A commercial fishing apprenticeship launched in San Diego to help rebuild the region's shrinking fleet has underscored just how difficult it has become to enter the industry, according to a recent report by CalMatters.

The fishing apprenticeship, launched in 2020 by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography's Sea Grant program, was designed to help train new commercial fishermen through classroom instruction and 1,000 hours of on-the-water experience. But while several participants completed the program, only about half a dozen ultimately remained in commercial fishing, with others finding it too difficult to earn a living.

The story traces the decline of San Diego's once-thriving commercial fishing industry. Once known as the "tuna capital of the world" and home to more than 40,000 fishing-related jobs, the city's fleet has dwindled to approximately 130 commercial fishermen, according to CalMatters.

The report points to several barriers preventing new entrants from establishing fishing careers, including the high cost of permits and gear, the technical skills required to operate and maintain vessels, and the complexity of fisheries regulations.

Many fishermen face inconsistent income, uncertainty over whether the fisheries they invest in will remain open, competition from imported seafood harvested under different regulatory standards and a lack of coordination within the local fishing community.

Despite those challenges, the report follows several apprentices who left office jobs for careers on the water, describing long days hauling gear, maintaining vessels and processing fish. While the transition has not been easy, participants told CalMatters they remain committed to the work.

The reporting also highlights the role San Diego's commercial fishermen play in supplying fresh seafood to local restaurants and consumers through outlets such as Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining locally caught seafood as part of the region's food system.