Each year, National Fisherman’s Highliner Awards recognize individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the commercial fishing industry and the communities that depend on it.

The 2026 Highliners reflect the many ways that commitment can take shape. From the waters of Southeast Alaska to New England’s working waterfront and the fisheries of the Gulf, this year’s honorees have built careers around strengthening commercial fishing through leadership, mentorship, science, education, advocacy, and time on the water.

National Fisherman is proud to recognize Bob Gill, Tele Aadsen, and Ellen Goethel as the 2026 Highliners.

Bob Gill- South Atlantic / Gulf:

Gill's strength is his nearly four decades of influence across the commercial seafood industry, particularly fisheries management, education, and leadership development. After purchasing Shrimp Landing in Crystal River, Florida, in 1986, he built a career connecting fishermen, seafood businesses, and fisheries management. He served in leadership roles on the Gulf Fishery Management Council, participated in MAFAC, testified before Congress, and was instrumental in developing the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP), which has helped fishermen better understand and participate in the management process.  Gill has also made developing the next generation of industry leaders central to his work. Through his involvement with the National Future Fishermen Coalition and the first National Future Fishermen Summit at Pacific Marine Expo, he has helped create opportunities for younger fishermen to better understand the industry, find their voice in fisheries management, and build the skills and connections needed to carry commercial fishing forward.

Tele Aadsen- West Coast / Pacific & Alaska:

Aadsen brings together commercial fishing, direct marketing, mentorship, and storytelling in a way that feels particularly representative of the modern fishing industry. She has spent decades fishing for salmon in Southeast Alaska and built Nerka Sea Frozen Salmon, handling everything from catching and freezing fish to cleaning and marketing the finished product.  Aadsen has also become a mentor to women and the next generation finding their place in commercial fishing, while giving the industry a voice far beyond the boat through writing, public speaking, FisherPoets, and her book, What Water Holds. What sets her apart is her ability to connect the realities of working on the water with consumers, policymakers, and coastal communities, all while continuing to make her own living from the fishery. Through mentorship, storytelling, and decades spent fishing, Aadsen has helped strengthen both the industry she works in and the younger individuals preparing to carry it forward.

Ellen Goethel- Northeast:

Goethel brings decades of fisheries science, conservation, education, and advocacy to the community. A marine biologist and longtime member of New Hampshire's fishing community, she has worked to bridge the gap between fishermen, scientists, regulators, and the public, advocating for fisheries management that protects marine resources while remaining practical for working fishermen. Her work has included participation in fisheries-management processes, public education through Explore the Ocean World Oceanarium, and continued advocacy on issues affecting New England's commercial fleet. Goethel and her husband, longtime commercial fisherman and former NF Highliner David Goethel, have also been recognized by the Gulf of Maine Council for their work protecting fisheries and marine resources. Goethel’s strength as a Highliner lies in the longevity and breadth of her contributions to New England’s commercial fishing community. For decades, she has used science, education, and advocacy to support the survival of the region’s fisheries and the people who depend on them. While her work has largely taken place shoreside, Goethel has demonstrated just how critical that role can be, dedicating her career to giving fishermen a voice and helping bridge the divide between the industry, scientists, regulators, and the public.

Gill, Aadsen, and Goethel each represent a different corner of the commercial fishing industry, but all three share a lasting commitment to the people, communities, and fisheries that keep it moving forward. The National Fisherman team looks forward to sharing more of their stories and celebrating the work that earned them a place among this year’s Highliners. Stay tuned as we get to know the 2026 honorees in the months ahead.