September 17, 2025

Washington Fishermen's Convention set for Dec. 4-8

Margaret Bauman

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Participants of the Drill Instructor and Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training will get hands-on experience practicing lifesaving skills, such as putting on survival suits. Photo courtesy of Washington Sea Grant

Plans are underway for the first-ever Washington Fishermen's Convention, to be held at Westport on Dec. 4-8 by Washington Sea Grant (WSG).

The event aims to unify and celebrate the state's diverse fishing industry, while bringing new and prospective harvesters into the fold, WSG said in an announcement on Sept. 16.

An advisory committee of commercial fishermen is involved in planning, with funding from the Young Fishermen's Development Act.

Bridget Trosin, WSG fisheries and boating team lead, said the hope is that the convention will bring together diverse fishing sectors, different generations of fishermen, and those with decades of experience, along with new fishermen, for a few days of workforce development and social connection. "Our commercial fishermen are an important part of Washington's maritime culture, and we need more of them," she said.

“Commercial fishing sustains my family, as it does for countless others on the Washington coast," said Molly Bold, general manager of Westport Marine and a member of the convention's advisory committee. "Here in Westport, the seafood industry is a cornerstone of our economy and identity. There’s a real need to better support those who want to enter this field and ensure its future.”

Convention offerings are to include U.S. Coast Guard-approved drill instructor and fishermen first aid and safety training, and an opportunity for participants to test their seaworthiness on a commercial fishing vessel, plus up to five days of multi-track educational and networking sessions. These include a range of sessions, ranging from mitigating conflict and crew contracts to finance and insurance technical assistance and participant networking, and crew/captain matchmaking.

Fishermen are invited to participate in any way that makes sense to them, with up to five days of learning and networking opportunities, as well as a two-day conference and individually priced training sessions. Commercial fishermen receive a discounted price on trainings, and scholarships and industry-funded conference tickets for new fishermen are available.