National Fisherman

Margaret Bauman

Alaska Correspondent

Margaret Bauman is an Alaskan journalist focused on covering fisheries and environmental issues.

Author Archive

A new policy brief released concludes that most seafood imported into the United States lacks basic catch documentation and traceability. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Major gaps remain in monitoring of seafood imports

According to a recent report, the 2025 Pacific salmon harvest totaled 425.7 million fish, marking the lowest aggregate for an odd-numbered year since 1987. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

NPAFC reports lowest odd-year harvest of Pacific salmon

A Southeast Alaska commercial harvester has been sentenced to jail, a $20,000 fine, and forfeiture of his commercial fishing boat after conviction of numerous commercial fishing violations. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Alaska harvester sentenced, fined for multiple commercial fishing violations

The Little Susitna River in the Talkeetna Mountain range is a 313-mile-long river in southcentral Alaska. Photo courtesy of Michael Siluk

Groundwater plays a critical role in Southcentral Alaska salmon rivers

Pollock trawlers operate under strict bycatch limits designed to protect Pacific salmon stocks. Shuttertsock photo.

Research continues toward automated bycatch monitoring

University of Washington researchers are forecasting a 2026 total Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run of 41.5 million fish, with slightly larger fish than in 2025. Photo courtesy of theautumnonempire

Bristol Bay sockeye forecast drops below recent average for 2026

A fundamental shift is needed to position seafood as a core component of the American food system, says Ocean Strategies. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Seafood need not be reinvented, but it does need to compete

A local fisherman talks with students about salmon trolling during an AK On Board crew training workshop in Petersburg. Photo by Emily Scott, Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association

Sea Grant workshops train the future of the fisheries industry

A fishing vessel operates in Alaska waters. Shutterstock photo.

Legislation would expand representation on NPFMC

Salmon harvest prediction of 125.5 million salmon is down 36 percent from 197.4 million a year ago; forecasts on retail prices still remain a wild card. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Retail prices for 2026 Alaska salmon are still a wild card