May 14, 2025 — The following was released by the California Wetfish Producers Association:
The California Wetfish Producers Association (CWPA) is delighted to announce that Marine Stewardship Council’s Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF) has awarded CWPA a grant to help us continue our field research on market squid. We are honored to receive this award, as it signifies that the OSF acknowledges the importance of our squid research program.
In collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), CWPA has conducted field surveys several times a year since 2011, capturing market squid paralarvae via bongo net tows to investigate the environmental factors that influence squid populations. Led by CWPA’s supervising scientist Joel Van Noord, this research has encompassed more than 77 surveys and 1,900 net tows to date. Research findings indicate that squid density at the traditional spawning grounds, distribution, and timing of spawning are largely driven by environmental forcing.
California’s market squid fishery received MSC certification in 2023. This OSF grant supports a full season of sampling effort. Bongo net surveys yield a density index of squid paralarvae (PDI); these surveys have been used to evaluate recruitment and provide further evidence that the current management tools effectively manage harvests. CDFW is also relying on these data for a novel exploration of the fishery’s management using empirical dynamic modeling (EDM).
The grant also supports our collaboration with CDFW to transition from paper logbooks to electronic logs (e-logs). This new record-keeping platform should improve data accuracy and provide data improvements to managers. OSF funding will support workshops in a pilot program conducted by CDFW to gather ideas from fishermen and finalize the template used to initiate the transition to e-logs. The long-term goal is to implement e-logs across the entire market squid fishery and other fisheries.
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California’s market squid fishery is the largest squid fishery in the United States; in many years, it is the top fishery in California both by value and volume. Begun in 1863 in Monterey by Chinese immigrants, California’s market squid fishery has a deep-rooted history. From humble beginnings to MSC certification, California’s squid fishery has grown in importance both to fishing communities in Monterey and San Pedro, where the bulk of the catches are delivered, and as an essential contributor to the State’s fishing economy.
Market squid abundance and landings fluctuate naturally, influenced by ocean cycles. But advancements in technology and increasing demand in global markets have transformed the fishery into an economic powerhouse, the most important species in the coastal pelagic “wetfish” complex.
“California’s squid fishery is now the backbone of our industry,” says Mark Fina, Executive Director of CWPA. “The OSF grant will help us maintain a long-term data-stream of paralarvae surveys to better our understanding of squid productivity and the factors that contribute to its variability. While the current management, including time and area closures, will remain key to ensure the stock’s sustainability, these further insights into stock productivity will be useful to fishery planning both for management and fishery participants. We are pleased to partner with CDFW to ensure sustainable fishery management. We’re grateful that the Ocean Stewardship Fund acknowledged our work and is helping us achieve our goals.”
“We need squid,” says Neil Guglielmo, a 67-year veteran fisherman and CWPA Vice President. “Fishing squid is very important to our economic survival. It keeps our boats on the water and market doors open. Fishermen understand how important CWPA’s research program is – a sustainable resource helps everyone, including fishermen.”
The importance of sustainable fisheries is even more relevant today, in light of a rapidly changing environment. CWPA’s squid research program is continuing to study the influence of environmental variability on the squid population, in collaboration with CDFW. As the world’s demand for sustainable seafood grows, California’s market squid fishery exemplifies how responsible fishing can benefit both the environment and the fishing economy.
Indeed, California’s squid fishery is much more than a business: “It’s an example of the State’s and industry’s commitment to balancing economic prosperity with environmental stewardship,” says Diane Pleschner-Steele, CWPA’s research coordinator. With careful management, continuing field research and dedication to sustainable fishing, California’s squid fishery is poised to remain a vital part of the State’s fishing heritage.