FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Vance Staplin, GSSA Executive Director, vance@goldenstatesalmon.org
Darius Anderson Recognized as Salmon Champion
San Francisco, CA – For his outstanding work to preserve salmon fishing in California, the Golden State Salmon Association is recognizing Darius Anderson with its 2026 Salmon Champion Award.
Business Leader and Outdoor Advocate
Anderson is well known throughout California, especially in Sonoma County, for his many successful business ventures, including Wing and Barrel Ranch, which he built and currently operates.
A leading voice representing hunters and fishermen, Anderson currently serves as a Commissioner at the California Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Introducing Young Californians to the Outdoors
In addition to his work as a business leader and advocate, Anderson is also recognized for bringing young people throughout California into the fishing and hunting worlds, work that is greatly appreciated. GSSA shares the belief that people are more likely to protect what they love and love what they know, and introducing young people to the great outdoors is the first key step for many. Darius Anderson takes this to heart.
“Leaders like Darius Anderson play a critical role in making sure future generations don’t just inherit California’s natural resources, but have the chance to truly experience and appreciate them. When people are introduced to the outdoors early, they’re far more likely to protect it for the long term.” — Vance Staplin, Executive Director, Golden State Salmon Association
A Voice for Fishermen and Hunters on the Fish and Wildlife Commission
Anderson has also demonstrated key leadership and stewardship of the state’s marine resources at the Fish and Game Commission. He brings an understanding and firsthand outdoor experience that other commission members lack. His past support for the Golden Gate and Golden State Salmon Associations has helped keep the salmon industry’s voice represented in key state stakeholder decision-making.
A Proven Ally to Salmon and the Fishing Community
For all of his support for California’s fisheries and introducing young Californians to the incredible natural resources our state is blessed with, GSSA hereby recognizes Darius Anderson as a true Salmon Champion.
Honored Among Distinguished Past Recipients
Anderson joins the ranks of other outstanding community members awarded the Salmon Champion award in the past. These include Sonoma Water Manager Grant Davis, Erich Pearson, owner and founder of Sparc Organic farm in Glen Ellen, and renowned vintners and biodynamic farm leaders Mike Benzinger, Sam Sebastian, and Phil Coturri. Anderson has also been a longtime friend of Golden Gate Salmon Association founder Victor Gonella, who in 2019 was honored with a Salmon Lifetime Conservation Award for his extensive work in salmon conservation.
Award Celebration Event Details
The Golden State Salmon Association will formally present the Salmon Champion Award to Darius Anderson during a special fundraising event in support of California’s salmon.
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 3:00–6:00 PM
Where: Wing and Barrel Ranch, Sonoma
Guests will enjoy reserve wine selections, curated bites, a live auction with exclusive offerings, and updates on GSSA’s work to protect salmon across California. More information and tickets are available at: https://goldenstatesalmon.salsalabs.org/Wingan…/index.html
About GSSA: The Golden State Salmon Association (www.goldenstatesalmon.org) is a coalition of salmon advocates that includes commercial and recreational salmon fishermen and women, businesses, restaurants, a native tribe, environmentalists, elected officials, families, and communities that rely on salmon. GSSA’s mission is to restore California salmon for their economic, recreational, commercial, environmental, cultural, and health values.
Currently, California’s salmon industry is valued at $1.4 billion in economic activity and 23,000 jobs annually in a normal season, and about half that much in economic activity and jobs again in Oregon. Industry workers benefiting from Central Valley salmon stretch from Santa Barbara to northern Oregon. This includes commercial fishermen and women, recreational fishermen and women (freshwater and saltwater), fish processors, marinas, coastal communities, equipment manufacturers, the hotel and food industry, tribes, and others.
# # # #Contact: Vance Staplin, GSSA Executive Director, vance@goldenstatesalmon.org