Loan program gives fisherman a sustainable boost

Photo slideshow: See how one fishing captain -- and fishery -- benefits

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For many years, California fisheries were struggling with dwindling fish stocks and income. The last thing fisherman had on hand was cash to upgrade their equipment, even though doing so would help them transition to catch shares – a type of eco-friendly fishing heralded by EDF that not only prevents and reverses over fishing, but also helps fisherman become more prosperous.

In 2008, EDF began the award-winning California Fisheries Fund, which offers low-interest loans to businesses to improve operations and infrastructure that support eco-friendly seafood. The program has loaned nearly $1.7 million to 11 borrowers. It's directed by EDF's Phoebe Higgins.

See how one 2012 CFF recipient used his loan:

 

  • Captain Steve Fitz on his boat, the fishing vessel Mr. Morgan.

    Helping a sustainable fishing business get off the groundA loan from the California Fisheries Fund allowed fishing captain Steve Fitz, left, to buy a fishing vessel from his uncle and start Mr. Morgan Fisheries. His operation sustainably harvests groundfish and Dungeness crab in the waters near Half Moon Bay, Calif. David Hills

  • The fishing vessel Mr. Morgan.

    A family tradition can continueFitz can now continue a family fishing tradition of being the only fishing operation in the U.S. using Scottish seine gear, an eco-friendly way to catch groundfish.David Hills

  • Fisherman aboard the fishing vessel Mr. Morgan

    From over-fishing to eco-friendly fishingFitz also participates in an EDF-supported method of fishing known as catch shares. His business receives a quota of fish he can catch each year, and an observer is on board every trip to make sure no over-fishing takes place. David Hills

  • Fishing captain Steve Fitz is a local leader in Half Moon Bay, Calif.

    A local leader in sustainable fishingSince 2007, the Fitz family have been local leaders in sustainable fishing, participating in a program to identify overfished species “hot spots” to help fishermen avoid catching at-risk stocks. David Hills

  • Mr. Morgan Fisheries captain Steve Fitz

    Loan brings many benefits, Fitz says“My loan from the California Fisheries Fund has...allowed me to purchase my boat, start my business, preserve my strong family fishing heritage, upgrade my fishing equipment and bring a higher-quality and sustainable product to the dock."David Hills