With much love in my heart, I’d like to share some exciting news about the next chapter of my fisheries advocacy journey. Starting next year, I’ll be leaving my current position at NAMA to lead the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative (CHC) – a group I helped form with fishing families in my hometown.  

I’ll never forget the first time I gathered with fishing folks as a NAMA organizer. It was a winter blizzard in coastal Maine, and about 30 of us huddled together in a cold conference center. Among them were my earliest mentors, Kim Libby and Ted Hoskins, both of whom have since passed. Kim often quoted Walter Scott, saying, “It’s no fish yer buying, it’s men’s lives.” Their wisdom, along with that of many others, taught me important lessons of commitment, truth-telling, and integrity—values that have shaped and strengthened my approach to community organizing.

Since then, our network has grown to include hundreds of fishing community leaders from coast to coast and thousands of like-minded supporters throughout the country who go to bat for our fishing families and the ocean. Beyond our borders, NAMA is the only United States member group of the World Forum of Fisher Peoples. This means that we’re all part of a global network of millions of values-aligned fishing people from around the planet.  

During my 15 years at NAMA, I’ve had the privilege to really get to know many of you. You’ve welcomed me into your homes and families, offered a place to sleep, and of course, nourished me with your fresh catch. We’ve faced many joys and sorrows together – endless uphill battles, speaking truth to power at Council meetings, slogging Seafood Throwdown equipment through the rain, launching new CSFs. We’ve ruffled some necessary feathers along the way and navigated the pushback side by side. Throughout it all, I’ve cherished being on this journey with you. And I’m deeply and forever grateful for all that y’all have given me. 

Most of you know that growing up in a fishing family is what led me to this work. And throughout my time with NAMA, I’ve deepened my understanding of the core problems we face in our fisheries. And more importantly, thanks to you all – the core solutions we need.

This next chapter feels like coming full circle for me, my fishing family, and my coastal community. I’ll be channeling all I’ve learned and experienced with you all to help build a more value-based seafood supply chain anchored right in my hometown. Owned and operated by local fishing families, CHC is building a local and regional supply chain that honors people and the ocean. A supply chain where folks know that it’s not just “fish yer buying.” It’s the lifeblood of an entire community. 

In my new role with CHC, I look forward to seeing many of you at future Local Catch Network gatherings, Slow Fish, and more. Plus, my work with NAMA isn’t over entirely. I’ll continue to support both the Catch Share Reform Coalition and Don’t Cage our Oceans. So this isn’t really a goodbye, but rather a “see you around.”

Stepping into the role of NAMA’s National Program Coordinator will be Pedro Altagracia. Over the next couple of months Pedro and I (plus the entire NAMA team) will be working closely to ensure Pedro has a rock-solid onboarding process. Pedro’s official first day will be this Friday, November 1st, at the Slow Fish gathering in South Carolina. Myself and several NAMA team members will be there too! I encourage y’all to please go out of your way to introduce yourself to Pedro and warmly welcome him to our community. 

My heart will always be in this work and I wish our collective networks the very best. As fisherman Rob Seitz likes to say, “come hell or high water”, we’re in this together.

with much gratitude,

Brett

In This Issue
Honoring Salmon, Honoring Life
DCO2 News
Melanie Brown’s Farm Aid Reflection
Fish of the Week Podcast
Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
LCN Seafood Accelerator Innovation Lab
San Diego Cookbook Project