Interviews are a powerful youth action research tool used to support intergenerational knowledge sharing in small-scale fishing communities. Through guided conversations with fishers, gleaners, fish processors, elders, and other local knowledge holders, young people can explore the cultural, environmental, and economic dimensions of life in their communities—past and present.

 

In the context of SSF, interviews help preserve oral histories and traditional ecological knowledge about fishing techniques, seasonal patterns, marine species, and local governance systems. They also allow youth to learn about community values, struggles, and adaptations to challenges like climate change, pollution, and industrialization.

 

As a participatory educational method, interviews foster curiosity, communication, critical thinking, and confidence. Youth work together to design respectful questions, practice active listening, record and document stories, and reflect on what they’ve heard. In doing so, they strengthen their relationships with elders and deepen their understanding of the social-ecological systems that sustain their lives.

 

In our workshops, programs, and festivals, youth-led interviews often serve as the foundation for creative outputs—such as short films, illustrated zines, audio stories, and community exhibitions—ensuring that the knowledge shared is not only preserved but also celebrated and mobilized for local stewardship and learning.

 

Click an image below to explore how youth-led interviews are amplifying voices and building connections across generations in small-scale fishing communities from coast to coast.