Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association 

May was once again a productive and eventful month for the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association (GGFA), with significant advocacy work, community engagement, and on-the-water success.

Advocacy in Washington, D.C.
John Atkinson (aka “Freshy”), alongside representatives from NCGASA and PCFFA, traveled to Washington, D.C. with Sacramento River Settlement Contractors to advocate for the development of a new hatchery on the main Sacramento River stem and to push forward several other important fisheries projects. Their message was well received, garnering strong support from numerous stakeholders. The delegation met with over 18 different offices and agencies, including NOAA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of the Interior.

Feather River Smolt Release in Tiburon
GGFA continued to show strong support for hatchery efforts, with President Michael Rescino, along with Brian Magaline, Joey Gallia, Jimmy McNair, and Matt Blaney, attending the Feather River smolt release in Tiburon. These releases are vital to bolstering our salmon, and our representatives were on hand to express gratitude to the hardworking CDFW staff who made the event possible. Additional smolt releases occurred throughout the month from both the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery and Nimbus Fish Hatchery, contributing over 4 million juvenile salmon to the San Francisco Bay.

On the Water
GGFA association boats remained active throughout the month, with successful trips targeting halibut, striped bass, and rockfish. Reports were strong across the board, with the rockfish bite showing especially promising action along both the Marin and San Mateo County coasts. Spirits are high, and our fleet is eagerly preparing for the upcoming salmon opener on June 7th and 8th.

As always, we thank our members and partners for their continued support and dedication to our fisheries and community.