Pictured above: A fisher processes a Pacific halibut at the docks in San Diego. Photo by Surfgrass Productions.

Here’s a roundup of seafood stories we’re following from the week of March 9-15, 2026:

What do Maine’s fishermen and restaurateurs have in common? Mental health challenges. 
This op-ed from Portland Press Herald talks about mental health challenges fishermen and restaurateurs are facing from the many pressures of running small businesses. The authors say supporting local seafood and independent restaurants is key.

Catching the Codfather: Painting Fish
WGBH’s Catching the Codfather, Part 5 video and podcast episode examines how fishing mogul Carlos Rafael built power in New Bedford, MA, and carried out his “painting fish” fraud scheme and how he consolidated control through the catch shares system.

Docking Stations: How Fishing Infrastructure Feeds Coastal Communities
This feature from the Local Catch Network explores how dockside infrastructure and community seafood networks help connect fishermen with local markets and consumers. These “docking stations” strengthen regional seafood systems and support working waterfront communities.

Louisiana Shrimpers Brace for Impact as LOOP Oil Spill Hits Peak Spawning Season
National Today reports that Louisiana shrimpers are facing an oil spill near the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) that took place during peak shrimp spawning season. Fishermen warn the spill could harm shrimp populations and threaten an already struggling Gulf shrimp industry.

How the ‘Galápagos of West Africa’ is Plundered by Floating Fish Factories
This joint investigation by The Guardian and DeSmog found that floating fish factories on the Guinea-Bissau coast are illegally turning thousands of tonnes of wild fish into farmed fish feed. The practice is eroding marine ecosystems along with local food security.

Plus two stories from late February you may have missed, featuring folks in our network:

Louisiana-Based Chef Dana Honn Makes the Case for Domestic Seafood
The Inland Ocean Coalition highlights Louisiana chef Dana Honn’s call to support domestic wild seafood and the fishermen who supply it. He argues that choosing U.S.-caught seafood helps sustain coastal communities and strengthen local food systems.

Astoria’s FisherPoets Give Testimony to Transition
FoodTank reports on the FisherPoets Gathering in Astoria, OR, where commercial fishers share poetry, stories, and songs about life in a changing seafood industry. The event brings together fishers, advocates, and others to reflect on fishing culture and the future of our coasts.