Coastal residents and seafood lovers curious about how Oregon-caught fish and shellfish make it to local plates will get a closer look next month at the Tide to Tank: Oregon Live Systems Summit.
The two-day event runs September 11–12 in the Tillamook area and focuses on the live tank systems that keep seafood fresh from boat to market. Organizers say the goal is to strengthen Oregon’s “Blue Economy,” reduce the carbon footprint of seafood supply chains, and create more opportunities for locally landed product to stay in coastal communities.
“This isn’t just about the economy,” said Marcus Hinz, executive director of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. “It’s also about reducing carbon emissions and improving community health and wellness. Commercial seafood live tank systems allow more opportunity for Oregon-landed seafood to reach the plates of both coastal residents and visitors. When we harvest and export so much of our local seafood, those planes literally are passing the ones importing seafood from all over the world to be sold and served in our communities. That’s not sustainable, and it doesn’t make any sense.”
The summit is part of a broader workforce training effort by the Oregon Ocean Cluster, a program of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. The first year of a Live Systems Training Program was piloted in six high schools along the coast, introducing students to the engineering, biology, and technology behind live seafood systems.
“Increasing the amount of Oregon-landed seafood present on our local restaurant plates, store shelves, and school cafeterias involves so many people along the supply chain,” said Maggie Michaels of the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. “Which is why this event registration is open to such a broad audience. We are very grateful for the collaboration offered by the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association in making this happen.”
Event details
Friday, Sept. 11: Workshops and skill shares at the historic Garibaldi Boathouse. Sessions will range from introductory to more advanced and are aimed at students, teachers, seafood businesses, restaurateurs, and people already working with or interested in live systems. Registration is required.
Saturday, Sept. 12: A self-guided “Tour de Tank” will let participants and the public visit operating live systems in the area and see the technology in action.
The event is funded through Northwest Oregon Works and administered by the Tillamook Coast Visitors Association. Registration and more information are available at tidetotank.wixsite.com/tidetotanksummit or by searching for “Tide to Tank: Oregon Live Systems Summit.”
