Go Fish! Youth Pier Fishing Event in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

August 14, 2025

Peering over the bright white railings of San Simeon Pier are several local and visiting youth hoping to catch their first fish. This 800-foot-long pier located at the southern end of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary was the heart of the Coastal Discovery Center's annual Get Into Your Sanctuary Event. This event, led by Coastal Discovery Center team, reached nearly 150 guests who learned about recreational opportunities and how to responsibly view the sanctuary's abundant wildlife. Visitors attending this free event were greeted by numerous staff and volunteers from 11 different local environmental agencies, clubs, and organizations, including Cambria Fishing Club.

The enthusiastic club members helped dozens of kids this day cast lines into the bright blue waters of San Simeon Bay. The young anglers, provided with bait and tackle from the club, learned about the best practices for catching and handling fish, the importance of conserving critical fish habitats, and were inspired to have a sense of responsibility for America's Great Lakes and ocean waters. After casting their fishing rods, visitors learned about the sanctuary's natural resources through a variety of science and art activities. The Coastal Discovery Center crew guided guests through a traditional Japanese art form, called "Gyotaku", where prints of fish are produced by applying ink to the organism and pressing it with paper. They also helped visitors to view live phytoplankton, or microscopic marine algae, samples under microscopes. These organisms play a vital role in the marine ecosystems and our lives—they serve as the base of the marine food web and and even produce some of the oxygen that we breathe!

By hosting free, family-friendly public programs, the Coastal Discovery Center helps to cultivate a deeper understanding of our underwater world and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards to conserve our outdoor spaces.