Tom’s Update August 2025: Highlighting Ongoing PIER Research

The summer off Southern California is in full swing with the Fall months now in clear sight.  Summer is a good time to spot a “two-finner” or swordfish basking at the surface in our local waters.  It usually happens when you least expect it.

These fish are now trickling back into our local waters after a long journey back from their tropical spawning grounds, which can be over 3,000 miles away.  Off California we can expect these fish to stick around for the next 3 to 4 months, depending on water temperature and food availability.  During the next few months they will be spending most of the day and night hours feeding and growing.

On a recent trip outside of San Clemente Island, the team used a harpoon to deploy the first few swordfish tags of 2025.  PIER continues to use swordfish movement data to help us better understand migration patterns, stock structure and fishery development research.  Check out a recent publication on some of PIER’s swordfish tagging research.

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

PIER presenting to the Builders team

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.