Along with the return of berries and cherries, summer at the farmers market is usually marked by fresh, locally caught salmon. But this year is different: salmon fishing in California has been officially canceled for the 2023 season. The news of the Pacific Fishery Management Councilā€™s decision is the result of a record low salmon population, linked to previous drought years. It raises concerns for seafood lovers as well as local fishermen, many of whom heavily rely on their share of the half a billion dollar salmon industry.
Itā€™s not all a bust, though. In response to salmon seasonā€™s cancellation, fishermen at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market are already shifting gears to bring in other local, seasonal, and equally delicious catches this summer. ā€œItā€™s pretty much all go on all of the other fish,ā€ Hans Haveman of H&H Fresh Fish Co. weighs in with optimism. ā€œIā€™m encouraging people to try and branch out a little bit.ā€