Research Project Tackles Decarbonization - Fishers & Operator Input Needed

Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition recently hosted two researches, Sarah Schumann and Erika De La Rosa, in Bellingham, to get direct input from fishers and vessel operators on future decarbonization efforts to reduce the impact of small vessel fleets. Their project was highlighted in the National Fisherman this week, and it is ongoing in collecting stories, data and input from local fishers and vessel operators.

The research project is titled "Accelerating a Transition to a Low-Carbon Fishing Fleet." This project was inspired by many of the sign-on letters that have circulated through the list-serves in the last six months asking federal agencies to designate funds to support experimentation and adoption of highly efficient or low-carbon technologies on fishing vessels. As Sarah puts it, “We figured that if we're serious about asking for that kind of support, we need more than just letters: we need thorough, ground-truthed social science and policy research to back up those requests and give decision-makers a roadmap to creating the kinds of support that are truly going to be useful in our world. So we decided to set out and create that roadmap -- and now, we need your help!”

As you are all well aware, research is only as strong as the data going in, and more data equals stronger findings, whether that's fisheries science or social science. Sarah and Erika have come up with an idea where each individual operator or fisher can help ensure that this project produces outcomes that are useful to all. Per their request:

“If you are a vessel owner in Alaska, the West Coast, or New England, we want to interview you! Interviews last 30-60 minutes and include questions about: any technologies you're already using or would like to use to make your vessel more fuel-efficient; your thoughts on advanced innovations like electric/hybrid engines and alternative fuels; and your recommendations for pilot projects and new/improved federal and state programs that can make voluntary adoption of these technologies more feasible for vessel owners. If you've ever used an existing state or federal program to enhance the efficiency of your vessel, we're interested in learning about that experience, too. Participants will receive a $20 stipend and a T-shirt stating ‘I support climate action led by people in boots, not people in suits.“

The project is starting on the West Coast and expanding outward from there. In the next month, Erika will be continuing to conduct interviews in Bellingham and Seattle (contact Erika at erikajdelarosa@gmail.com), while Sarah will travel through Washington, Oregon, and California. The schedule of West Coast port visits is posted here and on Facebook. Please email or text Sarah Schumann at schumannsarah@gmail.com at (401)297-6273 to set up a time to meet when the scheduled visit is in your area! Virtual interviews are also available at a later date. 

If you are an association leader , you can help by spreading the word to your members. Organizations who support this project by leveraging their membership networks will be invited to sign on as co-publishers of the report and share credit for the great work. You may forward this information, contact Sarah for a shorter blurb you can share, or share their Facebook posts.

If you are one of those rare but highly prized hybrid fisherman-social science researchers (there are more than a few of them in the universe!), Sarah may be interested in offering you flexible part-time contract work! Please get in touch if you're interested, so that they can keep you on the list as they expand the team.

Finally, they have launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise funds for this project, please consider chipping in if you can.