The Future of the Dory
The dory boats of Pacific City may look like they belong to another era, but they are very much a part of Oregon’s living coastal story. These small, surf-launched boats represent generations of tradition, independence, and respect for the ocean. As the tides of change sweep through the fishing industry, the question becomes clear. What does the future hold for the dory fleet?
Rooted in Tradition
For over a century, the dory fleet has fished Oregon’s waters with skill and care. These flat-bottomed boats are launched directly from the beach and brought back in through the surf. They are operated by small-scale, family-run fishers who know the coastline, the weather, and the seasonal patterns of the sea.
Many dory fishers learned their craft from family. Their boats carry the knowledge of past generations. Their work reflects values that are harder to find in a fast-paced world. Patience. Stewardship. Grit.
Facing New Challenges
The dory fleet is not immune to the pressures facing modern fisheries. Rising fuel costs, complicated permitting systems, climate change, and unpredictable ocean conditions all play a role. Some fish species are harder to find. Others are heavily regulated. For new fishers, getting started requires more money, more paperwork, and more time than it once did.
Fewer young people are entering the industry. Some are drawn to other work. Others are discouraged by the cost and the uncertainty. Without new hands to take the helm, the long-term future of the fleet is at risk.
Quiet Innovation
Even with these challenges, the dory fleet is adapting. Many fishers are using new tools like GPS tracking, sonar mapping, and real-time weather data. Others are focusing on direct sales to local buyers through seafood markets or community-supported fishing programs. This keeps the catch local and the quality high.
Some families are passing on their knowledge through mentorships and educational outreach. Young fishers are learning not just how to operate a boat, but how to care for the resource and respect the ocean. These efforts are small in scale but powerful in impact.
A Culture Worth Protecting
The dory fleet is more than a fishing method. It is a cultural legacy. It reflects a deep connection between people and place. Supporting the future of the dory fleet means supporting sustainable practices, working waterfronts, and local food systems. It also means creating opportunities for the next generation to learn the trade and carry it forward.
The Dory Center is committed to telling this story and helping keep it alive. Through education, outreach, and celebration, we aim to make sure this way of life is not lost to time.
Still Coming Home Through the Surf
The dory fleet may not be large, but its value is beyond measure. These boats bring more than fish to shore. They bring tradition, knowledge, and a sense of place. The future of the dory fleet will depend on the choices we make today—choices that honor the past and invest in what is still possible.
As long as there is a beach to launch from and fish to catch, the dory fleet can have a future. All it takes is care, commitment, and a community that believes in what these boats represent.
Do you have a story to tell?
We’re gathering stories that shaped the shore.
Add yours to help preserve the history, culture, and spirit of the dory fleet.
