National Fisherman

Paul Molyneaux

Editor

Paul Molyneaux is the Boats & Gear editor for National Fisherman.

Author Archive

California fishermen, like spot prawn fisherman Shane Slaughter, must work around the state’s extensive Marine Protected Areas and the expansion of wind farms and aquaculture—PME 2026; some will share lessons learned.

Holding fishing grounds: Lessons learned in California

After her stepson, Gabe Johnston died of an overdose in 2022, Denise Damewood started Project Gabe, which helps fishermen deal with pain and stress, and offers trainign in responding to an overdose emergency. Photo courtesy of Denise Damewood

Drug-free self-care on deck

At Maritime Interaction Days, activity stations introduce students to skills like welding. While welding demonstrations sometimes use squeeze cheese and crackers, when the opportunity arises, students get the real deal. Photo by Lisa Sowa-Downs

Students get their hands dirty at We Work the Waterways

Some scientists believe plankton can help break down microplastics, but most recognize that plastics contain endocrine disruptors that work their way up the food chain, reducing survival in all species, including lobster larvae. Photo courtesy of Science

Plankton declines raise concerns for global fisheries

Pacific Fishermen Shipyard has been an icon of the Ballard waterfront for decades. The yard has always focused on the commercial fishing industry and continues to haul out and service many boats. Photo courtesy of Paul Molyneaux

The National Nordic Museum exhibits 150 years of Ballard history

The Wescom sMRT SHIELD and sMRT SHIELD+ personal locator beacons (PLBs) break new ground with two-way communication. On both units, a blue light will indicate when a distress signal has been received. Wescom photo.

Two-way personal beacons can help survivors hang on

Raritan Engineering has manufactured marine toilets since 1958, making it one of the industry’s oldest and best-known names. Photo courtesy of Raritan Engineering

Head of the class: The oldest name in marine toilets

The Sinking of the Scandies Rose: The Untold Story of an Alaskan Fishing Disaster, by Decker Watson. ISBN-13 978-1668212271. Courtesy of Gallery Books

A tragedy retold: Inside ‘The Sinking of the Scandies Rose’

Butchering a bowhead whale on the ice requires all hands. Whaling crews and community members join together to do the job by hand. “It’s a lot of work,” says Martin Edwardsen, director of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. Photo courtesy of AEWC

Fall subsistence whale hunt is on in Alaska

Adorned with birds and an awning to help keep the heat off shrimp she brings aboard, the Miss Caylee plies the waters of Mobil Bay in Alabama, as she has for 85 years. David Bryan photo.

Boat of the Month: Miss Caylee