SF Commercial Fishermen Come Out Against Fisherman’s Wharf Development Plan
Commercial fishermen in the San Francisco area have come out in opposition of a $550 million development proposal that proponents say would revitalize the city’s Fisherman’s Wharf area, but that opponents say would devastate local commercial fishing.
The proposal moved a step forward when it was endorsed by the San Francisco Port Commission in early October. But members of the San Francisco Crab Boat Owners’ Association are saying that the redevelopment of portions of Pier 45 would be an existential threat to their livelihood.
Under the proposal, a development company seeks to build a dynamic mixed use waterfront project that includes a museum and event center on the eastern half of Pier 45.
Core elements of the museum would include a new fish and seafood processing facility where visitors could view the work as it’s happening, a wholesale and retail market selling fresh fish and seafood, and a seafood-centered food hall.
“Interactive exhibits scattered throughout the museum grounds would provide education and celebrate the rich history of the fish and seafood industry,” according to the development proposal.
However, fishermen are saying that the project would upset commercial fishing at Pier 45 by placing tourist activity in the middle of their workplace, and that the city should instead focus on supporting local businesses and finding tenants for empty storefronts in parts of the wharf what are already geared toward tourists.
The situation was detailed in an Oct. 9 article in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Sarah Bates, a fisherman and member of the San Francisco Crab Boat Owners’ Association’s board of directors, said that the biggest issue for her is that Pier 45’s atmosphere would transform from that of a working industrial space to an amusement park.
She specifically criticized parts of the plan that would construct areas where tourists could watch fishermen work from glass observation areas, comparing it to working in a fish bowl, according to the Missoula Current.
Now that the Port Commission has given its approval, the plan next goes to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, which is expected to review it in the coming weeks. If ultimately approved, construction could begin in 2028.
