National Fisherman

Alaska

Marc Vance’s book, The commercial Fishermen, is a brag, a confession and minutely detailed examination of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery from 1980 to 2023. Photo courtresy of Marc Vance

Book review: The Commercial Fishermen by Marc Vance

Paul Molyneaux

Powered by a Cummins 8.9-liter engine and an AWT JT342 jet, Wadsworth’s amphibious skiff can reach a top speed of 30 knots and is equipped with bunks and a small galley. Photo courtesy of Ray Wadsworth

Keeping up with Ray Wadsworth

Paul Molyneaux

Sitka seiners set two single-day pink salmon harvest records in August. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Record-breaking pink run surges into Sitka

NF Staff

Rising costs and tightening constraints are reshaping who can remain in the commercial fishing business. Shutterstock photo.

Jerry_Fraser

Common cause: Maine, Alaska share challenges, if not history

Jerry Fraser

Beginning in March, net hangers at Alaska Net & Supply work 12-hour-plus days to hang web for the drifters and setnetters who believe that Tairyo web is superior to other brands. Photo courtesy of Alaska Net & Supply

Inside the Dillingham net shop keeping Bristol Bay fishermen fishing

Paul Molyneaux

Brian and Lisa Gabriel hope the new administrative district will improve management of their setnet fishery. Photo courtesy of Lisa Gabriel

Sorting out the new administrative district in Cook Inlet

Paul Molyneaux

Looming Login.gov requirements are stirring concern in Alaska's commercial fishing industry. Shutterstock photo.

Federal cybersecurity mandate stirs concern in Alaska fishing industry

Wesley Loy

Seiners are still waiting for the pinks to show in Prince William Sound. Some surges have buoyed hopes, but people involved report that skippers and boat owners are already talking about the possibility of disaster relief. Photo courtesy of Henry Bell

Pink salmon surge offers late hope for Prince William Sound seiners

Paul Molyneaux

Patrick Weber returns to Coastal Villages to lead crab and longline sales. Photo courtesy of Coastal Village Region Fund

Coastal Villages brings back industry veteran for crab, longline sales

NF Staff

A full haul of Alaska pollock comes aboard. APFA says the fishery’s story goes beyond bycatch, highlighting efforts to reduce unwanted catch while supporting Alaska’s seafood economy. Photo courtesy of Sam Murphy

Beyond bycatch: The bigger story of Alaska pollock

Carli Clancy

Sam Froines, Taylor Tomblin, and Malachi Church pumping a nice set of pink salmon in Valdez, Alaska. Photo courtesy of NF Crew Shots / Nick Crump

Late pink salmon arrival offers hope for Southeast Alaska fleet

NF Staff