David Goethel, a name synonymous with New England fishing, offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a modern fisherman. For decades, Goethel has navigated the waters off the New Hampshire coast, witnessing firsthand the evolving dynamics of the fishing industry. His journey, deeply rooted in a passion for the sea and a commitment to sustainable practices, provides valuable insights for anyone who enjoys fresh, quality seafood, perhaps even at establishments like Pete’s Seafood Rye NH.
Alt text: Seasoned New England fisherman, David Goethel, at the helm of his boat, embodying years of maritime experience.
“There’s nothing quite like the clarity you find picking through the day’s catch ten miles out at sea,” David reflects, sharing a sentiment that underscores his deep connection to his profession. His two sons, though choosing academic paths over fishing, experienced this firsthand, gaining a unique perspective from their time on the boat. For David, fishing isn’t just a job; it’s a vocation driven by passion, a calling that began in 1967. Starting as crew on party boats, he honed his skills and developed an intimate understanding of the marine environment. His academic pursuits at Boston University, where he earned a biology degree specializing in marine sciences, further solidified his expertise. Even while studying, the allure of the sea remained strong, leading him to continue working on boats and eventually obtain his US Marine Officer license and captain’s license.
A brief stint at the New England Aquarium in the winter of ’76 introduced him to his wife, Ellen. Despite a full-time offer at the aquarium that spring, David’s deep-seated connection to the ocean’s rhythms drew him back to the party boat business. Later relocating to New Hampshire, he found success on the water, quickly repaying his college debts.
Alt text: Early morning haul on the Ellen Diane, capturing the anticipation of a fisherman’s first catch of the day in the Atlantic.
1982 marked a significant milestone when David commissioned the John Williams Boat Company in Maine to build his 44-foot stern dragger, the Ellen Diane. “I’m the only captain this vessel has ever known,” he states with pride, pointing out the meticulous woodwork in the cabin. Venturing into boat ownership for the first time, David recognized the era as opportune for entering the fishing industry. The regulatory landscape was less restrictive then, allowing for greater flexibility and learning opportunities. This freedom enabled him to pay off his custom-built boat in just three years. Today, David maintains a rigorous fishing schedule, heading out seven days a week, weather and regulations permitting. His primary target is silver hake, also known as whiting, fishing about eight miles offshore. He typically conducts 3-4 tows a day, each lasting about 90 minutes. David explains that the initial tow of the day often yields the best results, a phenomenon linked to the silver hake’s vertical diurnal migration. These fish feed near the ocean floor at night, rising just above it, but as daylight breaks, they descend again, making them more susceptible to trawling nets in the early morning. This behavior is well-documented in studies like those published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.
On a typical summer day, David aims for a catch of around 3,000 pounds of silver hake, though catches can fluctuate significantly, ranging from as high as 7,000 pounds to as low as 500 pounds. The price of silver hake is variable, ideally between $0.60 and $0.80 per pound. While a member of the Yankee Fishermen’s Cooperative, David’s hake is usually shipped directly to larger cities for global distribution, as local demand is limited. “They taste very similar to haddock or cod,” he remarks, emphasizing their underappreciated quality and potential in dishes served at places like Pete’s Seafood Rye NH, if local markets were stronger for this delicious fish. Beyond silver hake, David also fishes for tuna, cod, and flounder throughout the year, highlighting the diverse fishing opportunities in New Hampshire waters. “That’s why New Hampshire has always had a fishing fleet,” he notes, “there are fish to be caught year-round.” David values the extensive knowledge he has accumulated as both a fisherman and a naturalist. “You don’t truly understand the ocean floor until you’ve dragged a net across it,” he asserts, emphasizing the practical, hands-on learning inherent in his profession.
Alt text: Returning bycatch to the ocean, showcasing a responsible fishing practice of releasing non-target species unharmed.
David’s hauls are not solely composed of whiting. Bycatch, including butter fish, mud hake, flounder, lobster, skate, and squid, is also common. While some bycatch is discarded, other species are kept and sold as bait. David points out that many of these “baitfish” are actually quite palatable, lamenting the shifting perceptions of seafood delicacies. “Things we now consider delicacies, like scallops, monkfish, and lobster, I used to throw back daily years ago,” he recalls, attributing the change in culinary preferences to influential figures like Julia Child. Echoing David’s passion for education, his wife Ellen, a biology graduate from Northeastern University, runs “Explore the Ocean World Now,” a traveling education program. With David’s assistance, Ellen collects and maintains marine organisms in large aquariums, taking these fascinating creatures to elementary schools across New Hampshire. She educates children about the ocean, providing firsthand encounters with marine life they might otherwise never experience, reaching approximately 80 schools annually.
