Help support Sonoma County’s fishing industry!

Black Cod Week Logo

Sonoma County’s fishing industry continues to face climate and environmental challenges that have severely diminished income and threaten the viability of the local fishery. Dungeness crab and local chinook salmon populations continue to struggle due to these climate and environmental impacts. This has made Dungeness crab season significantly shorter and prohibited the fishing of salmon in 2023 and 2024.

To combat the harmful economic impacts of limited fishing opportunities and encourage focus on an abundant and healthy fishery, we are inviting you to participate in Sonoma County Black Cod Month.

Unlike fish and crab that live in shallow waters, black cod lives in deeper waters that are not as significantly impacted by climate change. Black cod is also abundant on the Sonoma County Coast and has a rich buttery taste that is versatile across cuisines. The goal of Black Cod Month is to increase and build consumer demand for Sonoma County black cod.

Event Details:

Dates: Month of October

How it Works:

In October, offer Sonoma County black cod on your menu or as a retail option. It’s up to you how to serve it—think black cod tacos, seared miso black cod, or black cod eggs benedict. The only requirement: use locally sourced black cod.

Where to Purchase Black Cod:

If you do not already have a seafood contact you work with to source local fish, please feel free to reach out to the following local fish processors and retailers to inquire about Sonoma County Black Cod:

To avoid issues with inclement weather, and allow for the fishing community to plan, please place your orders early.

Menu Assistance:

If this is your first time cooking with black cod and you are looking for inspiration or help on how to serve it up, you are welcome to reach out to Black Cod Month Champion, Chef Dustin Valette. He is very familiar with black cod and is happy to discuss ideas. Email him at DRV@valettehealdsburg.com.

Promotion:

Black Cod Month will direct local and Bay Area diners to blackcodmonth.com along with other promotions. Your establishments will be listed on this page as a participant and will also be listed in the Sonoma County Tourism app.

We highly recommend promoting your participation to your customers. Ways to let your customers know about your participation include:

  • Posting to your social media pages.
  • Marketing email to customers.
  • Hanging up the Black Cod Month poster (will be delivered to you).
  • Updating your website with your Black Cod Month special.

Digital Toolkit:

To help with your promotion and access to additional resources, we will provide you with a digital toolkit that includes:

  • Black Cod Month logos.
  • Black Cod Month poster.
  • Social media copy.
  • Contact information to fish processors and retailers.

“How to Make the Most of Black Cod Month” Slide Presentation:

In case you missed the “How to Make the Most of Black Cod Month” webinar from last year, it is now available for viewing.

Black Cod Month Presentation

To participate in Black Cod Month please register below

Black Cod Participates

Please select marketing materials you would like to promote Black Cod Month:

Black Cod Month is brought to you in partnership with:

Sonoma County Tourism Logo