“It isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
Those words spoken by Carli Stewart to open the 2024 Highliner Ceremony personify what it means to be a career commercial fisherman. In recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the commercial fishing industry, the National Fisherman Highliner Awards have established a legacy that stretches back nearly five decades. This legacy is defined not only by the work of these individuals to better shape the industry but also by their commitment to giving back to their communities.
In 2023, five individuals became part of this exclusive club, and one of those members was at the 2024 event to help kick it off, further establishing a connection to the past and future of the entire industry. National Fisherman Highliners embody leadership and dedication both on the water and in their advocacy for a sustainable fishing future, which 2023 Highliner Alward winner Matt Alward spoke about on multiple levels.
“We have a fishing industry because of all the people whose names you can see here that dedicated themselves to this industry,” said Alward as he referenced the slide of previous Highliner winners. “We need people who want to support the people that are advocating for this industry.”
This year, the Highliners that took to the stage to accept their award focused on the essential nature of that advocacy but also highlighted the community and family elements that enable all of it.
Leonard Leach has been a fixture in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry for over 62 years. Known for his diverse experience, he has fished for everything from salmon to halibut and black cod, participating in fisheries across Tree Point and the Lynn Canal.
“My hat is off to all of you that are doing all you’re doing to keep our fisheries afloat,” Leach told the crowd. “It’s the kind of dedication that makes this industry so special.”
Alan (Al) Pazar is known for his versatility as a fisherman, participating in fisheries for Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, salmon, halibut, and black cod. His leadership in sustainability, research, and mentorship has made him a respected figure in the industry, passing on valuable knowledge to the next generation of fishermen. His speech focused on the core element of his life that allowed him to do this work.
“I’m here because I never learned to say ‘no’ to anything,” said Pazar. “I wound up going to meetings across the country in the same week to help keep a healthy and robust fishery alive. I said it seemed like I was going to meetings 8 days a week. Those were all my choices and I don’t regret any of them. But they wouldn’t have happened without the support of my family.”
Martin (Marty) Scanlon is a dedicated swordfish and tuna fisherman based out of New Jersey, where he runs the F/V Provider II. Beyond his fishing, Scanlon is known for his tireless advocacy on behalf of Mid-Atlantic fishermen, but that advocacy was enabled by the anchor of his life and the lives of so many commercial fishermen.
“It’s such an honor that my fellow fisherman selected me to lead this industry through such challenging times, but we wouldn’t be here without our wives who are the anchors of our communities,” he said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this. My wife and kids made tremendous sacrifices to enable me to do this. The true Highliners are our wives and the mothers of our children.”
Jason Delacruz stands out as a leader in sustainable fishing. A spear fisherman targeting reef species, Delacruz has grown his operations into a wholesale and retail fish market, bridging the gap between sustainable fishing practices and market demand.
The connections each Highliner made to their family and community showcase what it means for individuals to become such essential elements of the entire fishing industry.
