Partners of Commercial Fishermen

Today, we’re heading across the pond to connect with our friends at the United Kingdom Women in Fisheries (UK WIF)! I had the honor of speaking on their webinar, representing our Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCF) community in the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode, we explore how partners of commercial fishermen around the world share similar challenges, triumphs, and deep connections to the sea.

Whether you’re part of the fish...

Today, we’re going overseas to the UK!

As many of us have come to realize, there’s a deep sense of adventure, trust, and flexibility that comes with being in a relationship with a commercial fisherman. And the best part? No matter where we are in the world, we can relate to this extraordinary lifestyle.

This month, we’re highlighting our international community, and today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a special guest: Naomi Tre...

A very special dual interview with the host of the Galley Stories Podcast, Mark Caylor! This is a rare behind-the-scenes conversation where we get to know Mark - this could be considered his first interview as he stays loyal to the Galley Stories Podcast theme: bringing the stories of commercial fishermen to the masses for over 100 episodes! 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The different perspectives ...

She's back, and we're thrilled! Ava Schulenberg is based in Santa Barbara, CA, and is a female fisherman and leader in several fishing organizations. You may remember Ava from episode 96, where she goes into detail on how to advocate for your fishery and gives tips to help get your public comments heard.

In this episode, Ava shares:

• How she secured funding for a clean-up initiative for CA spiny lobster fishermen.
• The critical ...

California and Maine Fishermen and Partners, listen up! We know how challenging it can be to find financial support for your fishing business. Commercial fishing is expensive, and banks often don't give us a second look.  

However, there is a way to find loans that can support you, and today’s guests will explain more. In today's episode:

• Meet Noah Strouse, the Senior Loan Officer & Strategic Initiatives Manager at Califor...

Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that makes you doubt your perceptions, memories, or reality. It goes to say that dealing with a Gaslighter can be incredibly frustrating and emotionally draining. 

In this episode, I share:

- A real example of a fisherman and a POCF in our community.

- Common gaslighting phrases and what to look out for.

- Ways to handle a conversation with a gaslighter and how to protect your mental and emotio...

We’ve recently talked a lot about advocacy in fishing recently, yet advocacy also extends to your relationships. Advocating for yourself in a relationship means clearly expressing your needs, boundaries, and desires while maintaining mutual respect and understanding. You deserve this always!

Because commercial fishing can feel so overwhelming for fishermen, partners, and families, feeling like you’re not a priority is a common chal...

Ava Schulenberg is a female fisherman and leader in many important roles in Santa Barbara, California, fisheries. She also works from Santa Barbara to San Diego for the CA Lobster Association due to the geographical span of the fishery. She, along with her colleagues, has SoCal on lock!

Here’s a quick list of the many hats she wears:

• Executive Director  of the California Lobster & Trap Fishermen's Association
• Assistant Dir...

This month's theme is “Bringing the Feminine into Fishing,” which is also a theme of Advocacy. I feel the themes complement each other so much because, since the beginning of our economic civilization, POCFs have been instrumental in keeping the industry going and protecting our fisheries, fishermen, and fishing families. And, the people at Oregon State University understand this on a deep level, and here’s how. 

Our interview to...

Maressa Voss is a writer, the partner of a commercial fisherman, and a mother living in Santa Barbara, CA. Beyond our shared passion for writing, we have another unique connection—her husband, James, is my husband’s cousin!

Through marriage, both Maressa and I have been immersed in the culture of this unique industry—one that has been woven into our families for generations.

As a side note, Our theme this month is “Bringing the Fem...

Since the beginning of our economic civilization, POCFs have been instrumental in keeping the industry going and protecting our fisheries, fishermen, and fishing families. (Mic drop!) 

For that reason, I’m sharing 10 tips that may help you next time you:

• Speak to an audience to advocate for your fishery.
• Chat with friends and family outside of the industry
• Interact with customers who are purchasing from your direct-to-consumer...

In Part 2, we continue our conversation with Ashely Veliss, Wife of a Commercial Fisherman, mom, and owner of Ashley's Seafood out of Humboldt Bay in Eureka, California.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How she finds personal support in this lifestyle and shouts out to experienced Partners in her community
• The Humbolt Wives Fishermen’s Group and the specific ways they serve their members and community.
• Ways she’s working on ge...