January 2024 - Director's Corner

By Melissa Mahoney - January 6, 2024

New beginnings 

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone enjoyed time with family, rest, and reflection over the holidays. This time of year reminds us that slowing down is not only necessary but beneficial. As I look back on the end of 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for our Monterey County Gives donors, who helped us raise over $45,005 to support our programs, and for the other generous year-end donations we received—thank you!

As we step into 2025, I’m thrilled to announce a bold new initiative: The Future of Blue. This community-driven effort aims to unlock Monterey Bay’s immense potential by envisioning and then building a thriving, resilient, and innovative blue economy by 2030. With a focus on port infrastructure, workforce development, and diversifying seafood supply models, The Future of Blue will set the stage for sustainable coastal development in California and beyond.

Over the next two years, we’ll focus on:

• Data Gathering and Analysis: Collecting insights on our region’s fisheries economy, fishing activity, and coastal infrastructure gaps to guide smart, data-driven decisions.

• Collaborative Visioning: Partnering with key stakeholders, community and government leaders, researchers, and innovators to develop a shared plan for the Bay’s future.

• Education and Storytelling: Sharing insights along the way and amplifying the voices of those driving change.

This initiative, led by MBFT and Regenerative California, will strengthen our working waterfronts and communities, preserve ocean health, and inspire other coastal communities across the state. Together, we’ll create a blueprint for a sustainable, resilient, and community-centered blue economy.

There’s a big wave of change coming, here’s to being in the best position to ride it all the way to a brighter future for Monterey Bay!