San Diego— A century-old fishing legacy has found new life at the docks of Point Loma, where Tunaville Market & Grocery has officially opened its doors at 4904 North Harbor Drive. At the helm of this new seafood hub is none other than Tommy Gomes, affectionately known across the region as “Tommy the Fishmonger®.”
A native son of San Diego, Gomes is descended from Portuguese tuna fishermen who settled in the city in 1892. Fishing runs deep in his blood. After spending nearly 30 years at sea himself, Gomes retired from commercial fishing in 2003 and took up a job as a fish cutter at Catalina Offshore Products. What followed was a transformation from seasoned fisherman to one of San Diego’s most iconic advocates for local seafood and sustainable fishing practices.
Over his 16 years at Catalina Offshore, Gomes became much more than a fish cutter. He helped launch their retail fish market, served as the public face of the business, and created the Seafood Education and Nutrition Center. He also founded Collaboration Kitchen, a nonprofit dinner series that brought the fishing and culinary communities together to promote seafood education. In 2011, San Diego Magazine named him one of its “50 People to Watch,” recognizing his growing influence in the region.
“We’re here to put fresh, local seafood back on dinner tables and to remind people that eating fish isn’t just about fillets and fancy recipes. It’s about community, culture, and respecting every part of the catch,” Gomes says.
Tunaville Market & Grocery is the latest extension of that mission. Owned and operated by a group of current and retired commercial fishermen, the market is dedicated to selling seafood sourced directly from San Diego waters. Gomes and his team are focused on zero-waste seafood practices, ensuring that even lesser-known cuts of fish find their way to the plate instead of the trash.
One of Gomes’ most innovative achievements was his work with opah, a large pelagic fish that was once only partially utilized. Through education and chef outreach, Gomes helped create a market for multiple cuts of the fish, including the collar, loin, and belly. His efforts were instrumental in securing a 2019 NOAA Fisheries grant to increase the value of San Diego’s local fisheries.
Tunaville Market goes far beyond offering seafood. The space is still under construction, with a full seafood counter, café, and general grocery area in the works. The market also features educational programming and community engagement, encouraging consumers to learn about where their seafood comes from, how it was caught, and how to prepare it at home.
“We want this place to feel like an extension of the docks,” Gomes says. “When you come in, you should know who caught your fish and how.”
That local connection is evident in Tunaville’s roster of suppliers, including veteran fisherman Johnny Glawson. A San Diego native, Glawson started working on sportfishing boats at the age of 13 and became a captain by 18. Today, he operates the F/V Nicole Ann, a 43-foot Donelle lobster boat. His catches include lobster, rock crab, sheepshead, whitefish, and more. He also hook-and-line fishes for rockfish and mackerel, contributing to the diversity and sustainability of the market’s offerings.
Gomes often describes fishmongers as the bridge between the ocean and the dinner table. And indeed, the role of a fishmonger is multifaceted. They source seafood from trusted commercial fisheries and local boats, inspect and handle fish for freshness and safety, and prepare seafood by cleaning, filleting, and portioning it. Beyond that, they educate customers about sustainability, cooking techniques, and the seasonality of different species.
The benefits to the local boating and fishing community are significant. Fishmongers like Gomes and his team support independent fishermen by providing a direct market for their catch. They help preserve the coastal economy by keeping seafood dollars local and ensure that the catch is handled with the care and respect it deserves.
Additionally, fishmongers are stewards of tradition. In harbor towns like San Diego, they carry on the cultural and culinary heritage of fishing communities that have existed for generations. In doing so, they also introduce newcomers to underutilized or lesser-known species, broadening palates and reducing waste.
“Our seafood culture is a huge part of San Diego’s identity,” says Gomes. “We have generations of fishermen who’ve worked these waters, and they deserve to be supported. Buying local fish is one of the best ways to do that.”
Even as the market takes shape, the response from the community has been enthusiastic. Locals, chefs, and seafood lovers from all over the region have stopped by to pick up fresh fish and learn more about the market’s mission. The under-construction café and grocery store are expected to bring even more visitors when completed.
Gomes also emphasizes the educational role of Tunaville. “We want to show people that seafood doesn’t have to be intimidating,” he says. “We’ll help you learn how to cook it, how to store it, and what to pair it with. And we’ll do it in a way that honors the fish and the fisherman who brought it in.”
When he’s not behind the counter or out on the dock, you might find Gomes exploring San Diego’s restaurant scene, cheering on the local hockey team, or cruising the coast in his boat, motorcycle, or classic ’55 Ford pickup. But no matter where he is, he’s always spreading the word about sustainable seafood and the value of keeping it local.
Tunaville Market & Grocery is not just a place to buy fish. It’s a living tribute to the people who catch it, the waters they work, and the communities that depend on both. With Tommy Gomes leading the charge, the future of San Diego’s seafood scene looks more vibrant than ever.
