Oregon's Fishing Community Adapting to Change in Policy, Management, and Markets: Documenting Women's Roles and Adaptive Capacity in an Evolving Industry

Commercial fishing research often focuses on ecological (gear, stock-assessment, traceability) or economic factors or indicators. Truly understanding the social-ecological system requires considering the social, cultural, historical, and legal/policy aspects as well. A recently understudied yet important factor is women’s contribution to fishing at the family, business, and community level. One method of expanding the dialogue is through the use of oral histories or semi-structured interviews. This method was used to help document changes in women’s roles on the Oregon coast over the past twenty years. Fishermen’s wives were the primary participants within this study with special emphasis on the Newport, OR area. An increase in the complexity of regulations and markets may be expanding women’s responsibilities within the family business and increasing their advocacy roles. If we are to understand and develop strategies for coastal resilience, we must take a holistic approach that includes an understanding of the intersection between the dynamics of fisheries management and women’s participation within the family business. This research aims to build on current fisheries social science to help strengthen the voice of women in a subset of the Oregon coast commercial fishing industry.