Meet 3rd and 1st Generation Trawl Fishers
Bob & Zoe
"We do everything we can to protect the fish stocks. We want a healthy thriving ocean just like everyone else does."
How did you get into fishing?
Bob- Growing up on Haida Gwaii my grandfather and my father were both fishermen.
Zoe- Through exposure to the fishing community by being married to a fisherman, the industry quickly stole my heart—with its fierce competition, fascinating stories, and strong sense of community, where even the fiercest rivals come together in times of need.
What’s your earliest memory on the water?
Bob-spending the summers on my dad’s boat getting sea sick thinking I would never be a fishermen to then owning and operating my own first commercial fishing vessel as the age of 12
Zoe- My fishing experience started in my early 30’s and I wish I could have been sooner
How long have you been working in the fishing industry?
Bob – 59 years since I was 7
Zoe – 8 years
Is fishing a family tradition for you?
Bob, yes third generation
Zoe – Although fishing itself isn’t a tradition in my family, I am a fourth-generation entrepreneur. My great-great-grandfather founded Ideal Iron Works in 1919, and the business has since been passed down to me and my siblings. For over 100 years, my family has played a role in shaping the maritime industry on the B.C. coast, providing machinery and support for fishermen throughout the region.
What does a typical day at sea look like for you?
Bob – if I’m not actively fishing I’m scouting and looking for fish or studying my environment to understand the patterns and movement of fish
What’s your favorite part about being out on the ocean?
Bob- the adventure, having the opportunity to see so many different things up and down our coast and meeting new people. We are so lucky and so spoiled to have this lifestyle.
What’s the most challenging part of the job?
Bob – Being away for long periods of time, I used to fish for 50 weeks out of the year
What's one thing most people don’t know about commercial fishing?
That we do everything we can to protect the fish stocks. We want a healthy thriving ocean just like everyone else does.
What do you wish more people knew about the trawl fishery?
That we’re a highly regulated fishery.
What does sustainable fishing mean to you?
Sustainable for me means that we look after our resource for the generations to come.
How has the fishery changed since you started?
The environment has changed drastically with the implementation of the EEZ and removal of the foreign fleet. We used to have the Polish, Russian, Japanese, and American fleet fishing our waters with 100’s of boats. Now, since the implementation of the IVQ we’re down to less than 28 boats fishing a diminished capacity.
What role do observers or science play in the trawl fishery?
Observers play a big role in accountability and traceability. They ensure that all fish are accounted for and we’re being compliant with regulations.
What would you say to people who think trawl fishing isn’t sustainable?
The only thing to worry about is that fishing isn’t sustainable for the fishermen. We have the best science in the world and so many rules and regulations that we adhere to.
Do you have a favorite meal using what you catch?
Bob- Witches (rex sole) for breakfast
Zoe – we just had whole rex sole and a Korean BBQ restaurant and the flesh was firmer than other soles, yet delicate and very tasty!
What advice would you give someone thinking about becoming a fisherman?
Get out on a boat start as a deckhand work hard and see where it takes you.
What do you hope the next generation knows about this work?
That it is a difficult and sometimes dangerous job, but it’s critical to provide sustainable food to the world. It’s also very rewarding and nothing feels better than coming to town with your catch.
What is the most challenging part of the commercial fishing industry right now?
Bob – the perception of what we’re doing doesn’t reflect reality. Our fisheries have come a long way and we need to have support for the beautiful self-sustaining non-polluting resource that provides millions of meals every year