By Lisa Damrosch
As 2024 draws to a close, I’m feeling all of the holiday feels—joy, hope, faith and, because I work in fisheries, I feel a bit Grinch-y as well. Most of all though, I find myself filled with gratitude.
It’s hard to believe I’m nearing my one-year mark as executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. This year has been a whirlwind of challenges, growth and learning.
At its core, it’s been a year filled with appreciation for this community and the commercial fishing families who, despite the incredible obstacles we face, continue to support our coastal communities and work tirelessly to bring sustainable, local seafood to America’s tables.
I know how fortunate I was to grow up in one of those families, a family that continues to fish now with the fifth generation on board. This year, I’ve reflected a lot on the legacies of commercial fishing, both professionally in this new role and personally after the loss of my dad this year.
The future of commercial fishing is personal for me, just as it is for each of you. We are not just working to sustain an industry, we are fighting for a way of life that has supported families, strengthened communities and fed millions.
It can be difficult to find peace and the holiday spirit in the storms we face. But when I reflect, I am reminded of my wholehearted belief in the essential contributions of the commercial fishing fleet to the culture, economy and food production of California and beyond. I continue to have unwavering faith in the tenacity, grit and problem-solving abilities of commercial fishermen.
I experience overwhelming joy when I watch my family vessel glide through the jaws of our harbor with my brother and son on board and fish or crab on the deck.
Don’t get me wrong, I also feel the fury of the Grinch when commercial fishing families and communities are sacrificed because curtailing the responsible harvest of sustainable ocean resources is used as an easy answer to complex questions.
All of these things can be true at the same time, and at this time of year it is important to reflect, learn from what worked and what didn’t, and prepare for what comes next.
No one chooses a life in commercial fishing expecting it to be easy. The ocean can be bountiful and kind one moment, then relentless and unforgiving the next. Commercial fishermen have always accepted the unpredictability of the ocean and been willing to live and die by her power.
Every commercial fisherman has at one time or another stood on the back deck and looked out at the horizon and felt that power. It can be impossible not to, at least for a split second, breathe in that salt air and be filled with gratitude while reflecting on how small and insignificant we really are as humans.
This is why it is so hard for us to accept the human-created storms, often in the name of conservation, that have truly become unrelenting. We have been knocked down and beaten, and it can feel like every day brings a new threat to our livelihoods and way of life. But we have no choice but to keep fighting, and maybe it’s the holiday spirit speaking, but we also have to be mindful not to let these storms wash away the joy, hope and gratitude that make life beautiful.
There is no doubt that in 2025, the storms facing commercial fishing will keep coming and likely grow in intensity. We will need to balance our optimism and rage and channel them into meaningful action. It will take persistence, tenacity and ingenuity to face the obstacles ahead.
The good news is that these qualities are deeply rooted in the very nature of commercial fishermen, and there is no doubt that we will never back down from a challenge. This is what fills me with optimism for what lies ahead, no matter how bleak the forecast.
Yet none of us can face these challenges alone, and when we are divided and focused on only our own businesses and agendas we play directly into the hands of the human storm makers. Our greatest strength only comes from unity and our power lies in our collective voice, strategic organization and disciplined messaging.
In California, PCFFA has been focused on building that unity and creating an organization of fishermen and for fishermen that taps into the collective wisdom and expertise of fishermen from every port and fishery.
We have seen this work in small battles this year and we must build on it to survive. Standing together, learning from one another, agreeing where we can, focusing on results and advocating with a unified voice is what will give us strength.
Over the past year, we have laid the groundwork for even more collaboration, and we are excited to share our plans for 2025, including greater transparency, results-driven projects and priorities and continued hard work.
We are committed to ensuring that PCFFA serves as a resource and hub for communication and action and is your place to go for updated information, resources and ways to engage. We’re also expanding our social media channels to keep you informed about the latest developments, advocacy efforts and opportunities to get involved.
I encourage every fisherman to get involved, join your local port associations, participate in the conversations that matter and help drive the change we want to see in our industry. Together we can weather the storms ahead, just as we have done for generations.
In the year ahead, let’s remain optimistic, united and engaged. The challenges we face are real, but so is our determination. Together, we can continue to fight for the future of our fisheries, our livelihoods and our way of life.
As the holiday season approaches, and fishing openers await, I hope each of you will find at least a moment to rest, recharge and connect with those who give you strength, and that you are able to experience some peace and calm between storms.
Know that we are grateful for you, for the work you do and the food that you provide—and that I personally am grateful for your commitment to working toward common goals.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your families peace, joy and strength this holiday season, and a safe and prosperous fishing season.
Warmly, Lisa
Lisa Damrosch is the executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA), and comes from a fifth-generation commercial fishing family working from Half Moon Bay, Calif. She can be reached at the Southwest Regional PCFFA office at P.O. Box 29370, San Francisco, CA 94129-0370, or at lisa@pcffa.org. The phone number for the SF office is
(650) 209-0801.