Bodega Bay participants identified internal and external social relationships as a real strength of the port. They described strong bonds amongst fishermen from the port, a strong and active fishing organization (Bodega Bay Fishermen’s Marketing Association), and active involvement by the fishing community in management and decision-making related to priority fisheries. They noted that local marine resources appeared to be in good health with consistent Dungeness crab biomass and generally healthy salmon populations, although they expressed concerns about inconsistent access over time to salmon due to management and environmental factors such as habitat loss and water quality. Participants noted some bright spots in local markets, describing the recent expansion of dockside and direct to consumer marketing opportunities as a key strength.

Participants expressed concerns related to declining infrastructure including the loss of a haul-out facility, lack of ice, and a limited fuel schedule all of which negatively affected their ability to operate efficiently. They noted challenges in local markets due to the reduction in local buyers and buyers becoming more targeted in the species they purchase and the vessels they work with. They described recent loss of the local urchin industry as a key blow to the port and expressed concerns related to the uncertainty of fishing seasons and management for Dungeness crab and salmon. Participants described challenges related to attracting new participants into the industry due to the high cost and low availability of limited entry permits as well as high operational costs. Many noted that it was difficult to make a living on fishing alone.