Tom’s Update: August 2026

PIER Heading to Morro Bay

In the coming weeks the Malolo will be headed up to Morro Bay. With El Niño conditions bringing warmer-than-usual waters to Southern California, species like swordfish, bluefin tuna, and opah are pushing north into cooler, more productive waters. This is an exciting time to be heading to the Central Coast. 

The team will continue EFP testing while also working directly with local fishermen to outfit boats, test gear, and develop new markets. This work is made possible in part through support from the Builders Initiative and a recent award from the Morro Bay Community Quota Fund.

Morro Bay has a long history of productive fishing, but relatively little effort is directed toward species like swordfish, opah, and tuna. We see a real opportunity here—and we’re excited to be working with fishermen to see what’s possible, one boat and one fisherman at a time.