Story Moments Introductions to Gloucester's History and Culture
Fishing Boat
© Chris Muskopf

“We sit in our offices, at our desks, in front of computers, buying and selling millions of dollars of fish. We’re not selling insurance. We’re not selling pork belly futures. We offer something very real, very tangible, and often, something for which another living breathing person has risked both life and limb to bring us….That fish, swimming yesterday, today is food. Nothing is more real than that—life giving itself so that we may live….In turn, let us be stewards of our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams. By doing that, we honor those who came before us and those who will follow.”

Dale Sims, Clean Fish Posted on November 11, 2010, from Gloucester

In 2010, Gloucester fishing vessels landed $56.6 million dollars of fresh ocean catch, primarily ground fish—bottom dwellers such as cod, haddock, pollock—and lobster. Today, most fish are sold from auction houses like the one here at Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Fish Auction (2 min)

    How to grade fish explained by Louie Linquata. Dated July 21, 2009.Good Morning Gloucester video.

  • Chill Cape Pond Ice (1:13)

    Cape Ann TV; Cape Ann After School excerpt

  • Haddock Calling - Knock Knock (10 sec)

    In the future, live recordings could help fishermen avoid areas where fish are spawning. Credit: MIT Center for Fisheries Engineering Research. Rodney Rountree http://www.fishecology.org/soniferous/necproject/slide13.htm

  • Stellwagen Topo Map

    Phil Cusamano, Gloucester native, photo realist artist and sea captain. www.philcusamanoart.com

  • Wicked Tuna (31 sec)

    Trailer of hook and line fishing for tuna that can weigh hundreds of pounds. Boats leave from Gloucester.