Grays Harbor County derives a good deal of economic opportunity from resource-based industries and fisheries is a large piece of that economic story. Westport is the fifth largest port for edible, landed catch in the nation and the largest port for landed catch of pacific whiting on the west coast.
The Ocean Companies, tenants of the Westport Marina, are a big part of how Grays Harbor became such an important national
player in the fishing industry. This summer, the Ocean Companies has launched a new campaign to help educate the
community and region about just how critical fishing is to the economy and way of life on the Harbor. They’ve
named the program “Keep Grays Harbor Fishing” and have created a new company website, www.keepgraysharborfishing.com,
that shares information about each company and details their philosophic approach to achieving the goal to keep fishing here
on our Port.
“We believe there are three primary areas of focus that we need to have if we are to keep Grays Harbor fishing,” explained
Dennis Rydman, president of Ocean Gold Seafoods. “Those are: Good Jobs; Clean Oceans; and, Strong Communities. If we make
our business decisions based upon whether or not they will achieve one or more of those goals, we are on the right track.”
During the fishing season, the Ocean Companies represents one of the largest employers in the county. “Most of us are
generational participants in the fishery,” Rydman noted. “We are building this company so that generations to come can enjoy
this industry at the Port of Grays Harbor.”
