David Goethel has lived a life that many only read about in adventure novels.
As a small boat fisherman, he has faced the harshest conditions the ocean can dish out, while navigating a world that grows increasingly indifferent to the struggles of those who work the sea. In his powerful memoir Endangered Species, Goethel not only shares the personal journey of a man fighting to survive in the fishing industry, but he also offers an intimate look into the threats facing small boat fishermen, the true "endangered species" of the sea.
“Fishing is not a job; it’s a way of life,” Goethel told me when we sat down at the Pacific Marine Expo in 2023, and his words ring with the weight of a career shaped by decades of hard-earned knowledge. I had been working to carve out time to read his book and put together a piece since then and finally finished it. He truly speaks on fishing not being just a livelihood; it’s the foundation of his family’s legacy and the backbone of his identity. Yet, in his book, Goethel pulls back the curtain on a world that is fighting to survive against forces that seem determined to end it. From the unpredictable storms at sea to the regulations imposed by those who have little understanding of what it takes to fish sustainably, Goethel’s story is a testament to endurance, resilience, and an unyielding love for the ocean.
If Goethel were a cat, he’d likely be looking for a few more lives. Throughout his career, he has weathered some of the toughest challenges any fisherman can face, both on the water and on land. The ocean is not just a provider; it is a harsh taskmaster. Goethel has faced its violent storms, its unpredictable swells, and the constant battle to outlast nature’s unpredictable fury. But perhaps the most dangerous force he faces is not the sea itself, it’s the mounting pressure from regulators and a society that often views the fishing industry through the lens of speculation rather than the harsh realities of life on the water.
The modern fishing industry is stacked against small-boat fishermen like Goethel. Over the years, small operations have found themselves pushed out by large-scale corporations and regulatory policies that don’t consider the profession's nuances. But Goethel didn’t back down. Instead, he took on the bureaucracy head-on, using his platform and his knowledge to advocate for the sustainability of small-scale fisheries. Endangered Species is not only a personal memoir, but also a fierce battle cry to defend the small boat fishermen who are fighting to hold onto their way of life.
At the heart of Goethel’s book is a combination of sea stories, autobiographical accounts, and reflections on the shifting landscape of fishing regulations and industry management. The narrative dives deep into the complexities of fisheries management and scientific research that can often seem more like abstract theory than practical application. For Goethel, however, these policies have real-world consequences. They impact his business, his family, and his community, and he’s made it his mission to make sure they’re not made into a void.
One of the most touching moments in Endangered Species is Goethel’s reflection on his family’s involvement in the fishing industry. His story is not just one of personal perseverance but of a generational commitment to feeding the American people sustainable seafood. Goethel’s work is a family affair, and this book serves as a tribute to the legacy passed down to him. His account is full of personal anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of life on the water: of long hours, hard work, and the bond shared by fishermen who rely on each other to stay afloat, literally and figuratively.
Despite his many struggles, Goethel’s love for the sea shines through in every page of his memoir. But his story is also one of a man forced to reckon with the reality of a system that often makes survival a matter of luck more than skill. Goethel’s resolve to protect his way of life is clear in his writing; he fights not just for his own survival but for the survival of an entire industry that’s facing extinction. In a world where most people’s connection to food is limited to what appears on the grocery store shelves, Goethel seeks to remind readers that the fish on their plates comes from a long and complicated process, one that starts at sea and depends on the sustainable practices of fishermen like him.
Throughout Endangered Species, Goethel brings readers face to face with the harsh realities of working in the fishing industry. Whether recounting the physical dangers of life at sea or the bureaucracy that limits fishermen’s ability to earn a living, his story is a sobering reminder of just how much is at stake. The book also sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of fishing, such as the importance of managing fish stocks and the complex science behind fisheries management. These elements may seem distant from the everyday consumer, but for Goethel and his colleagues, they are a daily concern that requires constant vigilance and a commitment to sustainability.
Yet, for all the challenges Goethel faces, Endangered Species is a celebration of the men and women who refuse to let go of a way of life that has been passed down for generations. It’s about the pride of the work and the unshakable belief that fishing—done sustainably—is not only essential to the economy but also vital to the preservation of that way of life.
As Goethel takes readers on a journey through time, reflecting on the changing tides of the fishing industry and the never-ending struggle for survival, Endangered Species reminds us why some individuals will always be called to work the sea. In a world that grows more disconnected from its natural resources every day, Goethel’s memoir serves as a stark reminder of the men and women who risk it all to ensure the sustainability of the world’s fisheries, providing fresh, healthy seafood to tables across America.
Goethel’s story is a call to arms for anyone who believes that the fishing industry and the hardworking fishermen who drive it deserve to be recognized, respected, and preserved. Endangered Species is a book for anyone who cares about the future of sustainable seafood, small-boat fishing, and a way of life that is increasingly at risk of disappearing.
You can find Endangered Species written by David Goethel at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
