Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Susan Wang, Kristine Lesyna
  • These oral histories capture and share the history and stories of commercial California halibut trawl fishermen, providing a way for the public to connect with local fishermen and the source of their seafood. Interviews are conducted with with California halibut trawl fishermen in the San Francisco and Half Moon Bay ports, focusing on the fishermen’s fishing history, their family’s fishing history, and their plans for the future. This project will preserve pieces of the history of the California halibut trawl fishermen, as well as build and strengthen relationships between NOAA, the state, local fishermen, and the community.

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Roger Salisbury Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Roger Salisbury is a seasoned commercial fisherman with nearly five decades of experience in the waters of Half Moon Bay, California. His journey into the fishing industry began post-graduation with a degree in mechanical engineering when he faced challenges securing employment in his field. This led him to purchase a small skiff and, subsequently, a commercial fishing license in 1971. Over the years, Salisbury has dedicated over 40 years to fishing for California Halibut, evolving his methods from gillnets to trammel nets and trawling.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang Half Moon Bay, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Tom Genochio Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Tom Genochio is a seasoned fisherman with a career spanning over five decades. Born into a family with a fishing heritage, Genochio followed in his father's footsteps, embarking on a journey through the diverse sectors of the fishing industry. His early years were marked by salmon and albacore fishing, which later transitioned to crab and groundfish. Eventually, he settled into halibut trawling, finding a consistent rhythm in this particular fishery.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang Half Moon Bay, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kyle Pemberton Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Kyle Pemberton is a fisherman from Half Moon Bay, California, with a history of fishing that traces back to his early years spent with his father. Pemberton's career in fishing has seen him progress from an apprentice on the waters to the owner of his own fishing vessel. His professional activities span a range of fisheries, including those for Dungeness crab, California salmon, California halibut, and West Coast groundfish. Pemberton's expertise in trawling was honed through a process of trial and error, supplemented by insights and assistance from fellow local fishermen.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang Half Moon Bay, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Mike Mitchell Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Mike Mitchell, a fisherman based in San Francisco, embarked on his maritime career at a young age. With a passion for the sea, he acquired his own vessel to pursue a livelihood in the fishing industry. His catch spanned a diverse array of marine life, including salmon, herring, crabs, and halibut. Mitchell's involvement in the Alternative Gear Program showcased his commitment to sustainable fishing practices by reducing bycatch.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang San Francisco, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kenny Reinertsen Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Born into a lineage of fishermen, Kenny Reinertsen has spent a lifetime navigating the waters in pursuit of California Halibut. His career, deeply rooted in tradition, has been a testament to the enduring nature of the fishing industry. Reinertsen's journey has been marked by a series of adaptations to the ever-changing conditions of the sea and the fishery. He has developed a keen sense for the influence of weather on fishing outcomes and has honed his skills in utilizing various gear and tactics to optimize his catch.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang Belmont, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Giuseppe Pennisi Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Giuseppe Pennisi, a resident of San Francisco, is a seasoned fisherman with deep familial ties to the fishing industry. His lineage in the profession can be traced back to his grandfather, who was adept in the use of Paranzella nets for the capture of halibut and flatfish. Pennisi's formative years were spent on fishing boats, where he gained firsthand experience in the trade. Over the years, he has observed a transformation within the fishing sector, marked by a downturn in local fish processing businesses.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang San Francisco, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Rick Risso Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Rick Risso, a resident of Santa Cruz, California, embarked on his career in fishing during his youth. With nearly two decades of experience, he has become a seasoned participant in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery. His professional pursuits primarily involve the capture of halibut and Dungeness crab. Risso's workday commences at the early hour of 3 am, followed by a lengthy journey to the fishing grounds and culminates with the delivery of his catch to a fish buyer.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang Santa Cruz, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Ian James Roberts Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Ian Roberts is a seasoned fisherman based in Crescent City, California, with a lineage rooted in the fishing industry. His initiation into fishing traces back to his early years, influenced by his father's profession. Throughout his career, Roberts has engaged in a diverse array of fisheries, including crab, salmon, pink shrimp, bottom trawl, herring, and Dungeness crab. Notably, his fishing ventures are a family affair, with his son accompanying him in the trade.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang Crescent City, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Nicola Ingargiola Commercial Fishermen in the California Halibut Trawl Fishery: Who does your local seafood come from?

Nicola Ingargiola, born into a lineage of fishermen, embarked on his maritime journey at the tender age of twelve in Sicily. His pursuit of the fishing vocation led him to relocate to San Francisco in 1972, where he continued to engage in the trade. Over the years, Ingargiola ascended to the role of owner and captain of the fishing vessel Anna Marie, specializing in the capture of California Halibut. His tenure in the industry has allowed him to witness a myriad of transformations, including the escalation of competition and the imposition of stringent regulations.

Kristine Lesyna, Susan Wang San Francisco, CA NOAA Fisheries, California Department of Fish and Wildlife