We are excited to introduce the first installment of our new Waterfront Conversations series, highlighting the voices of the fishermen we collaborate with at sea. These partnerships are essential to our research, and this series is an opportunity to share the perspectives of the people who make that work possible.

Here, we hear from Ryan Hansen of F/V Endeavor, who reflects on how he got into fishing, the realities of life on the water, and why he believes in the future of collaborative research.

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“I started fishing as a summer job when I was young… and I just never left.”

Ryan Hansen comes from a fishing family, but the decision was always his.

“No one ever pushed me into it. I just liked it—the physical work, being out there. Even now, when the weather gets bad, that’s when it gets exciting. There’s an adrenaline to it.”

But the job comes with trade-offs.

“The hardest part is leaving my family behind. I’ve missed important moments… things you don’t get back. That’s the part people don’t really see.”

If there’s one thing he also wishes people understood:

“Fishermen aren’t a stereotype. Most of us are just normal people, living normal lives, doing a job.”

Like many fishermen, Ryan has faced real danger at sea: fires, collisions… but one moment stayed with him.

“A hose came loose and hit one of the guys. Knocked him right over. That was scary… you realize how fast things can go wrong out there.”

Despite it all, he believes in the future of the industry and the importance of research.

“I like being part of research. I think it’s something we should all invest in—fishermen and scientists working together.”

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Waterfront Conversations is a series of conversations from the water—with the people behind the work. Follow along as we highlight an industry partner monthly.