fisherman

Fisherman is a person who catches fish and other seafood from bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. The term encompasses commercial fishermen who harvest for sale, artisanal or small-scale fishers who supply local markets, and recreational anglers who fish for sport. In many communities, fishing is a family or community occupation spanning generations.

Methods and gear vary by region and tradition. Common tools include boats and nets (trawl nets, gillnets, seine nets), lines and hooks (longlines, handlines, rod and reel), traps and pots, and, in some places, spears or harpoons. Large commercial fleets use specialized vessels and processing facilities; smaller-scale fishers often rely on modest craft and onshore support.

Economy and regulation: Fishing supports livelihoods, food security, and coastal economies, but is managed through licenses, catch quotas, seasonal closures, and laws governing protected species and international waters. Access to fishing grounds can be governed by national jurisdiction and by regional agreements.

Environmental and social considerations: Overfishing and bycatch have prompted conservation measures, such as gear modifications, bycatch reduction devices, and third-party certification programs. Climate change, habitat loss, and pollution also affect fish stocks and the communities that depend on them.

History and culture: Fishing is an ancient practice with deep cultural significance in many coastal communities, shaping cuisine, rituals, crafts, and local identities. Technological changes—from simple nets to steam-powered vessels to modern factory ships—have transformed the scale and organization of the fishing industry.