In the sun-drenched coastal waters of La Jolla, fisherman Shane Volberding casts his line, embodying the enduring spirit of San Diego’s commercial fishing industry. Yet, beneath the surface of this timeless scene lies a complex narrative of decline and resilience. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Sea Grant launched a fishing apprenticeship program in 2026, aiming to revitalize the dwindling ranks of San Diego’s commercial fishing fleet. However, the program’s outcomes have revealed the profound challenges facing this industry.
Once renowned as the tuna capital of the world, employing over 40,000 people, the fleet has shrunk to a mere 130 commercial fishermen. The path to entering this profession is fraught with obstacles, from the high costs of gear and permits to the specialized skills required, ranging from pulling traps and lines to fixing diesel motors and navigating complex regulations.
Apprenticeship Program: A Glimpse into the Industry’s Future
The Scripps fishing apprenticeship was designed to bridge these gaps, offering classroom instruction on the technical aspects of commercial fishing and 1,000 hours of on-the-water training. However, only half a dozen participants completed the program and remained in the industry. While some found the work rewarding, the economic realities made it unsustainable for many.
Despite these challenges, a handful of individuals have made the mid-career switch from desk jobs to fishing decks, trading white-collar positions for the demanding yet fulfilling life of a commercial fisherman. These individuals rise before dawn, scrape barnacles, and gut fish, finding a sense of purpose that they wouldn’t trade for anything.
The Hurdles and Passions of San Diego’s Fishermen
CalMatters followed the journeys of fishing apprentices, captains, mentors, and others, providing an intimate look into the industry. Photographer Adriana Heldiz spent a day at sea with Shane Volberding, capturing the haul of yellowtail, mackerel, and other fish from the waters off La Jolla. The reporting highlights the chokepoints obstructing local operations: inconsistent pay, complex regulations that leave fishermen uncertain about the future of their investments, competition with imported seafood from less regulated fisheries, and a lack of coordination within the fishing community.
Yet, the passion that San Diego fishermen bring to their craft is undeniable. They are dedicated to supporting the regional food supply and ensuring that locally caught seafood remains on San Diego tables. This commitment is a testament to the importance of the industry and the need to address the challenges it faces.
Supreme Court Ruling on Mail-In Voting
In a significant development, the U.S. Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump and the Republican Party a loss in a case that could have altered California’s mail-in voting procedures. The court ruled that federal policies only require the electorate’s choice to be made on election day, not the receipt of ballots. This decision is a setback for Trump, who has sought to restrict mail voting in Democratic-leaning states ahead of the November midterms.
Out of the more than 13 million mail-in ballots cast in California for the 2026 November election, 373,116, or about 3%, were received within the state’s seven-day return window. The ruling underscores the importance of mail-in voting and the need to protect this right for all citizens.
Newsom’s Final Budget: Surprises and Implications
With just over six months left until a new governor succeeds Gavin Newsom, the final State budget has raised some eyebrows. Newsom’s final budget includes tax increases, delayed social service cuts, and a requirement for his successor to consider penalizing major companies for having employees on Medi-Cal if Congress does not repeal Trump’s Medi-Cal cuts.
Newsom stated, “I’ve just signed my final budget as Governor of California — on time, balanced, and structurally sound. … We’re leaving the state in good hands for the next Governor.” However, the budget also included surprises that alarmed immigrant advocates and shocked school librarians. The Department of Motor Vehicles received $55 million to link to a database that would share information about California drivers with other states, raising concerns about the potential risk of deportation for undocumented Californians.
The Legislature also cut funding for Compass, a program that enables students and teachers to access content like PBS videos, Encyclopedia Britannica, and scientific journals. Librarians expressed concern that without Compass, students are likely to rely on free, unvetted online resources that often contain ads or user data tracking.
