Dr. Richmond’s HD Lab Received a grant for $271,225 from the NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy program to fund a project to develop Fishing Community Sustainability Plans for Eureka and Shelter Cove. For more information you can refer to the HSU press release.

In addition detailed information about the project over time will be kept on the project website: www.humboldtfishplan.com

The “Mosquito Fleet” of Shelter Cove out during a salmon opener.

The research team also received an additional $50,000 from the CSU Agricultural Research Institute to add a mariculture component to the Eureka planning process.

Fishing Community Sustainability Plans (CSPs) are a way for fishermen to have a direct impact on the future of their port and their industry. CSP planning is a process that involves working with stakeholders in fishing and waterfront activities to assess community needs and develop a list of recommendations to take to improve the sustainability of their ports. A key focus of the plan will be the commercial fishing industry but the process incorporates a wide range of waterfront interests including: commercial fishing, charter and recreational fishing, mariculture, fish buyers/processors, marina services, support industries, tourism, and local government. A CSP is a strategic document that will help the fishing community identify, communicate, and attain their goals for a stronger and more resilient future.  

If fishing communities want to be prosperous in the future they need to start planning today. The CSP process will help create community awareness while also providing a strategic roadmap which builds on current successes and prepares for future changes. Similar planning efforts in Morro Bay and Monterey have led to real benefits including increased fishing opportunities, infrastructure upgrades, and increased community cohesion.