As the aggressive pursuit to privatize and industrialize our oceans with offshore wind turbine factories marches on, the small yet powerful voices of coastal communities around the nation continues to fight to be heard in the process. It is a veritable David versus Goliath story.
Goliath takes many forms. Is it BOEM? The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is uncompromising in their quest to lease out our oceans to multinational corporations for industrial development. I have sat face to face in Washington, DC with BOEM director Liz Klein who claims the president is driving this quest. So, is Goliath the Biden administration? There is no doubt that this administration has put forth unrealistic goals for offshore wind energy at the same time they dangle delicious tax incentives to developers looking to line their own pockets. However, these goals are in direct opposition with other presidential executive orders looking to elevate tribal voices, protect food security, and pursue environmental justice for marginalized communities most impacted by climate change. The hypocrisy is alarming.
Closer to home in Oregon, I believe that Goliath may be the elitists who live in urban settings like Portland and Salem who believe that they know best what the coastal residents of Oregon need. Oregon is not unique; however, this story is unfolding around the nation where urbanites believe they know best for rural communities that they do not live or work in. These people tout their desire to uplift marginalized voices while they steamroll rural voices, whether it is Tribes, coastal community members, or commercial fishermen. They attempt to downplay the concerns of coastal residents, claiming “we just don’t understand”. But here’s the thing. We actually do understand.
Those of us from multi-generational fishing families know exactly how important a healthy ocean is to our survival. So do those of us who are new to fishing. All of us, from the old timers to the greenhorns, understand the importance of a healthy ecosystem in the face of climate change. Oregon Tribes are practically begging for consideration of their traditional values and protection of their culture – again, falling on deaf ears. The question that begs an answer- Why is our deep knowledge coupled with our concerns for the future of tribal culture, seafood production, robust coastal community economies and a healthy ocean environment somehow deemed less important than the unrealistic pursuits of the urban elitists, BOEM and the Biden administration?
As David in this story, regular people – commercial and recreational fishermen, tribal representatives, marine scientists, environmentalists, and coastal citizens continue to show up and speak in the face of the overwhelming force of Goliath. Our story is still unfolding. In the original story young David slays the mighty Goliath with a slingshot and five smooth stones. Our stones are 1) potential harm to the ocean environment and marine ecosystem and the fish species and marine mammals who live there; 2) negative impacts to commercial fishing operations and seafood production; 3) much more expensive utility bills for consumers; 4) disruption and harm to tribal cultures; and 5) ruination of rural coastal economies dependent in part on commercial and recreational fishing.
We know from the original story that the small can defeat the large. We know that David’s bravery came directly from his confidence that he was doing the right thing. We have our courage, our stones, and our slingshot is our united voice. Will others be brave enough to join us and stand up for what’s right? Or will rural voices continue to be ignored? Can David beat Goliath once again?