We invite you to join Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) for an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at the collaborative efforts underway to support a sustainable future for the U.S. West Coast pot and trap fisheries.
This event will bring together seafood industry leaders, harvesters and conservation organizations to showcase innovative fishing technologies, collaborative research, and management strategies being developed to reduce whale entanglement risk while ensuring fishing communities can continue to access valuable fishing grounds.
Attendees will gain first-hand insight into how industry and science are working together to protect both marine wildlife and the long-term viability of one of the West Coast’s most important fisheries though on-demand (aka pop-up) fishing gear technologies.
What’s in store?
Experience on-demand fishery firsthand through a field visit featuring:
- A tour of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMFS) Gear Lending Library supporting harvesters in testing new technologies.
- Hands-on/dock-side demonstrations of innovative on-demand fishing gear.
- Opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with those developing and implementing these solutions.
Schedule
- Date: October 6, 2026
- Location: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) Lending Gear Library, 2809 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (the Old Wrigley Building)
- Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Costs
There is no fee for this event. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and transportation to dockside demonstration (as requested).
Why attend?
- Engage with other members of the seafood industry to review innovative pot and trap technologies
- Meet the harvesters, scientists, and innovators leading efforts to reduce whale entanglement while supporting a thriving Dungeness crab fishery.
- Learn how collaborative partnerships accelerate the development and adoption of practical fishing technologies.
- Gain a better understanding of the conservation challenges facing endangered whale populations and the role seafood markets can play in supporting solutions.
- Discover how innovation and collaboration help ensure a resilient future for both fishing communities and marine wildlife.
Registration
To register for this event, please email SFP Protecting Ocean Wildlife Program Manager Anne DiMonti at anne.dimonti@sustainablefish.org by September 25, 2026. Please note “RSVP Gear Tour” in the email subject line and provide the following information:
- Name
- Business title
- Organization/Company
- Address
- Phone number
- Dietary restrictions
Additional information and full agenda will be provided after confirmation of your reservation.