National Fisherman

Working Waterfront

Gene Mafucci bought the Vivian in 1985 and made repairs and replaced the engine with help from his father, Gene, seen with the boat in front of their home on Tomales Bay, California. They used the tide to do things like paint the bottom. Photo courtesy of

At Marshall Boat Works, Gene Maffucci keeps his wooden boat afloat

Paul Molyneaux

The Honolulu-based tuna longliner, Pacific Sun, hauled out at Ventura Harbor Boatyard. “She was a little too big for another yard I sometimes use, so I brought her to Ventura for a shave and a haircut,” says owner Peter Webster.

Ventura Harbor Boatyard eyes growth for West Coast fleet

Paul Molyneaux

NGOM scallop fishing is known for big scallops and easy shucking. Most boats carry only one or at most two crew besides the captain. But the scallops are coming harder than usual in 2026, with some boats making as many as 15 tows to get their limit. Photo courtesy of Jay Fleming

Northern Gulf of Maine scallop payday

Paul Molyneaux

Johansen, the new owner of Jonesport Shipyard, has already more than doubled the boat storage capacity and upgraded the store and shop. He plans to serve the local fleet and attract boats from other nearby ports. Photo courtesy of Molyneaux

Keeping the Jonesport waterfront working

Paul Molyneaux

Fishing vessels docked at St. Paul Harbor in Kodiak, Alaska. The city prepares to welcome hundreds of fishermen and industry members as ComFish Alaska returns to the Kodiak Marketplace. Photo: Mystic Stock Photography / Shutterstock.com

ComFish Alaska scheduled for April 16-18

NF Staff

Colonna's Travelift was the country's most powerful when it was delivered in 2010, funded through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. Photo courtesy of Doug Stewart

$35M in federal grants aims to modernize US small shipyards

Ben Hayden

Tanker and articulated tug and barge at the Petroleum, oils and Lubricants Terminal 2 delivering fuel on Dec. 10, 2025. Photo courtesy of Matt Hage / Port of Alaska

Modernization of Don Young Port of Alaska underway

Margaret Bauman

Brian Robbins accepted the Maine Fishermen’s Forum Distinguished Service Award with a speech at the Saturday banquet dinner. Photo courtesy of MFF

“I got lucky”: Brian Robbins reflects on a life in fisheries journalism

Carli Clancy

F/V Carl & Co from Long Island, Maine, makes its appearance in Gloucester for the 2026 NGOM scallop season. Photo courtesy of Carli Stewart

NGOM scallopers brace for lower quota as 2026 season reopens

Carli Clancy

Peter Robinson (left), Willie Ramsdell (center) and Togue Brawn, owner of Downeast Dayboat, sail aboard a boat to collect scallops. Photo courtesy of Togue Brawn

Local Catch Network backs fishermen-first businesses with new federal funding

Guest Author

Casey Devillier oversees Westbank Fishing, 12 menhaden fishing vessels, and 24 smaller purse boats. Photo courtesy of the Devillier family

The man who keeps the menhaden fleet running

NF Staff