Thinking about our greatest hits of 2014, my mind began to wander and I was transplanted to 10 years ago when NAMA and I first officially worked together. It was the Indian Ocean tsunami that brought us together. In fact, December 26th will mark the ten-year anniversary of the tsunami. I remember vividly the emails from Herman Kumara of Sri Lanka's National Fishery Solidarity Movement describing the physical and emotional toll of the tsunami and its aftermath. One email started with "we have no tears left." It truly broke my heart.

Herman and I first met in 2003 when a delegation from the World Forum of Fisher People came to New York for some UN related meetings. Back then, we were all working to stop what we now call Ocean Grabs: policies that privatize the ocean and its wealth at the expense of the marine environment and displacement of traditional fishing communities. I was humbled by their dedication and stamina, so when the tsunami hit it was no brainer to do what I could to support those communities most affected.

As this ominous anniversary approaches, my thoughts are with all those whose lives have never been the same, but their dedication to rebuild and regain their integrity has been ceaseless even in the face of additional disasters since brought on by the climate crisis brought on after the tsunami.

So even though my mood is clouded by this memory, I remain grateful for the opportunity to work with people like Herman and others around the globe who are my daily reminder of the strength and dedication of the communities we work with everyday.

Happy Holidays,

Niaz Dorry

Coordinating Director

Without further ado, our greatest hits of 2014:

1. We gathered together:

In April we convened members of the Fish Locally Collaborative in New Bedford for a retreat that reaffirmed our values and commitment to supporting community-based fisheries. We welcomed new members, reconnected with longtime supporters, and left energized to collaborate toward our common goals of healthy sustainable fisheries and fishing communities.

2. And pushed toward our goals:

We kept pushing New England policymakers on fleet diversity issues, and although A18 is still working its way through the Council process, we had 12 fishermen testify on its behalf in April and later in the year, a measure to weaken the amendment failed to pass.

3. Youth made an impact on policy:

Three youth delegates testified on behalf of fleet diversity at the Council meeting in June. They stayed on message despite a chilly reception - inspiring progress in our effort to build a cross-sector collaboration around these issues.

4. ...And an impact on markets:

The Slow Fish campaign made inroads into university food service at the University of New Hampshire this year with a pilot program to serve locally caught seafood in the university's dining halls. Later in the year, the campaign collaborated with other local seafood stakeholders in New Hampshire and served local redfish in eight (count 'em) Seacoast high schools. Big steps!

5. They sparked our staff:

Our staff is small but mighty. Community organizers, office and event coordinators, writers and network builders: it's a talented bunch. We're grateful this year to welcome Shira Tiffany (on the left, in picture), an organizer on a fellowship from JOIN for Justice. She's got great energy and we know she'll do great things with us this coming year.

6. We danced!

Ok, you know we know from Seafood Throwdowns. But there's something special about a Throwdown with line dancing. This summer in Roxbury, we had another family-style Throwdown event, culminating with City Councilor Tito Jackson leading a line dance. We love when our message makes people get up and shake it!

7. We Rocked the Boat

Our first-ever fundraising concert was filled with great food and drinks, fabulous friends, art and music. A big thanks to our sponsors and partners, and everyone who joined us to celebrate our network of allies working to build a more just and fair food and seafood system.

8. And the press and the airwaves

In 2014 we got the word out in a big way. Among other things, we hit up Heritage Radio and talked cod and catch shares with Take Part.

9. We rocked it nationally and globally, and we did it with you.

We sent fishermen to Terra Madre in Italy and Farm Aid in North Carolina. Participated in the People's Climate March. Brought together fish processing plant workers, fish buyers, and student food activists to Fish Camp to collaborate on a new vision that includes justice and equity for everyone involved in the seafood supply chain. It was a big, beautiful year for coalition-building.

10. We are grateful for all of you, our fellow Revol-Oceanaries.

In 2014, we felt the strength of this network of collaborators amplifying and supporting our efforts to build a more just and sustainable seafood supply. We know this month brings a flurry of giving requests, but we'd like to ask you again: please consider giving a year-end contribution to NAMA and help fuel the Revol-Ocean!

Thanks for all that you do. Catch you next year!

NAMA works with community based fishermen on market and policy alternatives that protect and maintain marine biodiversity.