National Fisherman

Lobster

A Florida Keys commercial fisherman has been sentenced to jail time after pleading guilty to multiple lobster violations. Photo courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife

Florida Keys fisherman sentenced after pleading guilty to lobster violations

NF Staff

To protect whales, Maine lobstermen have increased their trawl size, added weak links in buoy lines, switched to sinking groundlines, switched to purple rope for buoy lines to identify Maine gear, and honored seasonal closures. Paul Molyneaux photo.

More than one way to save a whale

Paul Molyneaux

The 52-foot-high door in the Belliveau repair shop enables the yard to haul in vessels without having to take down any superstructure, which might turn a quick repair into a lengthier project. Photo courtesy Troy Channing

Strong and seaworthy boats are the pride of Belliveau Shipyard

Paul Molyneaux

A North Atlantic right whale mother with her calf in Cape Cod Bay on April 9, 2026. New England Aquarium, photo/NOAA permit #25739-01.

Right whale births reported highest since 2009

NF Staff

Thomas West's vessel Aces and Eights home ported in Steuben, Maine. Photo courtesy of the West family

Downeast fleet mourns loss of Steuben lobsterman found

NF Staff

The Longsoaker timed-release bait container can keep a crab pot fishing even when boats can’t get out to bait their traps. According to its creator, Russ Mullins, the Longsoaker can increase catches by anywhere from 25 to 45 percent. Longsoaker photo.

The Longsoaker promises to bait your pots automatically

Paul Molyneaux

UMaine researchers are investigating whether cunner may be preying on egg-bearing lobsters, raising new questions for Maine’s fishery. Photo courtesy of UMaine / fisheries scientist Michelle Staudinger

Cunner, climate, and concern: Study digs into lobster questions

Carli Stewart

Freeport Diesel & Marine shop in Freeport, Maine. Photo courtesy of FDM

Freeport shop built by mariners, for fishermen

Carli Stewart

On-demand fishing gear systems were tested in Jonesport, Maine, using the Maine Department of Marine Resources gear library. Photo courtesy of NOAA Fisheries

Maine senators raise red flags on ropeless gear mandate

NF Staff

Johansen, the new owner of Jonesport Shipyard, has already more than doubled the boat storage capacity and upgraded the store and shop. He plans to serve the local fleet and attract boats from other nearby ports. Photo courtesy of Molyneaux

Keeping the Jonesport waterfront working

Paul Molyneaux

March 2010 Florida spiny lobster season. Photo courtesy of Kathy Bergren Smith

Florida spiny lobster season closes, four-month spawning pause begins

NF Staff