Bill Hall
Graying of the Fleet
These oral histories examine the graying phenomenon and implications for the resilience of the commercial fishing industry in two coastal communities in Oregon.
“Fishing is huge. I think it is a huge driver not only of our economy, but of the culture. I think also it is under appreciated.”
Bill Hall lives in Newport, Oregon, and is the Lincoln County Commissioner in his fourth term. He was born in Portland, and lived there until he was 26. He did some graduate work in Portland, and then moved to Newport to become a reporter for The News Times, and the news director, covering the local government, for a group of radio stations.
Bill speaks about the experience of becoming the new home for NOAA’s West Coast research fleet, and how it was a gamble of a chance but it paid off big for the community. He discusses fishing in Newport, and how it is a big driver of economy and culture while also underappreciated. The fishery creates a competitive, cooperative, and accomplished spirit that provides Newport with opportunities such as the NOAA fleet or the $360-million-dollar project on Highway 20. Bill talks about how fishing is very much a family business for many, and this leads to reinventing equipment that limits bycatch and ensures the stock is healthy for their children to live off of. He sees a natural cycle of adrenaline and independence-seeking youth replenishing the older group of fishermen.
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