Seafood for All

Coastal nearshore ecosystems, especially those close to urban centers such as Los Angeles, are directly affected by anthropogenic impacts associated with development and human population increase. Combined with global climate change’s effects on the ocean, coastal fauna has witnessed substantial changes in abundance and composition. Many of these species are important to recreational and subsistence fishers from underrepresented, underserved, disadvantaged, and food-insecure communities that can take advantage of no-fee fishing opportunities on nearby piers, breakwaters, and jetties. USC Sea Grant has funded a study to address this issue utilizing a unique, nearly 50-year-long, nearshore ichthyoplankton (fish larva) data set. The goal is to understand the impact of anthropogenic, fisheries, and climate-driven changes on the nearshore fish communities of the region, with a specific focus on species relevant to subsistence fisheries in the region. The team will conduct outreach to regional resources managers.