I had the pleasure of attending the seventh National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) conference in San Diego, Calif. This conference focused on the importance of collaboration and community in addressing every aspect of the working waterfront.
Each time the conference is held in a different region, it reminds the community of the diversity of working waterfronts across the country, from sprawling commercial harbors to small-town docks and boat ramps.
One of the most significant talking points was the need for commercial, recreational, and waterfront fisheries, ports, and businesses to come together and address climate change impacts. Other key points included the collapse of fisheries and the need for increased awareness and communication between scientists and the fishing industry.
Partnerships with industry, local governments, and organizations such as Sea Grant and NOAA Fisheries were emphasized as crucial for resilience and adaptation. Different initiatives from the past years were focused on, such as the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge and community-focused climate adaptation plans in Alaska. Mental health support for fishermen was another major focus, along with local engagement through education and policy.
Alaska
Theresa Peterson, fisheries policy director with Alaska Marine Conservation Council, spoke in detail during the opening remarks on the collapse of many Alaska fisheries, including the red salmon fishery, which faces devastation after a severe drought dried up spawning rivers in 2019. Five years later, the impact is devastatingly clear; stocks simply didn’t recover. She noted, “The fishermen were the first to see these signs. The meat was different. They’re not in the same area that we’ve seen.” Building stronger communication between those on the water and those studying is necessary to prepare for the future.
Working together to tackle regional issues
Across the country, partnerships are proving to be a key factor in keeping working waterfronts viable. From advocacy groups to government agencies, industry leaders emphasized the importance of working together to tackle economic and environmental challenges.
One example came from the shrimp industry, which has faced an uphill battle against imported competition. Despite the struggle, industry associations across multiple states are becoming more active, sharing information, and advocating for local fishermen. Bryan Fluech of Georgia Sea Grant shared, “I’ve never seen them this engaged before.”
Similarly, in the Great Lakes region, a group of processors and fishery-adjacent businesses have signed on to the “100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” a commitment to fully utilize fish byproducts by 2026. Whether by turning fish waste into collagen, compost, or leather, the initiative proves that sustainability and business viability can go hand in hand.
Stronger industry connections
Making relationships within the industry and with policymakers was highlighted as a priority. As one guest speaker put it, the challenge is getting fishermen to engage with regulatory bodies: "I always laugh that I never thought one of the hardest things as a program manager for NOAA is getting a shrimper to call DNR or NOAA. They’re not going to bite your head off.” Bridging the gap between the two entities is crucial for ensuring that the voices of those working on the water are heard.
Many communities have already acted. In Kodiak, a project is underway to develop a climate adaptation plan specifically for fishery-dependent communities, something that had been notably absent for some time. The initiative is to bring together tribal partners, borough officials, harbor authorities, and industry leaders to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to keep the working waterfront thriving.
Monique Coombs, director of marine programs for the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, shared about partnerships with communities in the state offering mental health and first aid training to fishermen, their families, and industry organizations. “There’s no reason for us to reinvent the wheel when it comes to mental health resources for fishermen. It’s a matter of connecting with the appropriate partners and making it relevant for commercial fishermen,” she shared.
The NWWN was founded on the idea of preserving water-dependent industries by creating a space for ongoing dialogue and collective action. By engaging in the conference myself, I can say that it’s clear the issues facing coastal communities aren’t going away anytime soon. But the willingness to come together, share knowledge, forge partnerships, and push for better policies offers us all a path forward.
One speaker said, “Industry and authority may fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but we recognize that we must come together.” At the end of the day, the unity I saw firsthand at the conference may be what keeps America’s working waterfront afloat.
