The Fishermen Market and Pacific to Plate

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

With the leadership of the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) worked collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to find a way for local fishermen to offer their fresh catch at the bayfront, and to draft State legislative language to establish the fishermen’s market chapter in the California Health and Safety Code, allowing fishermen throughout the state to sell directly to consumers, providing a sustainable source of local healthy food and supporting the local economy. DEH partnered with the San Diego Port Authority and local commercial fishermen, finding a creative solution for fishermen to get a permit as the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and operate on Port of San Diego land every Saturday. The Market offers healthy and affordable seafood options to County residents and visitors through a unique shopping experience. During its first year, the market generated over one million dollars in sales, and quickly became a San Diego County landmark. DEH also collaborated with key stakeholders to identify legislative changes needed to allow direct seafood sales at fishermen’s market throughout the State, and crafted State Assembly Bill (AB 226), Pacific to Plate, which was signed into law by Governer Jerry Brown on Oct. 8, 2015 supporting direct sales of freshly caught fish to consumers.