SAN DIEGO — In the early morning hours, as most San Diegans prepare for their daily commute, Mario and Jordan Souza set out on a different kind of journey.
The father-son duo boards their boat, the Extremis, to continue a family tradition that spans generations. “Welcome to the office,” Mario says as he gestures to their vessel and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before them.
The Souzas are part of a dwindling community of commercial fishermen in San Diego, a region once known as the “Tuna Capital of the World.”
The Souza’s story is about resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for the sea. Jordan, who started in the fishing industry at the age of eleven, recalls his father taking him fishing as a toddler. They come from three generations of fishermen and remember the glory days of San Diego’s fishing industry well.
“The tuna industry in San Diego back in the day was the second biggest economy for San Diego, and the number one economy was the Navy, of course,” Mario explained.
Today, however, the landscape of commercial fishing in San Diego has changed dramatically. The Souzas have had to diversify their business to stay afloat in an increasingly challenging industry.
“Our biggest catch is groundfish,” Jordan notes. “We also catch swordfish. Sometimes, we’ll catch yellowtail and bluefin tuna if they are around.”
This versatility is key to their survival. As Jordan said, “Either you’re the big guy on the block or the little guy, and you can do all kinds of little things, and that’s what we do.”
The Souzas are not just fishermen but also advocates for their industry. Every Saturday, they sell their fresh catch at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, an initiative that has been running for ten years. “We sell what we catch,” Jordan says proudly. His father added, “It’s cool because we are feeding San Diego.”
However, the father-son team believes more can be done to support the local fishing industry. They hope the Port of San Diego will invest in building better fishing infrastructure. “An easier way to get ice, somewhere where we could possibly store fish, like a cold space,” Jordan suggests.
Mario has even written an open letter to the public about protecting the future of fishing. “We have many regulations that we have to navigate through,” he writes. We are trying to make a living. One thing for sure is that we are all very passionate about what we do.”
The Souzas emphasize the importance of consumer awareness in supporting local fishermen. “If you like seafood, then get educated about where it’s from. Know your source,” Mario advises. Despite the challenges, the Souzas remain committed to their way of life. For Jordan, “Fishing is just what I do.” It’s more than a job; it’s a passion that’s been passed down through generations.
As the sun sets on another day at sea, Mario and Jordan Souza continue their fight for the future of fishing in San Diego.
They represent a vital link to the city’s maritime heritage and a beacon of hope for sustainable, local seafood production. San Diego’s fishing industry remains an essential part of the community, with local commercial fishermen serving as stewards of the waterfront. Rooted in tradition yet adapting to modern times, fishing continues to be a cultural, multi-generational occupation for many working families of diverse backgrounds.
For those interested in supporting local fishermen and enjoying fresh, sustainably caught seafood, the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market operates every Saturday. It offers a rotating selection of about 70 seafood species throughout the year, providing a true “window to the ocean” for San Diego residents and visitors alike. For more information, click here.
Leave A Comment