Conservation vs. Fishing
September 17, 2026, By Mike Hale, Coastal Grower
On many mornings along Monterey Bay’s working waterfront, fishing boats return quietly to harbor after long hours at sea. Decks are washed down, crates of fish are unloaded, and the rhythm of a centuries-old industry continues — often unnoticed by visitors strolling Cannery Row or watching sea lions bark from the docks. For Melissa Mahoney, those boats represent far more than a picturesque coastal scene. They are the foundation of a regional blue economy, a cultural legacy, and a critical component of Monterey Bay’s long-term environmental stewardship.