A National Fisherman Highliner is a career commercial fisherman known for giving back to the industry, locally, nationally, or globally. It is no easy task, and as such, it deserves recognition. This annual tradition of hailing leaders of the commercial fishing industry began in 1975 as a closed process, but the NF team opened nominations to this audience this year. However, that’s just one of the changes to better connect generations of fishermen.
The 2024 Highliners are individuals from almost all U.S. coasts. National Fisherman will also host a special award ceremony at the Pacific Marine Expo to honor and showcase the hard work and dedication these Highliners have done for the commercial fishing industry.
Stay tuned for complete profiles of each Highliner as well as the format and details for the Highliner Award Ceremony. Until then, here’s a preview of each winner…
Leonard Leach, a salmon driftnet fisherman of 56 years from Tree Point up to the Lynn Canal, Alaska. At 81, he still participates in the longline fishery and is an active individual fishing quota (IFQ) halibut permit holder. Throughout his career, Leach has trolled salmon, gillnetted for salmon and herring, Dungeness crab fished, tanner crab fished, shrimped, and held an IFQ for black cod.
Martin (Marty) Scanlon is a dedicated fisherman who fishes for swordfish and tuna on his boat, F/V Provider II. His unwavering commitment to his work is evident through his steadfast dedication to attending endless hours in meetings and actively participating in regulatory and fisheries management issues in the Mid-Atlantic. He is an active member of the Blue Water Fishermen’s Association, representing longline fishermen catching swordfish, tuna, and other larger species along the East Coast.
Jason Delacruz is a spear, reef fisherman, and wholesale and retail fish market owner in Madeira Beach, FL. He represents the Seafood Harvesters of America and was recognized by the Obama Administration as a Champion of Change for Sustainable Seafood in 2016. Delacruz is also actively involved in the fishery management process and is an active member of the Gulf of Mexico Reef Shareholders’ Alliance. He does nothing but contribute positively to the commercial fishing industry and is an active participant in all the meetings he attends.
Alan (Al) Pazar is a commercial Dungeness crab fisherman who also fishes for Albacore tuna, salmon, halibut, and black cod. He and his wife, Pam, own a fish market and a restaurant called the Krab Kettle, a landmark along the coast. In addition to his commercial business, Pazar also operates a research vessel on the West Coast. He has always been said to be a step ahead in his dedication to sustainability and protecting the resources that the fisheries rely on. He profoundly values the work of his crew and has impacted his community by offering experience, knowledge, and mentorship to the younger generation.
