Stephanie didn't start in the commercial fishing industry until her late 20's. She was supposed to be a college biology professor until her fishing problem got in the way.  She does still teach part time online, but her full time job is commercial fishing – predominantly sea urchin diving. 

Growing up as a beach bum in Newport Beach, she would always tell her dad that she never wanted a job where she had to wear pantyhose and sit at a desk. So far so good!  When Stephanie initially won her sea urchin permit in the lottery, she was only selling to the processor. At that time, most sea urchin divers were making a living harvesting 1000’s of pounds a day, and she could not come close to harvesting that amount due to the grueling physical demand of urchin diving.

Stephanie realized she had to increase the value of her catch and focus on quality over quantity. Harvesting less for more value also coincided with Stephanie’s environmental conservation values.

PARTICIPATING EVENTS:

Opening Night Reception

Culinary Demo: Champion of Sustainability, Michael Cimarusti