FCEC celebrated our annual Fisherman Appreciation Day Saturday, June 25 at Santa Monica Pier. Anglers, members from our partner organizations, families and pier-goers alike joined us to enjoy the sunny weather, learn more about the local environment and which local fish are contaminated, and celebrate our fishing communities!
There were many activities at the event that we think you would like to read about, so why not tell a story through photos?
The day started off with FCEC and our partners setting up educational tables where visitors can learn about the work of local environmental, ocean and fishing-related organizations. Here is our table, complete with a display, tip cards, brochures, and our happy team member Paula!
Our partner organizations also had tables, including: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Heal the Bay, Montrose Settlements Restoration Program, Santa Monica Baykeeper, Marina del Rey Anglers and Seafood for the Future. Our friends with Marina del Rey Anglers had a table even though they hosted Youth Fishing Day at Fisherman’s Wharf in Marina del Rey that same morning!
We had plenty of fun activities for the kids. Creative Faces provided face-painting activities to make kids’ faces wonderfully colorful.
“Mr. Hook Baitman” from Westside Comedy Theater got the kids hooked on his entertaining trivia game. Here’s a sample question; see if you can get it right:
1. Which fatty fish has been found to be the most toxic?
A. Dorothy, Elmo’s goldfish B. Jaws C. White Croaker
Just before enjoying the delicious Mexican food provided by Mariasol Restaurant, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Programs Director Larry Fukuhara led a fishing workshop. He shared his best techniques for catching local fish that are not contaminated, among other fishing tips.
And at the end of the day, it was time to give away our raffle prizes! The grand prize was a custom-wrapped fishing rod won by a fisherwoman named Monica.
Thank you to Harbor Breeze Cruises, Spirit Cruises, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle Company for their contributions that made the amazing giveaways possible!
We hope everyone had a great time at Fisherman Appreciation Day and left Santa Monica Pier as happy as our partners from Heal the Bay!
For more pictures from Fisherman Appreciation Day, take a look at the photo album on our Face book Page.
Did you attend Fisherman Appreciation Day? Tell us what you thought of the event by leaving a comment below.
Tags: angler outreach, Fisherman Appreciation Day, Santa Monica Pier
