Contact: Eric.Young@SFPort.com
Port Commission Approves Rent Relief Program for Crab, Salmon Processors
Rent relief program continues Port support of critical maritime industry
The San Francisco Port Commission voted unanimously today to approve a rent relief program for crab and salmon processors, continuing support for the industry during challenging times.
The relief program will reduce monthly lease rent by 50 percent between May 15, 2024, until October 15, 2024. Port staff estimates this rent relief program will be available to approximately 17 Port of San Francisco commercial processors.
The local salmon and Dungeness crab seasons have been severely compromised in recent years due to environmental challenges such as the increased presence of whales along the Pacific Coast, the impacts of drought, and the lingering economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Most of the fishing fleet and processors based at the Port are small businesses and recent economic headwinds have been substantial.
“The Port of San Francisco recognizes the foundational role fishing has played throughout its history as well as the many challenges facing this important maritime industry,” said Executive Director Elaine Forbes. “This program will throw a lifeline to the many small business and fishing industry men and women during a period of unprecedented financial impacts.”
The rent relief program approved Tuesday comes on top of a similar rent relief program aimed at salmon boat berthing fees and crab pot storage fees enacted last month by the Port Commission. Under that program, fees for salmon boat berthing and crab pot storage will be waived from May 15, 2024 until October 15, 2024.
Over the past two years San Francisco’s most important seafood seasons, Dungeness crab and salmon, have either been delayed in opening, closed early, or closed for the season. Despite these challenges, Pier 45 and Fisherman’s Wharf remain one of the West Coast’s major commercial fishing centers.
The Port has a history of industry-supporting initiatives, including: the 1995 rebuilding of the earthquake-damaged Pier 45, the 2001 construction of the $21 million Hyde Street Commercial Fishing Harbor, the 2012 construction of a new $2 million Harbormaster’s office, and the 2016 Crab Industry Relief Program. Upcoming projects to support the city’s commercial fishing industry include the first phase of a replacement float project at Fisherman’s Wharf and a new ice machine at Pier 45.