National Fisherman

Margaret Bauman

Alaska Correspondent

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

Author Archive

Alaska's seafood industry generates $5.Alaska's seafood industry generates $5.3 billion in value annually, supporting more than 15,000 Alaskans across 120 communities statewide. Shutterstock photo.

Alaska seafood industry valued at $5.3 billion

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

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U.S. shrimpers filed an ITC complaint seeking to block imports of Indian shrimp. Photo courtesy of Corporate Accountability Lab
October 29, 2026

US shrimpers seek to block Indian shrimp imports over forced labor claims

Actor Mark Costello started fishing in Bristol Bay in his early 20s and continued until he was 61. “For me it was cathartic,” says Costello. “I loved the physical work and the life onboard.” Photo courtesy of Girlstrong Inc.
October 29, 2026

Hollywood on the high seas

Beyond Alaska the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Seafood may be able to provide grants and low-interest loans to fishermen all over the U.S., enabling them to upgrade their boats and equipment. Photo courtesy of Paul Molyneaux
October 29, 2026

Fish is food: Opening USDA doors for commercial fishermen

South Carolina’s new shrimp labeling law requires restaurants to disclose whether the shrimp they serve is locally caught or imported, giving consumers a clearer choice while supporting the state’s commercial shrimpers. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
October 29, 2026

South Carolina shrimp labeling law puts local catch on the menu

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