Alt text: Discarding bycatch at sea, illustrating the selection process and challenges of sustainable fishing practices.
Alt text: A single tow’s catch, displaying a variety of fish species typical of New England waters, potentially destined for restaurants.
David is a respected voice within the fishing community, advocating for collaboration between scientists and fishermen. He has frequently partnered with research institutions, using his boat as a platform for scientific studies during his regular fishing operations. One such project, tagging yellowtail flounder, was initiated with his youngest son, Daniel, who has worked on the boat during summers since age 14. Daniel is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, focusing his research on the vital relationship between science and the fishing industry. David’s elder son, Eric, a Boston University graduate in air and space engineering, currently works as a tugboat captain in Boston, keeping the family’s maritime connections strong.
Last tow of the day
In 2004, David Goethel was appointed to the New England Fisheries Council by the Secretary of Commerce. This council plays a crucial role in formulating fishing regulations for federal waters, extending beyond three miles offshore, encompassing 32 distinct fisheries. David’s responsibilities as a council member involve attending three-day meetings every other month, totaling about 50 meeting days per year, held at various locations throughout New England. Each term lasts three years, with a maximum of three terms allowed. David is nearing the end of his third term. “It’s a significant commitment,” he explains, “if you’re truly dedicated to the role.” Council members are expected to possess a strong understanding of stock management biology and stay informed on the latest stock assessments. David views sustainable fisheries as a delicate balance, emphasizing the need to maintain healthy populations of both fish and fishermen. “We need more flexibility in management; it’s currently too rigid,” he argues. He references a statement by John Bullard, the new regional administrator for the National Marine Fisheries, made at a Portsmouth meeting on September 12th. Bullard drew a parallel between the dwindling numbers of North Atlantic right whales and the declining number of fishermen, noting that only 400 right whales remain, comparable to the approximately 400 fishermen left from North Carolina to Maine. “I’ll tell you,” Goethel states, “we’re declining at a much faster rate than the right whales.” He attributes this decline to current and past regulations. “We tend to protect certain species at the expense of others. When you focus solely on protecting one species and disregard everything else, you disrupt the entire ecosystem.” He cites the surge in harbor seal populations as a prime example, suggesting their overabundance is negatively impacting local fish stocks.
Alt text: Sorting the day’s catch, a crucial step in ensuring quality seafood reaches consumers and restaurants like Pete’s Seafood Rye NH.
David expresses concern for the future of the fishing industry. He believes that once a market for a particular fish species disappears, it’s often irretrievable, citing silver hake as an example. The domestic market for silver hake diminished in the 1960s, leading to its current status as primarily an export product. David also stresses the importance of a diverse fishing fleet for both market stability and stock health. “You need larger boats to bring in volume and smaller day boats to supply high-quality fish to tablecloth restaurants and establishments like Pete’s Seafood Rye NH,” he suggests. “These smaller boats provide fresh fish to the seacoast daily, sustaining the market ecosystem.” He pauses, emphasizing, “Once you eliminate those day boats, you destroy the infrastructure, and it’s almost impossible to rebuild.” The impending October and November gillnetting closure is a major concern, with far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate loss of income for fishermen. This closure significantly impacts supporting businesses like the Yankee Fishermen’s Cooperative. With reduced fishing activity, the cooperative’s operations and employment are threatened. “You don’t need a fish coop if there’s no fish coming in,” David points out starkly. “If Yankee goes away, it’s unlikely to return.”
Alt text: Completing the trip report, documenting vital data for fisheries management and ensuring traceability from boat to consumer.
When asked about his enduring motivation for fishing, David responds simply, “I’m happier on the ocean than on land. I witness the sunrise every day, and often the sunset too. A century ago, they might have called me a naturalist. I get to observe everything.” Having survived a near-fatal accident two years prior, each sunrise is a renewed appreciation for life. From the helm, he surveys the ocean, keeping an eye on his deckhand, his gaze reflecting years of experience and understanding. “I’m not a specialist, but more of a generalist, which gives me a broader understanding of the bigger picture. You need to comprehend your interactions with your surroundings and adapt accordingly.” He believes this holistic approach is crucial for effective fisheries management. David contends that not all fish stocks can be at maximum sustainable yield simultaneously. “If one population is thriving, another might be declining; management needs to account for these natural fluctuations, which it currently doesn’t, leading to many of our present challenges. We must learn from past mistakes.”
Along for the ride
From David Goethel to NH seafood consumers:
“Expand your palate. There’s a wealth of delicious fish caught off the New Hampshire coast that people haven’t even tasted. Many aren’t available in stores simply because consumers aren’t asking for them. By seeking out local, diverse seafood, perhaps at restaurants like Pete’s Seafood Rye NH, you support local fishermen and discover incredible flavors.”
