Seattle's fishing fleet feels the pinch from rising fuel prices

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As diesel prices in Washington state hit record highs, commercial fishing boat captains in Seattle are struggling to keep their operations afloat. Captains like Garrett Gunderson of the Sunward and Brian Dafforn of the Polaris say the $20,000 it costs just to leave the dock with fuel, bait, ice, and groceries is making it harder to turn a profit, forcing them to consider cutting crew sizes or even whether it's worth going out at all.

Why it matters

The fishing industry is a vital part of Seattle's economy, with the commercial fleet providing jobs and bringing in valuable seafood catches. But the soaring fuel costs are putting significant financial strain on these small business owners, threatening the viability of their operations and the livelihoods of their crews.

The details

Diesel prices in Washington have continued to outpace gasoline, with the price per gallon at Shilshole Bay Marina reaching over $7 on Monday. Captains say the high costs mean they have to factor that into their business calculations, with Gunderson noting it costs $20,000 just to leave the dock. Dafforn worries the math may not work out, saying 'If it's a whole lot of work and it's not a lot of money, then maybe it's not worth it.' The head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, Patrick De Haan, says prices won't improve until the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil chokepoint, reopens.

• As of Monday, the price of diesel fuel in Washington state sits at $6.794 per gallon, a slight drop from the $6.804 mark set on Sunday.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Captains will continue to monitor fuel prices and assess whether it makes financial sense to take their boats out, with some potentially having to reduce crew sizes or even stay docked if the costs become too high.