William Smith, affectionately known as “Capt. Smitty,” has long been a familiar face along the Californian coast, famed for taking eager fishing enthusiasts on his boat in search of the much-coveted salmon. However, with recent regulations prohibiting salmon fishing in the state, his profession has taken a dramatic shift.
Adapting to these changes, Smith now utilizes his vessel to accommodate aspiring whale watchers and to perform sea burials, services which have grown in demand. The rise of Hindu and Buddhist communities in the Bay Area has increased the popularity of at-sea funerals. Smith mentions performing over 200 sea burials annually, a venture helping to manage the hefty $250,000 debt owed on his boat engine. “The bills keep going, whether I’ve got a fishery or not,” Smith states, highlighting the unpredictability of fishing compared to the certainty of funerals.
Fishermen along the Californian coast have endured significant challenges following two years of salmon fishing prohibitions, with the threat of a third year looming. Many blame the situation on a historic drought paired with governmental water policies, hindering salmon population growth. Salmon are an important species for these communities, often referred to as a special fish due to their upstream journey to spawn and their reliance on abundant cool water flows. Nevertheless, the Pacific Fishery Management Council has indicated that this year might scarcely allow for any salmon fishing, leaving many in the industry anxious as they await a decision expected in April.
This grim outlook coincides with directives from President Donald Trump, who has emphasized prioritizing human needs over environmental conservation. This approach has rerouted more water to California’s Central Valley and its urban centers, stirring controversy within the fishing community who argue if fishermen aren’t considered among those humans who count.
“We are people that are hardworking and it’s our jobs on the line,” emphasized Sarah Bates, a commercial fishing captain in San Francisco who commented on the substantial impact on local markets. With salmon out of the equation, local restaurants have shown little interest in alternatives like halibut or other types of catch.
Salmon fishing, a trade deeply entwined with California’s history, saw flourishing times in the 1970s and 1980s. However, it has faced a decline due to fluctuating climate conditions and nuanced water management policies dictating water distribution to agriculture, urban developments, and sensitive ecological areas like bay deltas.
While some charter operators have creatively diversified their offerings to include tours and cruises, these alternatives still fall short of the income once provided by salmon fishing. The allure of catching a fast-swimming salmon, akin to a prized filet mignon versus a plain hamburger of other species, continues to draw anglers and drive the ferry business.
As the waters of California see fewer salmon fishers and the resale value of fishing permits plummet, changes ripple through the industry. Jamie O’Neill, a prominent figure in brokerage, has noted the decline in permits and preparative moves among fishermen to exit the business. With so much uncertainty and dwindling resources, the landscape is shifting dramatically for those tied to California’s historic fishing roots.
