APRIL 2026

Dear Fisheries Friend,

As spring arrives on the Central Coast, it brings a season of transition for Monterey Bay fisheries. Changing ocean conditions and shifting regulations continue to shape the work of our fishing communities, but with these changes comes renewed energy and opportunity. In the months ahead, there is much to look forward to—from evolving fisheries to community events and continued collaboration across the waterfront. This season carries a sense of cautious optimism, grounded in the resilience and adaptability of those who make their living on the water.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

• The Community Seafood Program's Evolution and Impact

• MBFT guest stars on the Science, Solutions, Santa Cruz podcast!

• Get Hooked Dinner - Monterey Beach Hotel (Monterey, April 17th)

• Director's Corner

• Recipe - Brandade Rockfish Fritters with an Herb Aioli

The Community Seafood Program: Feeding Families, Fueling Local Fisheries

Since launching in November 2020, the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust’s Community Seafood Program has been quietly transforming the intersection of food equity and sustainable fisheries.

To date, the program has purchased or helped subsidize more than 35,000 pounds of locally caught seafood—providing over 138,000 nutritious meals to families across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties and proving that innovative collaboration can help recover a struggling seafood economy while feeding more of the people who call this region home.

Read more to learn about this important program's evolution and impact, and how we're working with regional food relief organizations to feed even more families this year.

MBFT in the Media

A Podcast Chat with the Seymour Center

Most people don’t realize how fragile and interconnected our local fisheries are and how conservation and industry are often seen as competing interests. In this podcast with the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Melissa discusses the surprising truth that protecting fish populations and supporting fishing communities can truly go hand in hand. She shares stories that challenge conventional thinking, from the deep history of fishing in California to innovative solutions that reconnect communities with their ocean resources.

Check out the Podcast

This month's Get Hooked Dinner dinner is one of our favorites.

Join us on Friday, April 17th in the top floor banquet room of the Monterey Beach Hotel. This waterfront location boasts large windows overlooking the bay and a delicious local seafood menu. What better way to help us support regional food banks and our local fishing fleet than by celebrating the bounty of Monterey Bay together?

Monterey Beach Hotel

Friday, April 17th, 5:30-9 pm

Purchase Tickets

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

A Monthly Digest from

Executive Director Melissa Mahoney

We got a dose of summer heat in March, with a week of near-90-degree temperatures, setting new records for our region and across the state. Out on the water, another marine heatwave is making itself known, with surface temperatures currently 3-4 degrees above average (NOAA Fisheries). The warmer water can cause species ranges to shift, decrease the survival of salmon, and cause harmful algae blooms that can close fisheries and hurt wildlife.

On March 19th, we held our second "Get Hooked" dinner of the year at Foray restaurant in Carmel. Chef Michael Chang and his team dazzled the crowd with a unique presentation of local spot prawns, black cod, and abalone. Ian Cole of Ocean2Table provided valuable insights into the recent challenges facing local fisheries.

SEASONAL SEAFOOD RECIPE

Rockfish Brandade Frittters with Herb Aioli

This month we're throwing it back to a favorite rockfish recipe.

Rockfish is one of the Monterey Bay's most abundant and sustainable fisheries, and is so versatile, the preparation possibilities are endless!

These little flavor bombs, topped with an herb aioli are a real crowd pleaser, so give it a try the next time you're looking for a new way to highlight local rockfish!

This recipe, courtesy of Chef Paul Corsentino of the Monterey Beach Hotel, is a unique (and insanely delicious) way to utilize rockfish’s versatility and bring out a great flavor profile. Make sure you start this one the day before so the fish can cure overnight!

Recipe Here

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

Thank you to Chef Michael Chang, Caroline Singer, Jose Gutierrez and the whole team at Foray for hosting an incredible Get Hooked Dinner on March 19th! We'd also like to extend our thanks to Ian Cole of Ocean2Table and our generous sponsors, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Montage Health, and Bay Federal Credit Union. We appreciate all who joined us—your support strengthens sustainable local fisheries and our Community Seafood Program. We gratefully acknowledge three impactful donors who have pledged a combined $10,000 match for our Week of Seafood Giving, to be held the week of July 13th—doubling the amount of local seafood meals for families in need while supporting our fishing community.

info@mbfishtrust.org | montereybayfisheriestrust.org

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