Wild salmon—Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, pink salmon and steelhead trout—once populated nearly every coastal river or stream from southern California to Alaska, migrating out to the Pacific Ocean and back again. They have made headlines in recent years for staggering population declines, primarily due to large-scale water diversions and misguided dam operations.

In the San Francisco Bay watershed alone, nine of the 10 largest tributary rivers are blocked by large storage dams, limiting access for salmon to spawn. Across the West Coast, twenty-six populations of Pacific Salmon are endangered. Even though these fish are hardy and adaptable, their decreasing numbers indicate the serious damage that has been done to their rivers and estuaries.

This decline has had an impact on Fisherman's Wharf. The once thriving local fishing industry which provided salmon and other seafood to residents and local restaurants has now dwindled to just a handful of fisherman. Now, a new momentum is gaining speed that brings together fisherman, scientists, environmentalists, preservationists, historians and neighborhood activists who are committed to bringing the "fish" back to Fisherman's Wharf.

The FWCBD's Community Development Committee is helping in this endeavor.  Their mission is to "Celebrate, preserve and share the rich fishing heritage and tradition of Fisherman's Wharf and its continuing role in the development of San Francisco".

Their goals are:

To share the past, present and future stories of the fishing industry on the Wharf through:

• Developing a learning center on Fisherman's Wharf in a historical building.
• Adding and modifying signage throughout the Wharf.
• Partnering with media organizations to profile Fisherman's Wharf.

To support local, sustainable fishing practices by:

• Educating local restaurants, visitors and residents about the meaning and importance of "local", "sustainable" seafood consumption.
• Exploring and supporting the establishment of a fish market where the local fishing fleet can sell sustainable seafood while educating the public.

To partner with organizations that protect the Bay and its healthy fisheries by:

• Advocating for the protection of the bay and its watershed and support the revitalization of the fishing industry.
• Helping to build recognition for the organizations working to protect the Bay.
• Supporting the Bay Institute's Aquarium of the Bay located on Fisherman's Wharf.

To support the efforts of the Commercial and Sport fishing industries though:

• Partnering with organizations working on behalf of the fishing industries.
• Advocating for legislation and policies that support the fishing industries.