Since 1975, National Fisherman has celebrated the men and women whose work at sea and ashore keeps America’s fisheries strong. Now marking its 50th year, the Highliner Ceremony and Dinner remains one of the most enduring honors in the U.S. commercial fishing industry, recognizing not just skill on the water, but leadership, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the future of fishing. What began as a simple recognition of excellence has evolved into a gathering that reflects the heart of the industry itself—the people who dedicate their lives to the water and to the communities that depend on it.
Each year, the editors of National Fisherman select a small group of individuals whose influence extends beyond their own wheelhouse or dock. These are the people who show up at meetings, for their communities, and on the front lines of change to make sure fishermen’s voices are heard and their livelihoods protected. Through good years and bad, these Highliners represent the backbone of an industry built on persistence, innovation, and care for both ocean and shore.
View 50 Years of Highliners here!
The 2025 Highliners will be celebrated during the special dinner and ceremony at this year’s Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, where generations of fishermen, families, and industry partners will gather to honor those who go above and beyond for their fleet. The event serves not only as a recognition of achievement but as a reunion—a moment to pause and appreciate the people who continue to push the industry forward despite constant challenges.
This year’s honorees embody what it means to be a Highliner—hardworking, forward-thinking, and deeply dedicated to the people and waters that define our coastal communities. Join Jerry Fraser, past Highliner, retired commercial fisherman, journalist, and former editor and publisher of National Fisherman, as he returns to emcee the ceremony on Friday, November 21, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., for an evening of storytelling, camaraderie, and celebration.
Robert (Bob) Alverson
For more than five decades, Bob Alverson has been a cornerstone of the North Pacific fishing industry. As a leader of the Fishing Vessel Owner’s Association (FVOA), Alverson helped guide the industry through major regulatory and economic transformations, most notably the development and implementation of the halibut and sablefish (black cod) Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) programs.
After sixteen years of advocacy collaboration, the IFQ system became the largest of its kind in the world, improving safety at sea and providing long-term economic stability for more than 3,500 initial permit holders. Beyond his policy work, Alverson has managed complex insurance and business affairs that have strengthened the resilience of the fleet he represents. His career embodies steadfast leadership, foresight, and a lifelong commitment to the fishermen of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest — a legacy that will continue to influence future generations of industry leaders.
Dustin Delano
A fourth-generation lobsterman from Maine’s Midcoast, Dustin Delano has dedicated his career to protecting the future of New England’s fisheries. After decades on the water, Delano made the difficult decision to step away from fishing to become a full-time advocate. Aa the chief strategist of policy and operations at the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA), he has become a strong voice for fishermen across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
Delano’s leadership has been pivotal in addressing regulatory challenges, including offshore wind development, vertical line rules, and the recent gauge increase retraction. His work connecting harvesters, dealers, and policymakers has strengthened the industry’s representation at every level, from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission meetings to the halls of Congress. Known for his integrity, empathy, and nonpartisan approach, Delano continues to fight for fishermen’s rights and the long-term sustainability of the industry he grew up in. His story represents a generational commitment—one that bridges traditional fishing heritage with a modern understanding of policy and advocacy.
Erik Velsko
Erik Velsko, founder of Kaia Seafoods, is redefining what it means to be an Alaskan commercial fisherman. Alongside his wife, Lacey, Velsko is pioneering a values-driven approach to small-vessel harvesting that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and transparency. Their innovative use of slurry-ice systems and premium handling practices has set a new standard for Pacific cod harvesting, proving that progress in Alaska’s fisheries doesn’t require large-scale operations to make a lasting impact.
A lifelong fisherman with deep roots in his community, Velsko has shown a willingness to take bold, principled risks to improve market conditions for independent harvesters. His leadership demonstrates how innovation, integrity, and dedication to craft can create a more viable and resilient future for Alaska’s small-vessel fleet. His story represents the entrepreneurial spirit of today’s fishing families who balance tradition with forward-thinking solutions that ensure long-term sustainability for their communities.
Brick Wenzel
With decades of experience and leadership in the commercial fishing industry, Brick Wenzel has become one of New Jersey’s most steadfast advocates for fishermen and food security. A respected voice on national policy, Wenzel has testified in Washington, D.C., on the impacts of industrial wind development on the nation’s seafood supply and coastal resources.
In 2018, Wenzel founded American Gleaned Seafood, a nonprofit organization that delivers New Jersey’s top source of protein — seafood — directly to food banks, soup kitchens, churches, and food pantries. Since its founding, the program has distributed the equivalent of over a million servings of fresh seafood and continues to expand internationally. Through his dedication, Wenzel has demonstrated how commercial fishermen can lead with both innovation and compassion, ensuring access to nutritious seafood while safeguarding the working waterfronts that make it possible. His example underscores how one person’s vision can ripple far beyond their home port to feed families and inspire others across the industry.
