September 3, 2024 — The following was released by Midwater Trawlers Cooperative:
As the aggressive pursuit to privatize and industrialize our oceans with offshore wind
turbine factories marches on, the small yet powerful voices of coastal communities
around the nation continues to fight to be heard in the process. It is a veritable David
versus Goliath story.
Goliath takes many forms. Is it BOEM? The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is
uncompromising in their quest to lease out our oceans to multinational corporations for
industrial development. I have sat face to face in Washington, DC with BOEM director
Liz Klein who claims the president is driving this quest. So, is Goliath the Biden
administration? There is no doubt that this administration has put forth unrealistic goals
for offshore wind energy at the same time they dangle delicious tax incentives to
developers looking to line their own pockets. However, these goals are in direct
opposition with other presidential executive orders looking to elevate tribal voices,
protect food security, and pursue environmental justice for marginalized communities
most impacted by climate change. The hypocrisy is alarming.
Closer to home in Oregon, I believe that Goliath may be the elitists who live in urban
settings like Portland and Salem who believe that they know best what the coastal
residents of Oregon need. Oregon is not unique; however, this story is unfolding around
the nation where urbanites believe they know best for rural communities that they do not
live or work in. These people tout their desire to uplift marginalized voices while they
steamroll rural voices, whether it is Tribes, coastal community members, or commercial
fishermen. They attempt to downplay the concerns of coastal residents, claiming “we
just don’t understand”. But here’s the thing. We actually do understand.
Those of us from multi-generational fishing families know exactly how important a
healthy ocean is to our survival. So do those of us who are new to fishing. All of us, from
the old timers to the greenhorns, understand the importance of a healthy ecosystem in
the face of climate change. Oregon Tribes are practically begging for consideration of
their traditional values and protection of their culture – again, falling on deaf ears. The
question that begs an answer- Why is our deep knowledge coupled with our concerns
for the future of tribal culture, seafood production, robust coastal community economies
and a healthy ocean environment somehow deemed less important than the unrealistic
pursuits of the urban elitists, BOEM and the Biden administration?
As David in this story, regular people – commercial and recreational fishermen, tribal
representatives, marine scientists, environmentalists, and coastal citizens continue to
show up and speak in the face of the overwhelming force of Goliath. Our story is still
unfolding. In the original story young David slays the mighty Goliath with a slingshot
and five smooth stones. Our stones are 1) potential harm to the ocean environment
and marine ecosystem and the fish species and marine mammals who live there; 2)
negative impacts to commercial fishing operations and seafood production; 3) much
more expensive utility bills for consumers; 4) disruption and harm to tribal cultures; and
5) ruination of rural coastal economies dependent in part on commercial and
recreational fishing.
We know from the original story that the small can defeat the large. We know that
David’s bravery came directly from his confidence that he was doing the right thing. We
have our courage, our stones, and our slingshot is our united voice. Will others be
brave enough to join us and stand up for what’s right? Or will rural voices continue to
be ignored? Can David beat Goliath once again?
Heather Mann, Midwater Trawlers Cooperative
August 27, 2024
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Heather Mann currently lives in coastal Oregon and
works in the commercial fishing industry.