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New Fishermen Needed: Can Apprenticeship Save Local Seafood?
30 Jun
Summary
- Fishermen's earnings have dropped significantly over the past decade.
- San Diego's seafood supply is tenuous, with most consumed seafood imported.
- A Scripps Institution apprenticeship aims to train new commercial fishermen.
California's commercial fishing industry is at a critical juncture, marked by a graying fleet and declining earnings. The average age of captains is 48, with many nearing retirement, and pay for both captains and crew has fallen significantly over the last decade. In San Diego, this trend has led to a precarious local seafood supply, with a mere 10% of consumed seafood originating from local fishermen.
To combat this, UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography initiated a fishing apprenticeship program in 2020. This initiative provides comprehensive training in fishing techniques, safety protocols, and business practices. While it has successfully launched some careers, the program highlights persistent industry gaps, including insufficient pay and the difficulty of securing mentorship, which deter newcomers.
Despite its challenges, the apprenticeship fosters a sense of community and shared knowledge among participants. Fishermen like Shane Volberding, a program alumnus, showcase the potential for success through hard work and skill. However, the overall economic viability remains a struggle, with deckhands earning significantly less than a living wage in expensive coastal cities like San Diego.
