Key facts
- The average age of California's commercial fishing captains is 48, with many nearing retirement.
- Median annual crew pay has fallen by approximately one-third between 2014 and 2024.
- Captains' earnings have also decreased significantly during the same timeframe.
- A fishing apprenticeship program at UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography aims to train new fishermen.
- The program has graduated 11 individuals, with six currently active in the fishing industry.
- Challenges such as mentor availability and high insurance costs hinder the apprenticeship's success.
California's commercial fishing industry faces a critical challenge as its fleet ages, with many fishermen nearing retirement and fewer newcomers entering the trade. This situation is exacerbated by declining pay rates and complex regulations, making it difficult for fishermen to earn a sustainable living.
Median annual pay for crew members on the West Coast has dropped by about a third over the last decade, from $90,468 in 2014 to $61,592 in 2024. Captains have also seen their earnings significantly reduced, falling from $173,271 to $108,972 in the same period. In San Diego, these rates are even lower.
To address these issues and ensure a supply of locally caught seafood, UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography launched a fishing apprenticeship program in 2020. The program provides comprehensive training in fishing techniques, safety protocols, regulations, and business management. However, the initiative has faced hurdles, including a lack of mentors among experienced fishermen concerned about time and insurance costs, and the precarious nature of deckhand pay, which is a percentage of the catch and often includes unpaid preparatory work.
Despite these challenges, the program has successfully trained some individuals, like Shane Volberding, who is one of the younger captains in a fleet where the average age is 48. The industry's reliance on imported seafood, which is often cheaper due to less stringent regulations, further strains local fishing operations. Historically, San Diego was known as the 'Tuna Capital of the World,' but now has only 130 local commercial fishermen.