Stalling out risk
Based on U.S. Coast Guard reports.
In a profession that is repeatedly deemed the deadliest in the country, fishermen are constantly weighing risk factors and asking themselves if working conditions are normal (safe), pose an unnecessary risk, or are unusual but necessary. Answering correctly often determines the safety of your crew and the boat.
Gulf/South Atlantic Grouper
Harvesters approve IFQs in hopes for year-round fishing, higher catch totals
Demand for fresh Gulf of Mexico grouper has historically been durable, and domestic production is — at best — relatively small. Consequently, there is hope the grouper market may weather the storm of the continuing international economic crisis, especially in the tourism-restaurant sector.
Safety must be first
The loss of the Gloucester, Mass., dragger Patriot in early January with two aboard gets at what is wrong with fishing in the age of regulation.
Island out of time
Tangier, Va., watermen share a storied past and an uncertain future
By Kathy Bergren Smith
Most of the 550 people who live on Virginia's Tangier Island share one of a few last names and have family roots stretching back at least a century. Their thick brogue is commonly called Elizabethan, but it is more likely a remnant of the Cornish roots of the island's settlers.
Northeast
Outboard power comes back; new 50-footer is fuel efficient
With operating costs on the rise, two Canadian boatbuilding companies have come up with fiberglass hulls designed to help fishermen operate more efficiently. One is relatively small at 30' x 10' 2" from Millennium Marine in Escuminac, New Brunswick. The second boat is 50' x 21' from Dixon's Marine Group in Lower Woods Harbor, Nova Scotia.
Callifornia crabbing: Here's a fun video shot on the decks of the Majestik while catching Dungeness crab off the coast of northern California.
The United Fishermen of Alaska, a statewide commercial fishing industry trade association representing 36 member organizations, announces the election of Jerry McCune of Cordova District Fishermen United as president.
NMFS has announced two senior leadership changes that the agency says align with changes it is making to its West Coast operations.
National Fisherman has been the industry standard for over 50 years. Readers from coast to coast depend on it to stay up to date on news, regulations, fish stocks, to research purchasing decisions and to stay informed of the newest vessel and product technology.
