Washington Fishermen’s Convention
December 4 - December 8
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Westport — The Washington Fishermen’s Convention aims to unify and celebrate our state’s fishing industry, with something to offer everyone in the community. The Convention will be an up-to five-day learning and networking opportunity for both new and experienced fishermen.
It starts with a two-day, hands-on, U.S. Coast Guard-approved Drill Instructor and Fishermen’s First Aid at Sea training (participants will earn a certificate). Then, a two-day conference filled with networking opportunities and educational sessions as well as community meals. The Convention will be rounded out by a one-day, on-water sea trial for new fishermen to practice their skills and test their seaworthiness (e.g., sea sickness!) on the back deck of a commercial fishing vessel.
Participants will be able to register for individual components of the Convention.
Location:
Westport, WA (exact details to come)
Working agenda:
Training: Thursday, December 4 – Friday, December 5
Drill Instructor and Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training.
Fee: $75 for commercial fishermen. Non-commercial fishermen can attend for $150.
Training venue: McCausland Hall
2200 Nyhus St N
Westport, WA
Space is limited to 24 participants.
Register
Conference: Saturday, December 6 – Sunday, December 7
Multi-track educational and networking conference and community meals for both new and experienced fishermen.
Select topics include:
- Intro to Washington fisheries
- Day in the life of a commercial fisherman
- Finance and insurance
- Hands-on knot tying
- Mitigating conflict
- Crew contracts
- Making your voice heard with decision-makers
- Regulations and licensing
Fee: $125
Conference venue:
The Siren
421 Neddie Rose Dr
Westport, WA
Hotels with conference room rates:
Saltwater Inn (located next to conference venue)
Discount code: Westport10
LOGE Westport
Book with discount link.
Registration will also include options to add on an extra meal ticket for a friend or family member to attend dinner on Saturday ($30) and to sponsor a young fisherman to attend the conference ($125). Scholarships or Industry-funded conference tickets for new fishermen are available (contact Bridget Trosin, bemmett@uw.edu).
Register
Sea Trial: Monday, December 8 (weather dependent)
Test your seaworthiness on a commercial fishing vessel!
Fee: $50
Meeting location:
McCausland Hall
2200 Nyhus St N
Westport, WA
Space is limited.
Register
Contact:
For questions or requests about scholarships or industry-funded tickets, contact Bridget Trosin, WSG fisheries and boating program lead, bemmett@uw.edu
Become a sponsor:
Support the Washington Fishermen’s Convention by filling out and following the instructions on this form.
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Washington Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach and technology transfer.
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