August 2026 - Director's Corner
By Melissa Mahoney, August 3, 2026
August 1 marked my fourth anniversary as Executive Director of Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust. It's hard to believe how quickly time has passed.
When I stepped into this role in the summer of 2022, I hoped to be both a stabilizing force and a catalyst for new ideas—drawing on my background in fisheries research and policy to support the long-term viability of our fishing communities while celebrating the incredible seafood they bring to our ports. Looking back, I'm proud of how much we've grown, the challenges we've weathered, and what we've accomplished together.
Like many organizations, we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic facing uncertainty. Our immediate priority was keeping the Community Seafood Program alive through creative fundraising and new grant support while beginning to think more strategically about MBFT's future. Thanks to the thoughtful stewardship of my predecessor, Sherry Flummerfelt, we were able not only to recover, but to grow. We expanded our team, refreshed our five-year Strategic Plan, and embraced a broader vision: strengthening local seafood systems while helping revitalize our working waterfronts through community-led planning and strategic infrastructure investment.
Along the way, we celebrated MBFT's 10th anniversary with fishermen, seafood businesses, chefs, community partners, and supporters—a reminder that this organization has always been built through collaboration and a shared commitment to Monterey Bay.
Last year brought new challenges. Three consecutive salmon fishery closures continued to weigh heavily on fishing families, while funding uncertainty created additional pressure for nonprofit organizations. Through it all, we remained focused on our mission, making the most of every opportunity and every dollar entrusted to us.
This year, there is renewed reason for optimism. With support from the State of California, foundation partners, and local donors, we are launching the first pilot project for Future of Blue, an ambitious initiative to strengthen working waterfronts and elevate local seafood as an essential part of our regional food system. At the same time, our Community Seafood Program continues to connect local fishermen with families in need, demonstrating that investing in local seafood benefits both our coastal economy and our community.
These four years have been both humbling and deeply rewarding. They've challenged me to grow as a leader and reinforced something I believe more strongly than ever: lasting impact is only possible because of the dedicated staff, board members, fishermen, partners, volunteers, and supporters who believe in this work. Every conversation on the docks, every shared meal, and every new partnership reminds me that together we can build a fishing economy—and a local food system—that is resilient, profitable, and nourishing for generations to come.
As I begin my fifth year with MBFT, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community. Thank you for believing in our mission, supporting our work, and helping us keep local fish on local plates—one meal, one family, and one catch at a time. I look forward to everything we'll accomplish together in the years ahead.
Wishing you a wonderful August!