For more than 50 years, National Fisherman has recognized the men and women whose leadership, dedication, and service have helped shape America's commercial fishing industry. Now, nominations are officially open for the 2026 Highliner Awards, and the editorial team is once again looking to honor individuals whose impact reaches far beyond their own vessel, business, or organization.
Key takeaway
National Fisherman is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Highliner Awards, recognizing commercial fishing leaders whose service, mentorship, and advocacy have strengthened the industry. This year's Pacific Marine Expo ceremony will also introduce a new silent auction benefiting SeaShare, with organizers seeking donated items to help provide seafood to Americans facing hunger.
Presented annually at Pacific Marine Expo (PME) in Seattle, the Highliner Awards have become one of the commercial fishing industry's most enduring traditions. Since 1975, the awards have celebrated not only success on the water, but also the people who mentor the next generation, advocate for their fisheries, strengthen their coastal communities and work tirelessly to ensure the future of the working waterfront.
National Fisherman is encouraging nominations from every U.S. coast and every sector of the seafood industry. Editors are looking for commercial fishermen, industry leaders, innovators, advocates, and community champions whose careers embody the resilience, stewardship, and commitment that have defined the Highliner Awards for more than five decades.
Each year, the nomination process reveals stories that might otherwise go untold. While many nominees have built remarkable careers harvesting seafood, what often sets Highliners apart is their willingness to give back. They are the people serving on advisory panels, mentoring younger fishermen, volunteering in their communities, advocating for sensible fisheries policy, and stepping forward when their industry needs a voice.
The Highliner Ceremony has likewise evolved into much more than an awards presentation. Held each year during PME, it has become a reunion of the commercial fishing community, bringing together fishermen, families, seafood businesses and industry partners from across the country. It is an opportunity to pause during one of the industry's busiest gatherings and recognize the individuals whose dedication has strengthened commercial fishing for generations.
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Highliner Awards, celebrating a tradition that has honored hundreds of industry leaders since its inception. The 2025 Highliner class included Bob Alverson of Alaska, Dustin Delano of Maine, Erik Velsko of Alaska, and Brick Wenzel of New Jersey. Although their careers span different fisheries and regions, each recipient exemplified the leadership, innovation, advocacy, and commitment to community that define a National Fisherman Highliner.
As preparations continue for this year's PME, I would honestly say one of the most rewarding parts of helping coordinate the Highliner program is seeing the connections it creates across the industry. The ceremony consistently brings together fishermen from different coasts and fisheries who often discover they share the same challenges, values and commitment to preserving the future of commercial fishing. It is also an opportunity to recognize individuals who rarely seek recognition themselves, but whose leadership has quietly shaped their fleets and communities for decades.
Nominations now open
National Fisherman is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Highliner Awards.
If you know someone who lives and breathes for the working waterfront, someone who has not only built a successful career but also serves as a mentor, advocate, innovator, or community leader, editors encourage you to submit a nomination.
The nomination period will remain open for the next several weeks, with recipients announced later this year ahead of PME
New silent auction to benefit SeaShare
New for 2026, the Highliner Ceremony will feature a silent auction benefiting SeaShare, with all proceeds supporting the organization's mission to provide seafood to Americans facing hunger.
SeaShare brings together fishermen, processors, transportation companies, packaging partners and Feeding America to deliver nutritious seafood to food banks and feeding centers across the country. In 2025 alone, the nonprofit distributed approximately 7.5 million servings of seafood, continuing more than three decades of connecting the commercial seafood industry with hunger-relief efforts.
National Fisherman and Pacific Marine Expo are currently seeking donations for the silent auction. Businesses, organizations, artists and individuals interested in donating products, artwork, experiences, or other auction items are encouraged to participate. Every contribution will directly support SeaShare's work helping provide high-quality seafood to families in need.
The addition of the silent auction reflects another way the Highliner Ceremony celebrates the generosity of the commercial fishing community. Throughout its history, the industry has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to support others, and this year's partnership with SeaShare extends that tradition beyond the waterfront.
Those interested in donating an item - we welcome all types of donations, but a few ideas include:
- Seafood Gift Basket (canned salmon, king crab, scallops, caviar)
- Fishing Gear
- Gift Cards
- Sporting Event Tickets
If you're interested in donating to the silent auction, you can donate here!
