters of gut health, fiber and fermented foods usually get all the attention. But new research shows that fish, rich in anti-inflammatory Omega-3s and bioactive compounds, may play a surprising role in supporting a healthy gut. Don’t miss this fresh take on gut-friendly nutrition in our latest article.

SEASONAL SEAFOOD RECIPE

Local Albacore Tuna Poke

With local albacore tuna in season, check out this quick and easy poke recipe from Real Good Fish. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, and also works great with bluefin!

Thank you, Chefs Will and Gracie, Sarah Orr, and the entire Pete's Capitola team for hosting an outstanding Get Hooked Dinner on September 18th! Thank you also to local artist Ed Martinez and Ocean2Table for donating to our raffle. We appreciate all who joined in support of the Community Seafood Program and to celebrate our local fisheries. We are also grateful to the Repass-Rodgers and US Bank foundations for our renewed grants and continued partnerships. Thank you for helping us to realize a sustainable seafood future for Monterey Bay!

info@mbfishtrust.org | montereybayfisheriestrust.org