Women in the Commercial Fishing Industry Research Collection, 1902-1995

Abstract: Lynn Dennis recounts her experience as a female fisherman in the Pacific Northwest, where she fished for both sockeye salmon and crab. Ms. Dennis explains that she first fished the Nooksack River in a 12-foot boat, gradually working her way up to a 21-foot gill-netter (The Humdinger) operating out of Point Roberts. She describes the tribal fisheries system (in which enrolled tribal members can receive treaty licenses for commercial fishing), differences between fishing on rivers and fishing in salt water, and selection of crew members. She describes the realities of commercial fishing, fishing in inclement weather, and lessons learned from those experiences. She discusses discrimination in fishing and ways to overcome that adversity, and the economic and political climate of the commercial fishing industry in the 1990s, including some ramifications of the US-Canada Treaty on tribal fishing operations.

Abstract: Katrina Jez describes her work in fishing, primarily in Southeast Alaska, and explains a typical season on a purse-seine boat. She discusses crew turnover, salaries and her specific duties onboard the boat. She reflects on the growing numbers of women working on purse-seiners, and the good living provided by commercial fishing. She describes some of the dangers accompanying the job, changes in the industry relating to boats, regulations, and resources, and the strong sense of community in the fishing industry. She describes the process of purse-seining and the joys and demands of the job. Ms. Jez discusses fisheries management issues such as dwindling fish populations in Puget Sound and efforts to restock Southeast Alaska fisheries. She mentions the politics of fishing, the impact of Asian driftnet fishing, and describes an increasing consciousness about the environment and pollution problems from within the fishing community. She reflects on the potential challenges affecting women and other individuals involved in commercial fishing.

Abstract: Anne Mosness recounts how she started fishing as a child with her father (a commercial fisherman) then later joined him to fish in Bristol Bay, Alaska, eventually buying a boat and joining a multi-generational family of fishers. She talks about working during pregnancy and motherhood, safety inspections and having her boat boarded by the Coast Guard. Other topics include the responsibilities of working on and running a boat, working conditions, and handling dangerous situations like poor weather, rough seas, problems with the boat, and running the boat alone. Anne Mosness reflects on what appealed to her about fishing, particularly how it tested her limits, and notes the strengths that women can bring to fishing work. The interview includes descriptions of preparing for a fishing season, relationships between canneries and fishermen/women, labor issues and pricing, reflections on the nature of community among fisheries workers and inter-personnel dynamics on a boat. The second part of the interview focuses on Mosness's work with the Women's Maritime Association (WMA). She describes the WMA as the only support network in the country, possibly the world, for women who are employed on marine vessels. It was founded in response to the problems of sexual discrimination and harassment at sea, as well as to provide connections between women in maritime work and to educate about these opportunities. Topics discussed include: the different backgrounds of WMA members, how to juggle a home life with seagoing work, the Women Underway Symposium (re: mentorship) and the Sea Grant educational arm of the industry. Anne Mosness describes WMA's primary focus as being on prevention of sexual harassment and assault at sea (including hazing). She also discusses challenges of reporting problems and getting involved in labor unions. She describes WMA's work with Congress and maritime leadership to pass laws including the Sexual Abuse Act of 1986, and argues for the role of the Coast Guard and the licensing and documentation process to publicize existing laws.

Abstract: Kim Walker recalls her introduction to fishing as a nineteen-year old in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Her first job was as a cook on the Unimak, a power scow tender and crabber. She describes experiences when she began work as a deckhand, and explains the various job descriptions on a processing boat (approx. 130-140 feet). She discussed the dangers of fishing, especially during inclement weather, and reflects on wages, family dynamics, licensing, and the experiences of women in the industry.