Kaety Jacobson, Oregon Sea Grant Extension marine fisheries faculty member leading a Shop at the Dock tour in Newport. Photo credit: Oregon Sea Grant
Oregon Sea Grant “shop the dock” tours result in approximately 600 consumers learning how to buy seafood directly from vessels each year, increasing fishermen’s overall sales. During each tour, Oregon Sea Grant Extension agents discussed regulations, sustainability, fishing practices and what to look for when buying seafood.
“Shop on the Dock” provides economic benefits to marine businesses through education and public outreach, and participants and fisherman alike were strongly supportive of the program. In 2016, roughly 60 percent of participants bought fish while on the tour, spending anywhere from $20 to more than $100. Participating businesses reported approximately $10,000 in product sales through the Shop on the Dock program. Oregon Sea Grant plans to expand Shop on the Dock to other coastal Oregon waterfronts, including Warrenton and Coos Bay.
