National Fisherman

West Coast & Pacific

Lawmakers are calling on USDA to purchase Pacific whiting fillets to support a West Coast industry facing export disruptions, increased import competition, inflation, and rising operating costs. Photo courtesy of the WCSPA

Lawmakers seek USDA purchase of Pacific whiting

Carli Clancy

Annual dredging keeps the Columbia River open to commercial shipping, but tribal leaders warn the work could affect salmon, steelhead, and lamprey habitat. Photo courtesy of Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission

Columbia River dredging raises concerns for salmon habitat

NF Staff

Two fishermen lost licenses and permits over nearly 200 abandoned crab traps. Photo courtesy of the CDFW Facebook page

Dungeness crab permits suspended over abandoned traps

NF Staff

Commercial bottomfishing could return to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands under an experimental approach recommended by scientists. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Experimental fishing eyed as Northwestern Hawaiian Islands reopen

NF Staff

A Coast Guard helicopter hovers near the grounded fishing vessel Lake Bay at Point Reyes National Seashore in California Aug. 21. Coast Guard photo.

Fishing boat grounded at Point Reyes National Seashore

NF Staff

Westport Marina will replace aging docks and add larger slips as part of its broader modernization plan. Photo courtesy of Port of Grays Harbor

Westport Marina lands $6.2M for upgrades

NF Staff

Gig Harbor is celebrating 150 years of commercial fishing as its long-awaited Commercial Fishing Homeport moves closer to construction. Photo courtesy of Drone Northwest

Gig Harbor fishing fleet marks 150 years as homeport moves forward

NF Staff

Officers cited two commercial fishermen after they were allegedly caught fishing inside the Swamis State Marine Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of CDFW

Two commercial fishermen arrested for fishing in protected area

NF Staff

Oregon approved new Dungeness crab rules to reduce whale entanglement risk, including expanded experimental gear requirements. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Oregon adopts new Dungeness crab rules

NF Staff

California fishermen could face another difficult season as a strengthening El Niño threatens warmer waters, shifting fish distributions and harmful algal blooms along the West Coast. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

‘Super’ El Niño could bring challenges for fishing fleets

NF Staff

Low recreational catch reporting is fueling tensions in Puget Sound. Photo courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Puget Sound Dungeness crabbers clash over harvest shares, reporting

NF Staff