Shop at the Dock returns in Newport

Shop at the Dock has returned to the Newport Bayfront, with opportunities for people to learn more about the local commercial fisheries on the Oregon coast.

The popular tours, organized by Oregon Sea Grant and Oregon State University Extension Service, give locals and visitors an in-depth look at the different types of fishing vessels, what they fish for and how they catch fish, sustainability efforts, and how they can buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen selling it off their boats.

Started as a community outreach program in 2014, Shop at the Dock has expanded the tour times to three slots each Friday, at 9:30, 10, and 10:30 a.m. The first tours of this season were held last Friday, July 19, and subsequent tours will take place each Friday through Aug. 16. The 90-minute tours begin on the sidewalk by Dock 5 at the Port of Newport. About 200 people participated last year.

Participants will walk the docks and look at several fishing vessels to learn about the equipment used to bring in their catch and the methods they use to prevent bycatch. At the end of the tour, people will be able to identify fishing vessels that catch pink shrimp, salmon, tuna, Dungeness crab, Pacific whiting, and halibut.

The tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is no need to pre-register. However, anyone wanting to attend with a larger group should make arrangements ahead of time.

The event will be held rain or shine, so participants should plan ahead. Wear comfortable shoes with a good tread since the docks can be uneven and slippery, and arrive early to find parking. If you plan on buying locally harvested seafood, bring cash — since most fishermen don’t accept cards — and a cooler with ice. Most fishermen will sell whole fish, though there may be someone nearby who can filet the fish. Having a professional filet the fish yields more meat than an average person can get, but expect to pay more per pound if the fish is filleted.