Chris Aiello
Voices from POORT
POORT (Port Orford Ocean Resource Team) supports its mission of long term sustainability of ocean resources and community through various initiatives. These include the Blue Water Task Force which tests water quality monthly as well as the Port Orford Community Stewardship Area that has identified traditional fishing grounds. They also support many scientific efforts such as the Rockfish Tagging Project and the Dive Survey and Seaweed Collection. Members of the POORT provide interviews and discuss information that is important to the unique small community of Port Orford in southern Oregon. Smaller boats and a unique geography contribute to the charm and characteristics of this community. Learn about fishing from Port Orford and other activities surrounding this unique community. For more information on POORT, check out their website at www.oceanresourcetean.org.
Chris Aiello is a commercial fisherman with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Originally from the East Coast, he transitioned to the West Coast after being drawn to the outdoor lifestyle. Despite initial plans for a different career, Aiello found his passion in commercial fishing and has been involved in the industry ever since. His wife is also a commercial fisherman, and together, they have navigated the challenges and changes within the fishery. Aiello has been actively engaged in efforts to address the mismanagement of fish policies and has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in fishery management. He emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and its potential for broader application in fishery management beyond the local level.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Chris Aiello provides a comprehensive account of his experiences as a commercial fisherman, spanning over 30 years. Aiello discusses his transition from the East Coast to the West Coast, his introduction to commercial fishing, and the challenges he faced as a deckhand in his early career years. He reflects on the changes that have occurred in the fishery, expressing frustration with the mismanagement of fish policies and the lack of effective engagement with local knowledge in fishery management. Aiello also highlights the economic and social pressures involved in commercial fishing and the need for a more inclusive and constructive approach to fishery management. Throughout the interview, Aiello emphasizes the importance of expanding local knowledge to influence fishery management at broader geographical scales. The interview provides valuable insights into the personal experiences, frustrations, and aspirations of a seasoned commercial fisherman, shedding light on the complexities of the industry and the challenges associated with sustainable fishery management.
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