Traditionally I suspect when people think of the Gloucester Fleet or Gloucester Fishermen they think of large draggers, wooden or steel.  Fact is probably over 90% of our fleet are boats less than 50 feet in length and most are made of fiberglass.  Sure there are a few draggers left but that subsector of Gloucester’s fleet is miniscule compared to what it once was.

This morning in the office our fishermen were having a conversation about how many fishermen and lobstermen are due to retire within the next 10 years.  The last great generation of fishermen to fish out of this port are nearing retirement.  The last generation of fishermen who can remember Gloucester fishing when it was humming.

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