February 27, 2025 — Workforce development was a central theme at one of the National Working Waterfront Network (NWWN) conference sessions this year in San Diego.
Industry leaders, community advocates, and fishermen gathered to discuss strategies for sustaining the next generation of commercial fishermen and maritime workers. Panelists discussed recruiting and retaining new entrants, providing proper training, and ensuring career resiliency in an ever-changing industry.
Jessica Hathaway, former editor of National Fisherman and now a public affairs consultant, moderated the discussion and opened with a pointed question: How do we attract people into the industry and take care of them once they’re in? Hathaway brought together Monique Coombs of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association(MCFA), Kim Selkoe of the Commercial Fishermen of Santa Barbara, Imani Black of Minorities in Aquaculture, and Doreen Legget of the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance(CCCFA).