The British Columbia Young Fishermen's Network: empowering and educating the next generation of BC's commercial fishermen

Fishing communities were once the heart of British Columbia’s coastal economy, providing food security, a cultural identity, commerce, employment, and other benefits. Shifts in management, resource availability, and... [ view full abstract ]

Fishing communities were once the heart of British Columbia’s coastal economy, providing food security, a cultural identity, commerce, employment, and other benefits. Shifts in management, resource availability, and distribution of access have led to a decline in capacity over the past thirty years. The average age of a fisherman is 56 and increasing – fishermen are growing older without being replaced by younger workers. Fisheries are centralizing in urban areas and this is eroding the economic and cultural integrity of our coastal communities. To ensure fisheries reconnect with coastal communities, there needs to be increased support for youth at the beginning of their careers.

In response, community organizations that represent the BC commercial fishing fleet developed the BC Young Fishermen’s Network. The Network empowers the next generation of fishermen through a series of innovative workshops and community connection. These events equip young fishermen with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complicated barriers to growing a successful fishing business. The Network focuses on the importance of sharing knowledge, so fishermen can successfully run a local fishing enterprise and participate in decisions that affect them.

The inaugural BC Young Fishermen’s Gathering was held in 2017 and brought together over 30 young fishermen from across the coast. The Gathering is an annual, two-day workshop focused on fostering learning, networking and growth in the next generation of BC’s fishing fleet. The event provides an opportunity for young fishermen to collaborate with each other, and across multi-level communities. Session topics range from the business of fishing, alternative marketing strategies, science and management, and marine safety among others. Experts from multiple sectors of the industry come together to teach these topics. Participants also contribute to roundtable discussions, which encourage dialogue across players, and aim to inspire sustainability and innovation in the fishing industry.

 Although geographically diverse, BC fishermen are connected by a shared livelihood built around resource stewardship on the Pacific coast. Weaving a Network of young fishermen helps to maintain connection and engagement between yearly events. The intent of the Gatherings is to foster networking, sharing knowledge and putting solutions into the hands young fishermen, empowering the next generation of fishery leaders. The Gathering and Network have been inspired by the efforts taking place across Alaska, and we look to others for shared learning and best practices.