The challenging nature of life as a waterman on the Chesapeake Bay has led to a significant decline in their workforce, but there are opportunities in the form of skills-related alternatives or supplemental employment according to the latest issue of the Richmond Fed’s Community Scope publication.

“Watermen Workforce Challenges and Opportunities: Lessons from the Chesapeake Bay Region” examines the factors that might be leading to the declining workforce and offers some potential skills-related employment alternatives or ways to supplement income.

The report finds that fluctuations in fish, oyster and crab stock, government regulations and an aging workforce have contributed to a decline in the watermen workforce since the 1990s. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated annual wage of $27,340 for fishers in 2015 places them just above the poverty level for a family of four. 

The challenges are substantial, but the issue outlines some skills-related alternative sources of employment to supplement watermen income, including the marine trades, tourism programs and oyster aquaculture. Watermen already possess many of the skills needed for success in those industries and the publication highlights several programs that may help watermen in Maryland and Virginia make the transition. 

Produced by the Richmond Fed’s Community Development department, Community Scope examines current and emerging community development issues in the Fifth District.