The Fisherman's Wharf (FW) area in Channel Islands Harbor is located on the corner of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Blvd.  Fisherman's Wharf opened in May of 1978, more than 40 years ago.  The FW site was a vision, and owned originally by Martin Smith, known locally as "Bud" Smith.

Over the last 4 decades, the surrounding area (10 acre parcel) has fallen in dissaray, and is in need of a major facelift.  The buildings need structural repair.  Since the early 2000's, there has been attempts to re-develop the area.  These attempts have fallen short of meeting criteria set by The Coastal Commission, and were abondoned.  Most recently, Channel Islands Harbor Director, Michael Tripp put a Request for Proposal to develop this area.  After consideration of 3 Proposals, the Harbor Adminastration, working in concert with the Ventura County Board of Supervisors (VCBOS) selected Karls' Group and entered into an Exclusive Right to Negotiate (ERN) phase.  The ERN period was from April 2023 to April 2024.  At its May 21, 2024 meeting, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a one-year lease option agreement with Robert Dahl, Karls' Group Owner. Director Tripp said the one-year lease option agreement allows Dahl’s team to move forward with finalizing plans for the project, as well as secure any necessary permits from the California Coastal Commission and the City of Oxnard. If Dahl’s team satisfies the requirements and conditions outlined in the one-year lease option agreement, a subsequent 30-year lease will take effect.  VCCFA Supported this decision with a letter submitted to the VCBOS in May of 2024.

The wharf has served as an offloading wharf for the Commercial Fishing Industry since it was built, and continues to be used today.  Fish that are offloaded there go to market.  The wharf has a One-Ton Hoist, and is a crucial component of the commercial fishing infrastructure for Channel Islands Harbor.  VCCFA has worked closely with Karls' group.  It has participated in numerous workshops and meetings over the last few years with Karls' outreach.  Karls has supported the idea of continuing usage of the wharf for commercial fishing activities.  Karls' has dedicated efforts to protect and promote the cultural contributions of a working commercial fishing fleet and industry.  We have been included in plans, and continue to work closely to complete a vision that includes our activities in their proposals of development.  VCCFA and Karls' are excited to work together to complete the vision!  VCCFA is committed to support Karls' and continue a relationship that serves to benefit our industry and our community.

-Dave Colker, VCCFA Executive Director August 12 2024