MTC Director Heather Mann reflects on the challenges faced by commercial fishermen in 2022 and the promise she sees in 2023.
From the Blog
The People have spoken. Will BOEM listen?
The Federal Register reports that 239 comments have been submitted on the topic of Oregon offshore wind energy development. The people have spoken, but will BOEM listen?
Organizations going on the record with BOEM
A variety of governmental organizations and other groups with concerns about the process surrounding offshore wind development have gone on the record with resolutions and letters of concern to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Here we list the organizations and provide a link to their resolutions and letters.
Giving thanks for federal legislators on BOEM outreach
Representing Oregon’s coastal communities, two members of Congress and a U.S. Senator have put their concerns about offshore wind energy development in writing to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
#ProtectUSFishermen Rally in Coos Bay
More than 200 people attended this May 10th rally representing interests across the seafood industry – from harvesters and processors, to supply companies, scientists, and consumers. The message was unified: offshore wind development should not displace commercial fishing.
Advisory group asks Port to voice support for current ocean users in offshore wind debate
The Commercial Fishing Users Group (CFUG) believes it is important for the Port of Newport to consider taking a position to prioritize current ocean users and stakeholders over offshore wind development companies as the process moves forward. The process begins with a discussion about offshore wind and its impacts.
Sustainable fishing is smart fishing
For those in the world of commercial fishing, sustainability is an ever-present part of the thought process when selecting new gear, targeting certain fishing grounds, and making decisions about the future of these multi-generational businesses. After all, without sustainability, future generations won’t have a fishing business to take over.
Understanding Offshore Wind, Commercial Fisheries, and Coastal Economies
Even without floating offshore wind farms, the ocean off Oregon is an obstacle course, not an open grassy plain. As the harvesters of healthy seafood for the nation who simultaneously support thousands of Oregon jobs both onshore and on the water, the concerns of the fishing industry regarding offshore energy development must be acknowledged and minimized.
Recognize and Celebrate Responsible Federal Fisheries Management
Today’s trawl cod catcher vessel boat owners and the captains and crew are forward thinking, they are technologically savvy, they care deeply for our natural resources and minimizing incidental catch. The Council process worked exactly as it was intended, resulting in a responsible federal fisheries management action that we can all be proud of.
NOAA Fisheries Report: 2019
NOAA recently released its Fisheries of the United States 2019 report and ports frequented by MTC vessels were once again among the most...
ON OUR RADAR: Offshore Wind Development
Commercial fishing stakeholders concerned about offshore wind development got a swift wake-up call earlier this...
Fishery Management: At the Table or On the Menu?
“If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.” That’s a common saying in the fishing industry, but what does it mean to be at the...