Did you know that AMCC’s Working Waterfronts Director, Jamie O’Connor, started out with us as a Young Fishing Fellow? She’s here to kick off our interview series with former fellows!
What was your Young Fishing Fellowship project?
I worked with the commercial fishing trade association down here in Homer, North Pacific Fisheries Association (NPFA), on a membership audit and community outreach. I called all of their members and got to interview them about their fishing lives, impacts on the community, and what they needed from NPFA. We then presented what we found to the Homer City Council and to the NPFA Annual Meeting. They also introduced me to the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council Process and took me to my first Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit, and United Fishermen of Alaska meeting.
What was your most meaningful takeaway from the fellowship?
I made what I know to be lifelong friendships during my time as a fellow. For me it was really an aha moment. I’ve been fishing my whole life believing that I’d have to grow up and hang up my slickers during the winter to support my habit. There was an uncomfortable duality there, being entirely fishy in the summer and then barely talking about it all winter as I went to school and worked in other industries. The fellowship showed me a winter gig where I could bridge my education and experience in communications and politics with my heart and life in coastal Alaska fisheries.
What are you working on now?
Now I run AMCC’s Working Waterfronts program working on fisheries access and policy and attend every NPFMC meeting to advocate for small-boat fishermen and conservation. You never know where the connections you make will lead.
Do you have advice to future Young Fishing Fellows?
The fellowships are really flexible so, once you’re hired, work with your mentor to make the most of your skill set. Also, learn as much as you can from the host organization. There are many groups doing important and fascinating work on behalf of our coastal communities and fisheries. Once you’re in you may never get out!
The application period for the 2020-2021 cohort of Young Fishing Fellows is open until May 4, 2020. Click the button to learn more about this year’s hosts and how to apply.
