The seafood industry’s conference, tradeshow, and event season is in full swing, with SENA in Boston, SEG in Barcelona in the rearview mirror, and PME in Seattle set for November. The global representation of seafood companies is staggering when you walk the floor of these shows, but there’s one group of attendees that seems to be missing: fishermen and water farmers.

The absence of fishermen and seafood farmers at major industry events and tradeshows underscores a significant gap in communication and understanding within the seafood industry. While these events have traditionally catered towards sales activities, they also serve as vital platforms for knowledge sharing, community building, and networking. The challenges that plague the seafood industry are being discussed at length and at every booth, but the voices and perspectives of those intimately affected by these challenges, the people who work directly on the water, are few and far between. Why is this?

For many fishermen and seafood farmers, their occupation isn't merely a job—it's a deeply ingrained lifestyle that consumes their thoughts and energies around the clock. The demands of their work extend far beyond traditional office hours, so attending industry events can seem like a luxury or an inconvenience, especially when it means being away from their boats and families. Additionally, the costs associated with conference registration, travel expenses, and accommodation might place a considerable strain on already tight budgets, particularly for small-scale or independent fishermen and farmers. While these reasons for the lack of attendance are understandable, it comes at a cost.

The absence of our frontline workers at industry gatherings perpetuates a disconnect between those who are intimately familiar with the realities of harvesting and cultivating seafood and the broader industry stakeholders who may be more focused on sales, marketing, and distribution. Without having the input and perspectives of those with their boots on deck everyday, discussions at these events risk overlooking crucial aspects of our industry as a whole. 

In order to bridge this gap, there is a pressing need for greater inclusivity and representation of water workers at industry events. 

Here’s why…

Fishermen possess invaluable insights into the characteristics of different fish species, optimal harvesting methods, and environmental factors that can affect catch quality. By sharing this knowledge directly with sales teams, fishermen can help them make informed decisions about product selection, handling, and distribution. This collaboration is particularly crucial in maintaining the integrity of premium seafood products prized by discerning consumers and higher-end markets. 

In addition, conferences and trade shows provide a forum to voice concerns, share experiences, and advocate for policies that safeguard the livelihoods of water workers and the marine environment. Issues such as overfishing, bycatch mitigation, pollution, and regulatory compliance are complex challenges that demand collaborative solutions and a more holistic representation of the industry at such events.

The other benefit of water worker representation at these events is the ability to seek authenticity around the human story of seafood. The interest around storytelling is gaining traction across the industry, and these trade show events are a perfect opportunity to network and find those stories. With today’s consumers being increasingly conscious of the origins and sustainability of the food they consume, seeking this transparency and authenticity through storytelling is essential. Fostering a direct connection to fishermen and farmers would provide sales teams with firsthand accounts of fishing and farming practices and allow other stakeholders the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with consumers and differentiate their products in the marketplace.

So, how do we make these events more inclusive of the industry as a whole?

This is where our call to action comes in. For fishermen and farmers with the availability and the means, your voice is greatly needed at these events. These are the rooms where industry-wide decisions are being made and conversations that affect your livelihoods are happening. Having a presence at these trade shows is an opportunity to share your stories and first-hand experience with those who need to hear it. 

On the flip side, given the benefits to be gained through collaboration, this is an opportunity for organizers to actively seek out ways to make these gatherings more accessible to fishermen and farmers. Whether through targeted programming, incentives for attendance, or virtual participation options, engaging members across the full spectrum of the industry is integral to its overall success. Efforts should be made to elevate the voices of those who are directly impacted by the decisions made within the industry, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and valued in shaping its future trajectory. 

As the global demand for seafood continues to grow, the importance of effective communication between fishermen and sales teams will only become more pronounced. Let’s capture this opportunity to come together in a common space and collaboratively shape a positive future for the industry for generations to come.