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Anchovy Fishing on the San Francisco Bay

Photographer and writer Abner Kingman spends the day with a crew on the Merva W

Sunset
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Anchovy Fishing Off the California Coast

FV Merva W searches for schools of anchovies in the San Francisco Bay, launching from Fisherman’s Wharf. Each week during the April-to-October season, the crew brings in about 3,200 pounds of the fish, which are sold as live bait for the sportfishing of California halibut, striped bass, and rockfish.

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Swimming in Schools

The northern anchovy swims in schools near the water’s surface and averages 5 to 7 inches long. Its life span is generally just four years. About half of the total stock would die each year of natural causes even if no fishing occurred.

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The Right Net

The crew uses a purse seine to catch the anchovies. One of these nets costs $50,000 to $60,000.

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A Fisherman’s Forte

A successful fisherman must be a navigator, a plumber, an electrician, a mechanic, and an expert fish finder, and must possess endurance and strength.

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Ready to Sell After a Long Day’s Work

At the end of the day, the fish are moved from the hold to a pen. Anchovies are sold for about $50 per scoop (about 6 pounds). When not fishing for anchovies, the crew members of Merva W also catch squid, sardines, and Dungeness crabs.