PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

1. Continuing field surveys for California market squid

California’s market squid fishery received MSC certification in 2023. This OSF grant supports a full season of sampling effort.  Bongo net surveys yield a density index of squid paralarvae (PDI); these surveys have been used to evaluate recruitment and provide further evidence that the current management tools effectively manage harvests. CDFW is also relying on these data for a novel exploration of the fisheries management using empirical dynamic modeling (EDM).

2. Transition from paper logbooks to electronic logs

The grant also supports our collaboration with CDFW to transition from paper logbooks to electronic logs (e-logs). This new record-keeping platform should improve data accuracy and providing data improvements to managers. OSF funding will support workshops in a pilot program conducted by CDFW to gather ideas from fishermen and finalize the template used to initiate the transition to e-logs. The long-term goal is to implement e-logs across the entire market squid fishery and other fisheries.

Additional Information

California’s market squid fishery is the largest squid fishery in the United States; in many years, it is the top fishery in California both by value and volume. Begun in 1863 in Monterey by Chinese immigrants, California’s market squid fishery has a deep-rooted history. From humble beginnings to MSC certification, California’s squid fishery has grown in importance both to fishing communities in Monterey and San Pedro, where the bulk of the catches are delivered, and as an essential contributor to the State’s fishing economy. 

Market squid abundance and landings fluctuate naturally, influenced by ocean cycles. But advancements in technology and increasing demand in global markets have transformed the fishery into an economic powerhouse, the most important species in the coastal pelagic“wetfish” complex. “California’s squid fishery is now the backbone of our industry,” says Mark Fina, Executive Director of CWPA. “ The OSF grant will help us maintain a long term data-stream of paralarvae surveys to better our understanding of squid productivity and the factors that contribute to its variability. While the current management, including time and area closures, will remain key to ensure the stock's sustainability, these further insights into stock productivity will be useful to fishery planning both for management and fishery participants. We are pleased to partner with CDFW to ensure sustainable fishery management. We’re grateful that the Ocean Stewardship Fund acknowledged our work and is helping us achieve our goals.” 

“We need squid,” says Neil Guglielmo, a 67-year veteran fisherman and CWPA Vice President. “Fishing squid is very important to our economic survival. It keeps our boats on the water and market doors open. Fishermen understand how important CWPA’s research program is -- a sustainable resource helps everyone, including fishermen.” 

The importance of sustainable fisheries is even more relevant today, in light of a rapidly changing environment. CWPA’s squid research program is continuing to study the influence of environmental variability on the squid population, in collaboration with CDFW. As the world’s demand for sustainable seafood grows, California’s market squid fishery exemplifies how responsible fishing can benefit both the environment and the fishing economy. Indeed, California’s squid fishery is much more than a business: “It’s an example of the State’s and industry’s commitment to balancing economic prosperity with environmental stewardship,”says Diane Pleschner-Steele, CWPA’s research coordinator. With careful management, continuing field research and dedication to sustainable fishing, California’s squid fishery is poised to remain a vital part of the State’s fishing heritage.