To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Public Infrastructure, Economic Development Collaborative
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: 4/5th
Supervisorial District(s): Fifth District
Title:
Title
Disbursement of Fiscal Year 2025-26 Tidelands Leases Fund in Support of Black Cod Month
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Budget Resolution increasing appropriations by adjusting the FY 2025-26 Tidelands Leases Adopted Budget by $35,000 for costs associated with promotion of Black Cod Month, which is planned for October 2025.
(4/5th Vote Required)
end
Executive Summary:
The Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Department (SPI), Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), and District 5 are requesting approval of a Budget Resolution increasing appropriations in the FY 2025-26 Tidelands Leases Adopted Budget by $35,000 for costs associated with promotion of the new “Black Cod Month.” Fund balance from the Tidelands Leases Fund (11101) will be used as the revenue source. This funding will support efforts to seek long term sustainability solutions for the local fishing fleet.
Discussion:
The collapse of the salmon fishery and the seasonal closure of the rock cod fishery beyond 300 feet in depth have severely limited local fish harvests. Combined with delayed openings and equipment restrictions in the Dungeness crab season, these challenges have resulted in substantial economic losses for Sonoma County fishers, fishmongers, grocers, and restaurants. Black cod is an abundant, sustainable fish which, due to the nature of take and the depth of take, are not affected by the issues closing or restricting other fisheries.
Tidelands funds refer to revenues received from public trust lands, which include tideland areas, submerged areas, estuaries, and beds of navigable waters. Under the Public Resources Code (PRC 6306(c)), such revenues in general may “be expended only for those uses and purposes consistent with the public trust for commerce, navigation, and fisheries.”
Through a partnership with District 5, the Sonoma County Hospitality Association, Sonoma County Tourism, and EDC, the proposed funding will enable this year’s expanded “Black Cod Month” initiative to showcase this fish in local restaurants, with the goal of broadening the exposure of locals and tourists and stimulating more demand for Sonoma County’s black cod fishery. In 2024, your Board approved $14,000 in funding for “Black Cod Week” initiative efforts, and these funds supported Sonoma County Tourism and EDC in developing a campaign to promote the sale and consumption of Bodega Bay black cod for 9 days. With over 50 restaurants participating as well as local markets and fishmongers, significant gains were made in opening further markets and consumers to this fishery.
This year, the requested funding will be used for costs associated with EDC and Sonoma County Tourism promotional activities to coordinate “Black Cod Month” in October 2025 and associated fishery commerce. The increased amount is due to the success of last year’s “Black Cod Week” and subsequent requests from Bodega Bay Fisherman and participating restaurants to expand the initiative to one month. There is sufficient fund balance to support this one-time need and use of the funds is consistent with the statutory public trust restrictions.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
8/20/2024: Disbursement of Fiscal Year 2024-25 Tidelands Leases Fund in Support of Black Cod Week
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 25-26 Adopted |
FY 26-27 Projected |
FY 27-28 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
|
|
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
$35,000 |
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$35,000 |
|
|
|
Funding Sources |
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|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
|
|
|
Fees/Other |
|
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
$35,000 |
|
|
|
Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$35,000 |
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This item requests approval for a budget resolution to increase appropriations by $35,000 from available Tidelands Leases Fund (11101) balance. Should these funds be approved, approximately $619,560 will remain in available fund balance. Funds will be used for costs associated with EDC and Sonoma County Tourism promotional activities to coordinate “Black Cod Month” and associated fishery commerce. Any necessary adjustments to EDC’s revenue or expenditure appropriations will be included in an upcoming Consolidated Budgetary Adjustment item.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None.
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.