Next week, stakeholders from across the commercial maritime industry will gather in San Diego for the 7th National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) Conference.

This biennial event is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the working waterfronts that serve as economic and cultural lifelines for coastal communities.

National Fisherman and WorkBoat editors will be attending the conference and look forward to engaging in discussions covering critical issues facing the fishing and commercial marine industries. Climate resilience, disaster response, workforce development, and infrastructure challenges are just a few examples of topics that will be covered through conference sessions.

This year’s theme, "Working Waterfronts: Adapting to Change," reflects the evolving landscape of the nation’s working waterfronts and the strategies communities all around the U.S. are developing to navigate an uncertain future.

As the only national event of its kind, the NWWN Conference brings together a mix of commercial fishing representatives, port officials, business owners, policymakers, and researchers to share insights and collaborate on solutions to keep the industries alive. The agenda features plenary sessions, panel discussions, roundtable dialogues, and a formal poster session, providing a shared space for attendees to learn from industry leaders and exchange ideas.

West Coast 2025

Each NWWN Conference moves to a new region to highlight the unique challenges and opportunities faced by working waterfronts across the country. Past locations have included Norfolk, Virginia; Portland, Maine; Tampa, Florida; and Boston, Massachusetts. With recent events focused on the East Coast and Midwest, the 2025 conference shifts its focus to the West Coast, offering a chance to explore California’s bustling maritime industry and its approach to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Engagement

Beyond the conference sessions, NWWN encourages participants to get involved year-round. The organization considers all attendees to be part of its growing network and is actively seeking advisory committee members and volunteers. Those interested in shaping the future of the nation’s working waterfronts can sign up at the NWWN table during the event.

Hosted by California Sea Grant

This year’s event is hosted by California Sea Grant, a program based at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. Part of the broader National Sea Grant network, the program works to bridge the gap between research and practical solutions, helping communities balance environmental and economic needs along the coast.

As challenges mount, from rising sea levels to shifting regulations, gatherings like the NWWN Conference are more crucial than ever. The conversations taking place next week in San Diego will play a key role in shaping the future of America’s working waterfronts.

For more details, visit here.

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Carli is a Content Specialist for National Fisherman. She comes from a fourth-generation fishing family off the coast of Maine. Her background consists of growing her own business within the marine community. She resides on one of the islands off the coast of Maine while also supporting the lobster community she grew up in.

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