Anglers Release Thousands of White Seabass into Santa Monica Bay

In a boost to Southern California’s marine ecosystem, the Marina Del Rey Anglers (MDRA) released over 3,000 juvenile white seabass into Santa Monica Bay on March 7, 2025. The release, split between Marina Del Rey Harbor and a discreet rock outcropping off Venice Beach, marks another milestone in the club’s decades-long commitment to replenishing local fish populations.

These seabass, delivered last fall as 3-inch fry from a hatchery in Carlsbad, were nurtured to a hardy 8-9 inches in MDRA’s two grow-out pens at Burton Chase Park. In two to three years, they’ll reach the legal catch size of 28 inches, offering anglers a sustainable bounty. The effort is part of the Ocean Resources Enhancement and Hatchery Program (OREHP), a state initiative funded entirely by California’s Sport Fish Enhancement Stamp—a small fee on fishing licenses that fuels a big impact.

Since its founding in 1975 as a sportfishing club, MDRA has evolved into a powerhouse of conservation, raising and releasing approximately 136,000 white seabass to date. The club’s “Pen Pals”—a dedicated crew of volunteers—feed the fish twice daily, maintain the pens, and protect them from predators. Lead volunteer Keith Moret spearheaded this latest release, coordinating a team that ensures the fish thrive during their months in captivity.

“We’re giving back to the ocean that’s given us so much,” Moret said. “It’s about ensuring future generations can enjoy fishing here, just as we have.”

The pens’ location at Burton Chase Park owes much to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, which has supported MDRA’s efforts for years. “We’re deeply grateful for their partnership,” said an MDRA spokesperson. “The harbor’s clean waters prove it’s a thriving estuary—a perfect nursery for these fish.”

This work carries added weight after recent fires along Santa Monica Bay’s shores, which underscored the need to bolster marine resilience. Historically, nearshore gill nets decimated white seabass populations, but MDRA’s releases—backed by OREHP and partners like the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute—have helped turn the tide. Looking ahead, the club hopes to expand its program to include juvenile halibut, another species targeted by OREHP.

Beyond fish releases, MDRA engages the community through educational tours, welcoming school groups to witness the grow-out process firsthand. And via a summer fishing program for kids. From San Diego to Santa Barbara, similar volunteer-staffed fish pens echo MDRA’s mission, but the Marina Del Rey chapter stands out for its scale and consistency and very low mortality rates for the two pens they maintain. This aquaculture program is good at showing just how healthy the water in the Marina Del Rey harbor really is.

For anglers, conservationists, and fish taco enthusiasts alike, MDRA’s efforts are a reminder that sustainable fishing starts with collective action. To learn more about the club’s work or join its ranks—open to all walks of life—visit www.mdranglers.com or follow #MDRAnglers on Facebook and YouTube.

The MDRA members would like to also add Halibut to the fish rearing project in the future. After the recent fires there is likely a very high need for this type of work to mitigate the damages of all the ash and toxins flowing into the Santa Monica Bay. Catch numbers of Halibut took a big hit after past major fires in Malibu. With the help from volunteer fishermen and some DFW biologists it could be possible to help save Halibut from the typical harm the fires do to the bay.