National Fisherman Highliner award Archives

November 9, 2023 — National Fisherman’s five 2023 Highliner award honorees took the stage Wednesday at the Pacific Marine Expo to applause from a packed house – and urging everyone in the audience to stay involved in the future of their fisheries.

I’m a first-generation commercial fisherman, and at an early age, I knew what I wanted to do,” said Jimmy Hull of Ormond Beach, Fla., who credited his father’s early support with launching his career, from the decks to advising scientists and managers.

“With family, hard work, and persistence, we succeeded,” said Hull. His priority remains seeing “American seafood produced by American fishermen.”

Matt Alward of Homer, Alaska gave a shout-out to the “people who fight to keep this industry alive” and mentors like Captain Malcolm Milne, who early in his career convinced Alward to get involved in fisheries policy issues.

“If you’re not part of the advocacy, you really have to step up,” Alward told the audience.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

October 25th, 2016 — The following was released by the Fishing Heritage Center:

The Fishing Heritage Center is pleased to announce the launch of “A Day in the Life” a speaker series about all aspects of the fishing industry. The first program will take place on Wednesday, November 2nd at 7:00 p.m. Programs are presented free of charge for members and volunteers, there is a $5 fee for the general public. The Center is wheelchair accessible and located at 38 Bethel Street in New Bedford’s historic downtown. Free off street parking is available.

At 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2, veteran fisherman Rodney Avila will talk about the groundfishing industry. Rodney has spent over 50 years working in the fishing industry. He began fishing at the age of nine. He was the fourth generation in his family to fish out of New Bedford. He fished offshore for swordfish, tuna, and groundfish for 47 years before taking work on shore as the director of the Fishermen’s Family Assistance Center. He now works as a marine safety instructor, teaching other fishermen the skills they need to be safe at sea. In 2007 he received the National Fisherman Highliner award. Today, Rodney’s son and five of his grandsons continue to earn their living as commercial fishermen. Rodney will talk about the fishery, the gear, and daily life at sea, providing a rare firsthand look at the work and life of a fisherman.

For more information please contact the Fishing Heritage Center at: info@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

National Fisherman’s 2023 Highliners award ceremony

MASSACHUSETTS: Learn first hand about the fishing industry