Kai Oliver-Kurtin | Downtown News

The term “fresh catch” has taken on new meaning with the launch of the Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market at Driscoll Wharf in Point Loma every Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

With a greater emphasis on fish than other SD Weekly Markets – including the San Diego Public Market and Little Italy, North Park and Pacific Beach Farmers’ Markets – the Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market offers a variety of fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. The fishermen bring their catch of the day straight from their boat to the market, providing an opportunity for patrons to interact with the fishermen like they would with farmers during traditional farmers’ markets.

“It’s a delight to shop, or sit and have a bite to eat, with a beautiful view of the water and boats,” said Catt White, market maestra at SD Weekly Markets.

Nearly three years ago, Pete Halmay from the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group and Cathy Driscoll of Driscoll’s Wharf approached White about establishing a market at the waterfront. With some help from the Port of San Diego and the California Coastal Commission, the first Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market was held in early September.

“With all of San Diego’s amazing coastline and a long history of an active fishing industry,” White said, “we’ve always been missing a way to bring the fishermen and the public together.”

According to White, local fishermen have been cautiously enthusiastic about interacting with shoppers.

“They work in a solitary environment and aren’t always outgoing with people who don’t understand the demands of commercial fishing,” she said. “But already they’re finding that the public is receptive to learning more about fish and the local fishing industry, so they’re enjoying sharing their knowledge and experience.”

The Driscoll family has worked on the wharf for several generations. Cathy Driscoll, who was instrumental and driving force behind establishing the Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market, is said to have loved and defended the local fishermen and their place on the waterfront. Since Cathy’s death earlier this year, many fishermen are now even more determined to see the success of the market in her memory.

The market includes a variety of fish, as well as many of the well-known farmers, bakers and artisan food vendors seen at other SD Weekly Markets. Local chefs such as Julie Darling, Lhasa Landry and Catalina Offshore Fishmonger Tommy Gomes, are all on hand to provide demonstrations that include cleaning and cooking a variety of seafood.

Just like farm produce, available fish species vary by season. Currently, rockfish, sand dabs, Bluefin tuna, shrimp and sea urchins are plentiful. October will bring lobster season, in addition to swordfish and yellowtail.

Often a valuable benefit of farmers’ markets, the fishermen at the Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market are able to keep more of the income from their products when selling directly to the public versus using a processor or distributor. The opportunity to hold on to those extra profits once a week can change the economic outlook for fishermen.

Beginning with about 40 farmers, fishermen and vendors, White expects the market to grow over time. Attendance has been steadily building, with local chefs, foodies and Point Loma residents in particular coming out. The market is also drawing the interest of the various local ethnic communities, whose culinary cultures value fresh fish.

The Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market takes place year-round, rain or shine. Driscoll Wharf is located at 4930 N. Harbor Drive. For more information, visit sdweeklymarkets.com.

Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a local freelance reporter who also works full-time doing social media marketing for the U.S. Navy. She enjoys covering events, restaurant news, culture and entertainment. Contact her at [email protected].