San Diego’s Innovative Fisherman’s Market Bringing Local, Sustainable Seafood — Pete Halmay, Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group

The Finest City

This episode features Pete Halmay, President of San Diego Fisherman’s Working Group and one of the founders of the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market. With over 50 years of commercial fishing experience, Pete shares fascinating insights into the challenges of creating a fisherman’s market, the diverse array of seafood available, and the cultural significance of maintaining a working fishing harbor in San Diego. He discusses the fluctuations in sea life over time, the importance of water quality, and how the market has become a window into the life of local fishermen. Pete also touches on the environmental considerations for fishing boats and the creative solutions for managing supply and demand in the market.

Timestamps:

[1:34] Pete talks about the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, which is not a farmer’s market but a fisherman’s market.

[5:45] The Pacific To Plate bill, which allows fishermen’s markets to operate as food facilities.

[06:28] The diverse customer base and unique experiences at the market.

[09:15] The market’s role in maintaining San Diego’s working fishing harbor.

[11:14] Changes in sea life over time and the importance of having a long-term perspective.

[12:39] The significance of water quality and sustainable fishery management.

[14:47] Environmental considerations for fishing boats.

[14:36] When you buy local, your fish has fewer miles on it.

[16:06] Managing supply and demand at the fish market, and how they make sure to give back to the community.

About C-3

Even before the California Coastal Commission or Environmental Protection Agency existed, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) was the environmental conscience of San Diego. Since that time, in part due to C-3’s leadership in education, advocacy, and empowerment, a plethora of organizations have developed throughout San Diego County. These organizations specifically focus on promoting progressive values in architecture, urban design, land-use governance, natural resource management, sustainable economic development, climate change resilience, and social justice. As the field of allies has grown, C-3’s role has evolved to provide a platform that promotes creating civic community.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Tuna Harbor Dockside Market

Peter Halmay

Quotes:

• “We thought at the beginning that it would be a way to just make a little bit more money than selling directly, but what we found out is that we’re selling fishing, not fish. We’re showing people a window into the life of a fisherman and the ocean around them.” — Pete [3:15]

• “This market is important because it activates the waterfront.” — Pete [9:15]

• “Water quality is probably the most important thing. If the water quality is poor, things die.” — Pete [12:55]

• “I say, you come to the market, and the fish has zero miles on it.” — Pete [14:36]

• “If you buy locally, you benefit the planet, so how can you go wrong?” — Pete [18:17]