Tom’s Update August 2025: Highlighting Ongoing PIER Research

The summer off Southern California is in full swing with biting bass along the shoreline, foaming areas of bluefin tuna outside the Islands and sightings of the first few swordfish entering back into our local waters.  July and August are good months to spot a “two-finner” or swordfish basking at the surface.  It will usually happen when you least expect it.

These fish are now trickling back into the Southern California foraging grounds after a long journey back from their tropical spawning grounds, which can be over 3,000 miles away.

While out on the tuna grounds the team used a harpoon to put the first couple of tags in the water.  We hope to bolt a few onto the fins in the coming months.

Other News:  PIER invited to attend National Geographic Society Storytelling Workshop in Chicago.

PIER attends National Geographic Society Storytelling Workshop in Chicago

PIER was invited to the Builders Headquarters in Chicago to improve how to tell its story.  The Builders Team sponsored an amazing story telling event where National Geographic Explorers coached the team on how to better reach people and communicate on the important work that PIER does.  The three-day event was packed with insightful stories and one-on-one guidance on the art of story telling and how to better relay PIER’s message to the public.  It was an amazing experience-  Thank you, Builders Team!

Looking Forward:  The PIER team has an intense field season ahead with gear and market research, electronic monitoring and fish tagging all on tap for the next few months.