Fishermen's work changes throughout the seasons in New England—and not just because winter is harsher out on the water. Different species of fish are abundant here at different times of year. And in addition, fishermen work around the life-cycles of fish and other marine animals to protect them during spawning seasons or migrations.
Each time a fisherman leaves shore, he pursues a plan that reflects knowledge of species behavior as well as discussion with other fishermen on where different fish are congregating. Timing varies: while inshore trips can be just a morning, pursuing fish, lobsters or shellfish in the Gulf of Maine or Georges Bank can mean investing in many hours, or even days, out at sea.
We started out as a group of hook fishermen, but the Fishermen’s Alliance now includes other local small-boat fishermen who use a range of methods for bringing in their catch. Different types of gear work well for harvesting different kinds of fish, and with appropriate attention to technique, each can be used sustainably.
Preparing for work at sea, fishermen typically wake up at two or three o'clock in the morning to assess the day’s potential. What they read depends on whether they're contemplating a strategic change or a quick tactical shift. They check online sources daily to keep up with everything from fish prices to weather to ever-evolving regulations.
The Wheelhouse