Coastal community resilience: A narrative policy framework analysis of the perceived impacts of 'graying of the fleet' in Oregon

Commercial fishing is deeply embedded in the economy and culture of many coastal communities in Oregon. This study examined the impact of the ‘graying of the fleet’ phenomenon (e.g., the increase in the average age of... [ view full abstract ]

Commercial fishing is deeply embedded in the economy and culture of many coastal communities in Oregon. This study examined the impact of the ‘graying of the fleet’ phenomenon (e.g., the increase in the average age of commercial fishermen) on community resilience in coastal communities. This paper utilizes the Narrative Policy Framework to examine the role of macro-level concepts of rurality in the perceptions and portrayal of graying and resilience by coastal community leaders. Utilizing qualitative oral history research methods, the occurrence of and factors contributing to the graying of the fleet, and implications for industry and community resilience are examined. Implications of the relationship between perceptions of graying of the fleet, fisheries management and community resilience are discussed.