National Fisherman

National & International

After her stepson, Gabe Johnston died of an overdose in 2022, Denise Damewood started Project Gabe, which helps fishermen deal with pain and stress, and offers trainign in responding to an overdose emergency. Photo courtesy of Denise Damewood

Drug-free self-care on deck

Paul Molyneaux

The five-year GMC2 project will bring together fisheries, governments, and seafood industry partners across six countries in Northwest Africa and Latin America. Photo courtesy of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership

Five-year initiative targets overfishing in six countries

NF Staff

Industry leaders are pushing for better science, data sharing, and international coordination on global squid fisheries. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Squid industry calls for stronger global fisheries management

NF Staff

At Maritime Interaction Days, activity stations introduce students to skills like welding. While welding demonstrations sometimes use squeeze cheese and crackers, when the opportunity arises, students get the real deal. Photo by Lisa Sowa-Downs

Students get their hands dirty at We Work the Waterways

Paul Molyneaux

New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias’ latest book, In Deep Water, recounts the harrowing true story of three fishermen who survived 28 hours in the Gulf of Mexico after their boat sank.

‘In Deep Water’ tells a harrowing story of survival at sea

Carli Clancy

Some scientists believe plankton can help break down microplastics, but most recognize that plastics contain endocrine disruptors that work their way up the food chain, reducing survival in all species, including lobster larvae. Photo courtesy of Science

Plankton declines raise concerns for global fisheries

Paul Molyneaux

Alternative diesel fuels could offer a path toward lower-emission fishing vessels, but fuel availability, infrastructure, and cost remain major hurdles for commercial fishermen. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Alternative diesel: practical step or temporary bridge?

Carli Clancy

Meet the 2026 Highliners

Carli Clancy

NOAA confirmed 76 large whale entanglements in 2025, down from 95 in 2024 but slightly above the long-term average. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

US whale entanglements decline in 2025

NF Staff

The Wescom sMRT SHIELD and sMRT SHIELD+ personal locator beacons (PLBs) break new ground with two-way communication. On both units, a blue light will indicate when a distress signal has been received. Wescom photo.

Two-way personal beacons can help survivors hang on

Paul Molyneaux

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s new legislation would raise tariffs on Ecuadorian shrimp imports to support U.S. shrimpers facing growing foreign competition. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Bill targets Ecuadorian shrimp imports with higher tariffs

NF Staff