National Fisherman

Paul Molyneaux

Editor

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

Author Archive

A happy crew on the Rita K in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Photo courtesy Omar Keval.

Bristol Bay captain fishes shallow waters with aluminum through-picker

Maine salmon farms owned by a foreign company have drawn criticism from adjacent communities. The Maine Municipal Association is opposing legislation that would limit public participation in the aquaculture leasing process. Paul Molyneaux photo.

In Maine, aquaculture-friendly legislation meets opposition

Brooks Trap Mills has been a Maine family-owned business since 1946 (Stephen, Sally, Julie, Mark). Photo courtesy of Brooks Trap Mill.

From Wood to Wire: Brooks Trap Mill's Lobster Legacy

Analyses by several organizations estimates the fishing industry discards around 600,000 tones of nets and other gear annually. Getting that material into the recycling stream, not the ocean, is Bureo’s mission. Alfred Westermeyer photo.

Transforming waste fishing gear into profitable resources

Getting the mess cleared out of the way continues in Maine, but a fast-track permitting process may soon allow wharf owners to build back higher and stronger using the two-week-long permit by rule process. Mark Zaccadelli photo.

Getting back to business

Thyborøn doors have a reputation for giving more spread than some larger doors, reducing resistance and conserving fuel. Thyborøn photo.

Seeing is believing

The motor side of the Marine Hydraulics Consultancy Drifter drum, covered here, offers no opportunities for the net to snag when setting at high speed. Marine Hydraulics photo.

Keep on rolling

The Chipmans built their wharf themselves. After the January storms swept away their wharf, they will have to do it again –but stronger if these events are to be the new normal. Chipman’s Wharf photos.

Rebuilding in Maine

Matt Johnston leased a crab license during the pandemic. Coming out of lockdown he realized he wanted to commit to the fishery and decided to build a boat at Full Time Fabrication with his old friend TJ Lowry. Full Time Fabrication photo.

The Wild West

Russia's fishing fleet modernization continues. A St. Petersburg yard delivered the Mekhanik Maslak—reportedly designed with assistance from Skipteknisk, and outfitted with Seonics deck gear—to the Russian Fishing Company in May 2023. United Shipbuilding

On the Russian front