The Santa Barbara Channel supports a small-scale owner-operated fishing fleet that responds dynamically to the seasonal and annual changes in seafood availability in the Channel. Fishing a diversity of species helps avoid overexploitation of single species. Supporting small-scale local fishermen instead of industrial fishing boats from elsewhere supports less waste, more transparency and accountability, and fair trade!
Santa Barbara fishermen get better prices by selling their seafood locally. Better profits allow them to fish more selectively, leading to lighter resource use. Also, when buying from local fishermen, we can create price incentives for continuing to improve environmentally friendly fishing practices.
