City of Morro Bay - morro Bay/ Port San Luis Commercial Fisheries Business Plan

LWC was retained to create a comprehensive business plan and marketing plan for the San Luis Obispo County commercial fisheries. The Plan positions the industry to take advantage of traditional, environmentally sustainable fishing practices and consumer awareness and demand. The Plan also directs the industry toward economic viability by focusing on maximizing value versus maximizing catch. Dozens of interviews and meetings were conduced throughout distribution chain to determine and quantify demand, and provide direction for the marketing and communication strategies. Final recommendations and implementation strategies are based on extensive evaluation of existing infrastructure, landings and trends, regulations and their impacts, co management options, and value added services. The Plan also positions the Morro Bay and Port San Luis fisheries to be eligible for funding from sources such as the California Fisheries Fund, Ocean Protection Council (OPC), California Coastal Conservancy, the Moore Foundation, the Resources Legacy Fund, Sea change, private investors, and others. The project was funded by the California Coastal Conservancy through a grant managed by the City of Morro Bay.