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SEPTEMBER 2025

Margaret Spring's Leadership Leaves a Lasting Impact

At first glance, news that the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Board is losing one of its founders and visionary leaders would seem like a setback.

Instead it’s an opportunity—and even a reason to celebrate. 

And, as it turns out, Margaret Spring isn’t really leaving, other than to do more good work on behalf of the planet.

“I’ll never be disconnected to the Trust,” she says. “I’m not going anywhere, just switching channels a little bit.”

The move will allow Spring—who serves as the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s chief conservation and science officer after time as an ocean policy leader with NOAA, the U.S. Senate and The Nature Conservancy—to dedicate more time confronting massive environmental crises affecting both people and our ocean. 

Pete's in Capitola is hosting our next Get Hooked Dinner on Thursday, September 18th. Don't miss this special evening – secure your tickets today!

Join us at Pete's beautiful seaside location for an evening celebrating Monterey Bay's bounty. There will be a three-course dinner featuring fresh, local seafood while you enjoy stunning water views and hear stories from our fishing community. Pete's California-French inspired cuisine and seasonal approach make this the perfect setting to showcase our region's incredible seafood. This dinner directly supports the Community Seafood Program, making every bite a meaningful contribution to both our local fishing economy and food security in our community.

Reserve your spot for this elevated dining experience in the heart of Capitola.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Bay Federal Credit Union!

Pete's

Capitola

September 18th

6pm

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.

Next Event:

Solstice, Big Sur - Nov 16th

On July 30th, local fishermen leaders sat down with U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta to speak directly about the challenges facing Monterey Bay’s working waterfronts. Each year, the Trust helps bring these voices to the table, ensuring that the realities of our fisheries are heard loud and clear in Washington D.C.

Not surprising that salmon was front and center. With back-to-back fishery disasters since 2023, our community has felt both the economic sting and the cultural loss of this iconic species. Fishermen spoke candidly about the inadequacy of 2023 disaster payments—funds that came too late and fell far short of covering real losses. Beyond the numbers, they reminded us that salmon is a cornerstone of local traditions, food sovereignty, and knowledge passed down through generations. Congressman Panetta has long been a strong ally on this issue, pushing for faster, fairer relief and smarter water policy.

Fuel Your Performance With Fish

➤ Want to build muscle smarter? Discover why not all proteins are created equal — and how fish can give your workouts a powerful edge. Rich in high-quality complete protein and Omega-3s, fish can support muscle growth, boost recovery, and fuel your performance. Dive into the science with nutritionist Shadae Zamyad. 

SEASONAL SEAFOOD RECIPE

Pacific Coast Seafood Recipe Books

Instead of one recipe this month, we're sharing a curated list of cookbooks from San Diego to Oregon, featuring talented chefs and seafood enthusiasts along the Pacific Coast. Fish Forward has compiled these excellent seafood cookbooks – perfect for bringing the flavors of our coastal waters to your kitchen. Fish Forward is a Substack collaborative that brings together people connected to the ocean and the seafood it provides, culinary experts who help make seafood accessible for purchasing and home preparation, and creatives who draw inspiration from the sea.

We sincerely appreciate all our partners, funders, and individual donors who continue to support the Trust’s mission. Our work would not be possible without this community.

info@mbfishtrust.org | montereybayfisheriestrust.org