Contact: media@sfport.com
The Port of San Francisco announced that fresh Dungeness crab sales direct to the public will begin on Sunday, January 5, accompanied by the installation of a new ADA-accessible float to support off-the-boat sales in Fisherman’s Wharf.
Since 2021, permitted crabbers can sell directly from their vessels in the inner and outer lagoons of Fisherman’s Wharf. Participating vessels and their locations are available on the Port’s website at sfport.com/offboatsales. Individual fishers can utilize the FishLine mobile app to provide real-time updates about their sales hours and locations with additional information available on the San Francisco off the boat sales Facebook group and Instagram.
“Kicking off the new year with fresh crab from the Wharf isn’t just a personal tradition, it’s a beloved San Francisco tradition,” said Board of Supervisors President and longtime Fisherman’s Wharf representative Aaron Peskin. “Our local crabbers and fishers have had a rough couple of years. If you’re as excited as I am to get down to the boats and get fresh crab, make sure and thank these hard-working men and women who make these annual traditions possible.”
Aligned with this year’s off-the-boat sales, the Port is completing the first phase of the Wharf J9 Replacement Project, which features a new ADA-accessible float and road upgrades along Al Scoma Way. These improvements enhance safety and accessibility for off-the boat fishermen and the public.
“Crab and fish caught locally is a treasure for San Francisco, connecting the fishing industry to the public through exceptional food,” said Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “We’re excited to deliver the first phase of this project to support our local fishers, increase public access, and ensure the Wharf remains a vibrant hub for the community and local businesses.”
Wharf J9 is part of the shoreline of the Outer Lagoon area of Fisherman’s Wharf. This protected harbor has been home to the local fishing industry since the early 1900s, with J9 providing public access and berthing for the working boats.
Traditionally, commercial fishers at Wharf J9 relied on stern tie berths with ladder access when selling direct to the public, which presented accessibility challenges. The newly constructed ADA-accessible float provides safer boat access for both fishers and the public.
“This season is more important to fishermen and their families than people realize, especially after the delays,” said local fisherman Matt Jaunes, a member of the Local Crab Boat Owners Association. “Selling directly to the public has been a game changer. It helps us make a living and connect with our community. Local support is critical, and this new float makes it even better for everyone."
Future J9 Work
The Wharf J9 float is the first of two phases of construction of the Wharf J9 Replacement Project in the area. This is one of the Port’s first Early Projects that the 2018 Proposition A General Obligation Bond funds.
The second phase will replace the aging seawall with a modern, resilient structure capable of withstanding seismic activity and addressing sea level rise.
These improvements join a lineup of initiatives that are revitalizing Fisherman’s Wharf, which include the new Fisherman’s Wharf Promenade, marketing and leasing vacant spaces, beautification efforts, and new “pop up” activations in partnership with the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District.
Wharf J9 Float construction is by the general contractor Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Inc. Yerba Buena is a Local Business Enterprise contractor located in the Bayview neighborhood of San Francisco. Yerba Buena works with the Bay Area contractor Power Engineering Construction under the City’s LBE Mentor-Protégé Program. The Port has long been committed to the principles of the City of San Francisco's Local Business Enterprise and Non-Discrimination in Contracting Ordinance. The Port creates opportunities and incentives for local businesses to access and compete for Port contracts whenever possible.
Tips For Buying Fresh Fish and Crab at Fisherman’s Wharf:
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Before you head out, check when fishers will be docked on Off-Boat Sales Facebook or Instagram. Vessels and availability will vary throughout the season.
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Arrive early. Lines are common, and fishers often sell out.
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BYO container, preferably something thicker like a cooler or bucket.
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Cash is preferred, but some fishers also take electronic payments.
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There is no parking on Al Scoma Way. Off street parking and metered parking is available nearby.
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For more information visit sfport.com/offboatsales
About the Port of San Francisco
The Port of San Francisco manages 7.5 miles of waterfront that is home to popular destinations and attractions, historic districts, small businesses and robust maritime opportunities. The Port works to advance environmentally and financially sustainable maritime, recreational, and economic opportunities for the City, Bay Area, and California.
About the Port of San Francisco’s Waterfront Resilience Program
The Port’s Waterfront Resilience Program works to ensure the waterfront, and its critical regional and citywide assets, are resilient to hazards - and increasingly accessible to everyone it serves. The Port has near-term resilience efforts called Early-Projects addressing the highest level of earthquake and sea level rise risks along the waterfront. Long-term, the Port is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a multi-decade effort to defend the 7.5 miles of waterfront under its jurisdiction from sea level rise and coastal flooding over the next century.