Our Mission
MISSION
TRACEABILITY & RESPONSIBLE FOOD SYSTEMS
Understanding where food originates is fundamental to responsible sourcing, environmental sustainability, and long-term human health. Transparent supply chains and traceable harvest practices strengthen trust, support well-managed fisheries, and promote informed food choices.
The Good Captain Co. delivers locally harvested seafood directly to Santa Barbara County restaurants from one of the most carefully regulated and scientifically monitored marine regions in the world. Our approach reflects a commitment to responsible resource use, ecosystem balance, and long-term sustainability.
The Channel Islands and surrounding California waters represent a globally recognized model of science-based fisheries management and marine conservation. These ecosystems require continuous observation, responsible harvest practices, and long-term stewardship to remain resilient and productive.
Through extensive time in the field, professional divers and commercial harvesters contribute practical environmental knowledge alongside formal scientific monitoring. Responsible domestic fisheries play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting coastal communities, and strengthening transparent seafood systems.
FIELD EXPERIENCE & OCEAN OBSERVATION
The Good Captain Co. is grounded in direct, long-term experience within California’s coastal marine environments. Thousands of hours underwater have provided firsthand insight into ecosystem dynamics, habitat conditions, and the importance of sustainable harvest practices.
By sharing field observations and operational experience, we aim to foster greater understanding of marine environments, responsible fisheries, and ocean stewardship.
Follow ongoing field work and ocean operations at @thegoodcaptainco
Founder Profile : John Hoadley
John Hoadley has worked extensively throughout California’s coastal waters, from San Diego to Monterey, developing deep operational knowledge of regional marine environments.
After years of free diving and scuba diving experience, John completed the Marine Diving Technology Program at Santa Barbara City College in 2004. He subsequently worked with Truth Aquatics Inc., serving aboard the vessels Conception and Vision. During this period, he earned his 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard Master’s License and operated as a licensed Mate for multiple seasons.
John has worked as a commercial diver in the offshore oil and marine infrastructure sectors along the Santa Barbara coastline and in Hawaii. His project experience includes platform inspection and maintenance, subsea system installation supporting power buoy infrastructure, and hydrographic seafloor instrumentation deployment.
He has also operated survey vessels on both the East and West Coasts, conducting hydrographic reconnaissance in support of offshore wind energy development and marine mapping initiatives.
For 16 years, John has owned and operated The Good Captain Co., supplying Santa Barbara–harvested sea urchin, sea cucumber, and California spiny lobster to regional restaurants and seafood distributors.