Seafood in an Inland City
Pomona is about forty miles from the Pacific Ocean, yet seafood plays a major role in the city's diverse food scene. Mexican mariscos restaurants, sushi bars, poke shops, Asian markets, and seafood boils are popular throughout the Pomona Valley. The region's proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and to major seafood processors in Southern California means fresh and frozen fish can reach Pomona kitchens within hours.
Local anglers also enjoy freshwater fishing at nearby Puddingstone Reservoir in Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, where trout and bass are popular catches. This interest in fishing and seafood gives Pomona a strong connection to the fishery industry.
How We Chose These Companies
We evaluated fishery and seafood companies on product quality, freshness, sustainability certifications, traceability, distribution reach, and service to Pomona customers. The list includes Southern California seafood distributors, wild-caught fishing companies, and aquaculture producers.
The Top 10 Best Fishery Companies in Pomona
1. Santa Monica Seafood
Santa Monica Seafood is one of the largest and most respected seafood distributors in Southern California. It supplies restaurants, retailers, and institutions with fresh and frozen seafood from around the world. Pomona restaurants rely on Santa Monica Seafood for quality, traceability, and a strong commitment to responsible sourcing.
2. Pacific Seafood
Pacific Seafood is a vertically integrated seafood company that harvests, processes, and distributes seafood across the West Coast. Its products include salmon, shellfish, groundfish, and Dungeness crab. Pomona retailers and foodservice operators value Pacific Seafood for its supply reliability and focus on sustainable fisheries.
3. Anderson Seafoods
Anderson Seafoods is a Southern California seafood processor and distributor based in Anaheim. It supplies restaurants, hotels, and retailers with fresh fish and shellfish, offering custom cutting and portioning. Pomona chefs appreciate Anderson's freshness, product knowledge, and responsive service.
4. International Marine Products
International Marine Products is a Los Angeles-based seafood importer and distributor known for fresh fish, shellfish, and specialty seafood products. It serves restaurants and retailers across Southern California. Pomona sushi bars and seafood restaurants benefit from its wide selection and rapid delivery.
5. Catalina Offshore Products
Catalina Offshore Products is a San Diego-based seafood company specializing in sustainable, high-quality seafood, including sushi-grade fish and sea urchin. It emphasizes local sourcing and education. Pomona sushi chefs and seafood enthusiasts value Catalina Offshore for premium products and a focus on sustainability.
6. Trident Seafoods
Trident Seafoods is one of the largest seafood companies in North America, known for wild Alaska pollock, salmon, and crab. Its products are found in grocery stores and restaurants nationwide, including Pomona. Trident's commitment to sustainable wild fisheries and quality processing makes it a trusted brand.
7. Riverence
Riverence is a leading North American producer of land-raised steelhead and rainbow trout. Its sustainable aquaculture practices produce fresh, high-quality fish with a low environmental footprint. Pomona restaurants and retailers seeking responsibly farmed trout benefit from Riverence's consistent quality and traceable production.
8. Clear Springs Foods
Clear Springs Foods is a pioneer in rainbow trout farming, using spring water to raise fish in Idaho. It offers fresh and frozen trout products for retail and foodservice customers. Pomona chefs and consumers value Clear Springs for clean flavor, sustainable production, and product consistency.
9. American Seafoods
American Seafoods is a major harvester and processor of wild-caught Alaska pollock, Pacific whiting, and other species. Its at-sea processing ensures freshness. Its products are widely used in foodservice, including fish sandwiches and fish tacos, which are popular menu items in Pomona restaurants.
10. Blue Ocean Mariculture
Blue Ocean Mariculture is a Hawaii-based open-ocean aquaculture company that raises Hawaiian kampachi. Its premium, sushi-grade fish is prized by chefs across the West Coast. Pomona sushi and fine dining restaurants seeking unique, sustainably raised fish can source Blue Ocean's kampachi through regional seafood distributors.
Seafood Culture in the Pomona Valley
Seafood is woven into Pomona's culinary identity. Mariscos restaurants serve ceviche, aguachile, and shrimp cocktails, while sushi bars and poke shops attract students from nearby colleges. Asian and Latin markets across the valley sell whole fish, shellfish, and dried seafood for home cooking. During Lent, demand for fish rises sharply, and seafood distributors increase deliveries to meet it. This diverse demand encourages suppliers to offer a wide range of species, cuts, and price points.
Trends in the Fishery Industry
The seafood industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, traceability, and aquaculture. Certifications help consumers identify responsibly sourced products. Land-based aquaculture and recirculating systems are expanding, producing fish closer to markets with less environmental impact. Consumers in Pomona are showing greater interest in sustainable seafood choices, and restaurants are highlighting sourcing on menus.
Freshness and Handling Tips
Seafood quality depends heavily on proper handling. Pomona restaurants and retailers should choose suppliers who maintain a strict cold chain from boat to delivery, provide harvest dates and origin information, and offer frequent deliveries. Home cooks should look for firm flesh, clear eyes, and a mild ocean smell, and should refrigerate seafood promptly after purchase.
Choosing the Right Seafood Partner
When selecting a fishery or seafood company, consider freshness, product range, sustainability certifications, and delivery frequency. Building relationships with reputable distributors ensures consistent quality. The companies above offer Pomona restaurants, retailers, and home cooks access to outstanding seafood despite the city's inland location.