Legislators, Indigenous Leaders, and Advocates Gather for First Ever Coastal Convening on Sustainable Aquaculture
By: Emma Newton
In July, legislators from across the country traveled to Seattle for a special three-day convening on sustainable aquaculture, working waterfronts, and tribal food sovereignty. Twenty-two state legislators from coastal states gathered with international advocates, experts, and Tribal Leaders for the first of its kind gathering hosted by the SiX’s Agriculture and Food Systems Program in partnership with Don’t Cage Our Oceans (DCO2). The event aimed to spark dynamic conversations, foster collaboration, and champion the protection of ocean economies and natural resources.
A Grand Opening: Culture, Community, and Celebration
The convening kicked off on Friday evening with an opening dinner. Attendees were warmly welcomed by Chairwoman Cecile Hansen of the Duwamish Tribe and SiX Co-Executive Director Neha Patel, who set the tone for the event by emphasizing movement building, collaborative governance and joy.
Yakima Tribal member Christina White of Native Candies, who’s husband personally fished for the salmon on the Klickitat River that was served at dinner, shared the meaningful story behind the meal. The evening was made even more special with a traditional song from a Yakima Elder, creating a sense of unity and gratitude among attendees.
Diving Deep: Discussions at the Duwamish Longhouse
Throughout the weekend, the Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center in West Seattle served as the meeting space where attendees engaged in thought-provoking presentations and discussions. Topics ranged from the threats posed by industrial finfish farming to ocean economies and resources, to the power and influence of corporate entities. Catalina Cendoya of the Global Salmon Farming Resistance shared insights on successful community organizing efforts against corporate fish farms in Latin America, where she stressed the strategic partnership between community leaders, chefs and policymakers.
A Journey to the Suquamish Nation
A highlight of the convening was a visit to the Suquamish Nation, where Tribal scientists and leaders showcased their innovative work in protecting the geoduck and developing a sustainable tribal-led seafood economy. Attendees visited the tribe’s oyster beds and salmon hatchery, and savored a delicious geoduck ceviche snack prepared by Tribal Council Member and fisherman Jay Mills.
Stories from the Waterfront
The final day of the convening was marked by an enlightening visit to Seattle’s bustling working waterfront. Policymakers and advocates heard firsthand accounts from independent fishermen at the Fisherman’s Terminal. The spectacle of “flying fish” as the St. Jude, an independent fishing vessel, docked to sell freshly caught tuna, gave attendees a real-world glimpse into life on a fishing boat.
The convening wrapped up with a compelling presentation from Gideon Mordecai, a fisheries scientist from British Columbia, who shared the science behind the impacts of industrial aquaculture. The event concluded with a picturesque lunch on the shore of the sound, leaving attendees inspired to return home and engage with their communities on these issues.
Building Bridges for a Shared Vision
Throughout the weekend, state policymakers forged meaningful connections and began exploring innovative ways to collaborate with local and international advocates and Indigenous communities. Together, they envisioned a future where ocean economies and natural resources are protected and celebrated.
A participant and Hawai’i state legislator reflected on the experience: “I am used to union organizing, where we are very explicit about expectations around connecting and growing power, collecting ‘data’ and evidence on our effectiveness in that regard. Now, I am thinking about how this translates into change-making in my own context. For policymakers to truly experience that additional level of connectedness, we need opportunities to act in support of each other and a shared vision.”
The Coastal Convening on Sustainable Aquaculture marked the beginning of a powerful movement towards a more sustainable and equitable future for our oceans and the communities that depend on them.