Imagine working on behalf of the ENTIRE fishing industry across America—from Alaska to Maine, from Hawaii to Florida.
As the Executive Director of The Seafood Harvesters of America, that's exactly what Leigh Habegger does!
On Season 5, Episode 2 of The Conch podcast, Leigh shares all about her critical work, including how the climate crisis is currently affecting fisheries and harvesters in REAL time, along with ways we can support them in the face of these challenges.
Audio Production and Sound Design by Crystal Sanders-Alvarado for Seaworthy Experiences.
Episode Guide
:00 Intro
01:03 Introducing Leigh Habegger, the Executive Director of Seafood Harvesters of America, a first-of-its kind national commercial fishing association with members ranging from Alaska to Maine, Hawaii to Florida
03:39 Leigh shares some of the challenges facing members of the Association
05:43 A big challenge is convincing Congress and the federal government to invest in our fisheries now in order to be prepared for what's coming (HINT: the effects of climate change are happening NOW and will continue to exacerbate until we start to address them.)
07:39 What are the effects of climate change that the Association's members are experiencing in real time?
19:45 A big part of Leigh's job is working the halls of Congress and supporting legislation to benefit fisheries and their future. The Magnuson-Stevens Act is an important piece of legislation—Leigh explains what it is and why it's so important
25:43 As the new U.S. Commercial Industry Commissioner for ICCAT, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, Leigh recounts her experience representing the U.S. at her first multilateral meeting where countries vie for a fair share of quota to fish the several species of Atlantic tuna
35:03 In order to lessen inequalities in the sector, we need more awareness.
38:24 The importance of a strong network in your career cannot be overstated! The Bloom, SAGE's networking community, is a great source to find like-minded people with similar challenges.
41:02 Leigh's advice to young people thinking about a career in the seafood sector
44:20 Leigh uplifts Hannah Heimbuch - fisher, advocate, and teacher to the one and only Martha Stewart on how to fillet a salmon!
Resources
Check out Seafood Harvesters of America, where fishermen unite for the future.
Interested in learning more about how quotas for Atlantic Tunas are allocated? Read more about ICCAT here.
Recommend this episode to one person who is curious about who is advocating for the U.S. commercial fisheries sector happens in the halls of Congress.
