Transcript:
In Hot Water – Episode 3: Tinned Fish
Julie Kuchepatov [00:00:00]:
Three generations hit the road to explore key seafood-producing regions across the U.S. and hear from people working at the intersections of fisheries, aquaculture, seafood, and conservation while grappling with the effects of the global climate crisis. We may represent three generations, but we have a lot in common—namely a love of seafood and a dedication to contribute to the community-driven generational effort in movement towards climate justice.
Cameron Moore [00:00:37]:
The results of these travels? Welcome to In Hot Water, a Climate and Seafood podcast series. Join us—
Julie Kuchepatov [00:00:42]:
Julie Kuchepatov, Gen X.
Crystal Alvarado Rodriguez [00:00:44]:
Crystal Alvarado Rodriguez. Xennial.
Cameron Moore [00:00:47]:
And Cameron Moore, Gen Z, as we travel the country and chat with people who share the challenges facing their regions and their personal stories. Along the way, we experience some moments that make us ask, "What the fish?" as we try to understand why we are in hot water and what we can do about it.
Visiting the Great Lakes Region
Julie Kuchepatov [00:01:02]:
In this third series, we travel to the Great Lakes region, specifically Lake Michigan, starting with a visit to Chicago, Illinois, then up to Michigan to Traverse City and Leland—better known as Fishtown. The commercial fishery in the Great Lakes, managed by individual states, tribes, and Canada, is valued at over $7 billion annually and supports more than 75,000 jobs. In Michigan specifically, nearly all of the commercial fishing industry operates as multi-generational, small family-owned businesses. Lake whitefish, walleye, and yellow perch form the foundation of the commercial harvest. In 2020, Michigan had 16 active businesses—13 of which received their primary income from commercial fishing—harvesting 1.9 million pounds of fish with a dockside value of $4.18 million. Over the past decades, climate change has caused dramatic fluctuations in water levels across the Great Lakes, threatening the future viability of these fisheries.
Interview with Marissa Fellows
Marissa Fellows [00:02:07]:
My name is Marissa Fellows, and I am the founder and CEO of Great Lakes Tinned Fish, and I’m from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Julie Kuchepatov [00:02:12]:
Great, and where are we now?
Marissa Fellows [00:02:14]:
We’re in Leland—specifically Fishtown—which is a very big deal in northern Michigan.
Julie Kuchepatov [00:02:20]:
Fishtown’s a big deal?
Marissa Fellows [00:02:20]:
Yes.
Julie Kuchepatov [00:02:21]:
So why is that?
Marissa Fellows [00:02:22]:
It’s hard to encapsulate how much heart people have for Leland and Fishtown. You can visit in fall when the leaves turn and it’s just magical. There’s the dam here, local businesses like Carlson’s Fishery, the Cheese Store, Diversions. It’s a beautiful spot that celebrates the history and spirit of northern Michigan. You’re near the Leelanau Peninsula and Traverse City—wineries, beaches—it’s symbolic of what I love most about Michigan summers. Even if you’re not going into every store, people stop and linger.
Read Full Transcript Here: https://www.seafoodandgenderequality.org/inhotwater
