Learn more about the species that inhabit the Monterey Bay, and the seasonality of when they are available in your local markets and restaurants. Plus learning more about the fish that you order helps appreciate the unique qualities of each species, and will help you be inspired in the best ways to prepare it!
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California halibut, not to be confused with Pacific halibut, is a species of flatfish found in abundance in Monterey Bay. A prized catch for both commercial and recreational fishermen, California halibut is fun to catch and delicious to eat.
Wild, fresh King salmon is only available in California on certain weeks during the summer months (pending regulatory changes and potential closures). Find out when, where, and how to access fresh, local wild-caught King salmon.
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Anchovies add a rich, unique flavor in many classic recipes. This fish is building its modern-day reputation as a sustainable and tasty seafood option.
Seafood Seasonality Guide
When you shop for seafood at a grocery store or supermarket, ask for locally-caught seafood that is in season. This encourages fish buyers to source from Monterey Bay fishermen and strengthens our local food system as a whole. Check out our seasonality chart below to help understand what time of year certain species are typically landed. Please note the disclaimer that this information is subject to regulatory changes each year.
Now, more than ever, it’s essential to connect with food harvested and grown close to home, both to feed our families, and to support our local economy. We’ve compiled a list of businesses that provide sustainable seafood from Monterey Bay and California’s central coast fishermen.
If your business sells local seafood and is not listed, please let us know by filling out this form.
Searching for fresh, California seafood outside of the Monterey Bay region? Click here.
Many fishermen sell their fresh, local catch directly off the boat to consumers. The best way to track these “dock sales” is to contact the fishermen directly, sign up for their email lists, or follow them on social media. You can also download the FishLine app. Learn more about how to buy seafood off the boat.
In Monterey, fishermen occasionally sell off the boat at the K-Dock adjacent to the Harbormasters’ Office. The best way to learn about Monterey dock sales is by signing up to receive email alerts from the Harbor office.
Community supported fisheries (CSFs), modeled after community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, are an increasingly popular way of getting fresh seafood from local fishermen and women. Most CSFs offer members weekly or bi-weekly shares of fresh seafood for a pre-paid fee. Learn more about how to sign up for a CSF.
CSF programs, modeled after increasingly popular community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, offer members weekly shares of fresh seafood delivered to host sites for pick-up..
Resident fish buyer in the Santa Cruz Harbor that buys from local fishermen and sells to the public.
Services available:
Contact: (831) 462-3474, info@hhfreshfish.com
Text ‘hhfreshfish’ to (984) 205-2382 to receive text updates about their seafood delivery options and product availability.
493 Lake Ave., A, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Community-supported fishery with delivery throughout Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties and the SF Bay Area.
Services available:
Contact: Charlie Lambert or Ian Cole
Email ocean2table@gmail.com or text them at (831) 295-8403
Community supported fishery that provides a diversity of California species caught using sustainable catch methods.
Services available:
Contact: Jenn Gerard-Lovewell or Alan Lovewell, (831) 334-4676
7532 SandholdtRd., #5b Moss Landing, CA 95039
For a directory of CSFs in other parts of the country, visit the Local Catch website: https://localcatch.org/.
Fish markets sell seafood from a variety of sources—local, domestic, and international. If you want to be sure you’re supporting our local fishing economy, learn what’s in season, and ask for local, Monterey Bay catch. Learn more about how to shop at a fish market.
