National Fisherman

November Spotlight:

Pacific Marine Expo

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After a 5-year moratorium, the state of Florida plans to reopen the Apalachicola Bay oyster fishery on Jan. 1, 2026. Harvesters will be allowed to harvest one bag a day (60 pounds) from reefs in the bay that meet the ecological threshold of 400 legal-size

December 16, 2025

Return of the Apalachicola Oyster

The last wooden boat built at John’s Bay Boats is this 34 footer, being planked with 1-inch cedar for shop owner Peter Kass, who is retiring. Once it slides down the launching ramp, no new wooden lobster boats will be built. Jon Johansen photo.

December 16, 2025

John’s Bay Boats building one more – for the owner

New Bedford fishing vessels. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

December 15, 2025

$1.2M awarded to boost Massachusetts commercial fisheries

A commercial fisherman was rescued after he abandoned his burning vessel off the coast of Florida. Screengrab from U.S. Coast Guard video by Kendal Hunter

December 15, 2025

Fishing vessel catches fire off the coast of Florida

It has been over a decade since landings of northern shrimp crashed, leading to a moratorium. While some fishermen continue to question the validity of the data, regulators have extended the moratorium for another three years. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

December 15, 2025

Maine shrimp fishery closed for three more years