National Fisherman

National & International

File photo: The Coast Guard unloads approximately 300 pounds of red snapper from a lancha caught fishing illegally in U.S. federal waters in June 2025. Coast Guard photo.

Mexican fishermen caught fishing illegally off Texas coast

NF Staff

The Sea Grant program has helped fund dozens of training programs across the U.S. Photo courtesy of Hailey Murphy/S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

Sea Grant strengthens America’s working waterfronts

Guest Author

Greg Sharrow studied to be in the music industry, but in an effort to make a quiet drone to use filming an orchestra, he realized the he need to eliminate the tips of the blades. He extended the blades and bent them back to the hub, and the sharrow propel

A new twist on propellers brings greater fuel efficiency

Paul Molyneaux

Packed with gear and supplies, the Heart of Gloucester carried Sarah LeWine and Jim Tarentino on a 24-day journey of over 400 miles, powered only with a pair of 10-foot oars for Tarantino, a pair of 9-footers for LeWine, and a little sprit sail. Sarah Le

Two Gloucester rowers cross the Gulf of Maine in a dory

Paul Molyneaux

The Wanchese commercial fleet has been shrinking for years, but Mark Vrablic at Willie Etheridge Seafood believes that if Trump administration starts telling Americans about the value of domestic seafood it could strengthen US fisheries. Paul Molyneaux ph

Fighting for a fishing future

Paul Molyneaux

With only a few significant initiatives to reduce microplastic contamination of the oceans, some commercial fishermen are recycling gear and collecting plastic. Suzuki has installed microplastic filters in some engines, a small but symbolic effort. Suzuki

The microplastics battle

Paul Molyneaux

Trained responders use a grapple to grab an entanglement trailing behind a North Atlantic right whale in Northeast waters. Center for Coastal Studies photo/NOAA Permit # 24359.

Whale entanglements were up sharply in 2024, NOAA says

NF Staff

Aboard his 43-foot tuna longliner, the Provider II, Marty Scanlon, president of the Blue Water Fishermen’s Association and past National Fisherman Highliner, talks about the challenges the East Coast tuna fleet faces. Paul Molyneaux photo.

Tuna meltdown

Paul Molyneaux

Participants of the Drill Instructor and Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training will get hands-on experience practicing lifesaving skills, such as putting on survival suits. Photo courtesy of Washington Sea Grant

Washington Fishermen's Convention set for Dec. 4-8

Margaret Bauman

Ship fleet prepped at Port Fouchon, Louisiana, for the upcoming season. Doug Stewart Photo

Steep decline in landings show imports’ impact, US shrimpers say

NF Staff

Albacore tuna typically range from 20-30 inches long and 10-30 pounds, but they can grow larger. Shutterstock photo.

Pacific tuna fishery opens in Eastern Gulf of Alaska

Margaret Bauman