National Fisherman
U.S. commercial fishing industry trade press
Background
The publication traces its roots to Maine Coast Fisherman, first published in 1946, which merged with a New Hampshire title to become National Fisherman in 1960. It expanded westward by absorbing Pacific Fisherman in the mid-1960s and Alaska Fisherman's Journal in 2006, establishing itself as the primary national voice for U.S. commercial fishing across the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf Coast, Great Lakes, and Alaska. In 1970, Hildreth Broadcasting—the private Maine company founded by former Governor Horace Hildreth—merged with Journal Publications, the then-owner of National Fisherman, forming what became Diversified Communications. Diversified grew into a multi-platform events and media company whose portfolio includes the International Workboat Show, Seafood Expo North America, and related trade titles. After 78 years as a print magazine, National Fisherman transitioned fully to digital in 2024. Throughout its history the publication has functioned as an industry trade outlet—reporting on catch limits, regulations, fleet technology, and coastal community economics—rather than as a general-interest or opinion-driven news organization. Its perspective consistently reflects the viewpoint and priorities of the commercial fishing industry, which has broadly welcomed the Trump administration's second-term rollback of marine monument restrictions and fishing regulations.
Sources
- Our History | National Fisherman
- About | National Fisherman
- Diversified Communications – Wikipedia
- National Fisherman Collection – Penobscot Marine Museum
- Trump administration reopens Northeast Canyons | National Fisherman
- Trump administration promises to make U.S. 'dominant seafood leader' | National Fisherman
- Historic photos from the 'saltiest magazine' – Bangor Daily News
Profile compiled 2026-08-19; refreshed when ownership, funding, or the administration changes.