We prepared for the season differently this year. While we had the same mad dash from the house to the truck and back, weighing and reweighing groceries and parts the way we always do, our checklist looked much different.
Thermometers
Crew questionnaire
Travel permit and Ordinance FAQs for Dillingham
Appendix 2 acknowledgment of State Health Mandate 17
Masks
Hand sanitizer
Don't forget the cookies
And also the dog
Our family conversations about the season began early, and not just with price rumors, grubstake lists, and crew drama. We hashed those out, too. But mostly we talked about how COVID-19 would change each facet of our work. Did we need different insurance? Where in the global supply chain were we going to get PPE?
The essential humanness of our pursuit is the same. We go in search of food for ourselves and the nation. We go in search of connection, to each other and the ocean that sustains us. But that connection looks different this year. Solidarity looks like a mask and an open phone line to help our fish friends navigate the process. We show our love by checking in on how our neighbors are implementing social distancing before we trade parts from an appropriate distance. Kind and clear communication is key to everyone's comfort level and safety. We connect in lawn chairs spaced far apart. We smile at babies who reach for us but cannot hug us. We postpone visits from friends and loved ones. We adapt.
We do this for the health and safety of all. But also, because we've built these small businesses over generations and lifetimes. They are essential and worth protecting. Stay the course, my fish friends. The safety of the season, our food supply, and the health of our friends and neighbors is in our hands.
Be kind to each other, and have a safe and successful season.
See you on the grounds.
For any questions or suggestions for Mug Update please email jamie@akmarine.org
