6 archival photos trace Maine’s fishing heritage
Maine’s 1980s fishing heritage captured in a six‑image photo series
The state’s long‑standing fishing industry has long been a source of pride for Maine residents and an attraction for visitors worldwide. A new series of photographs taken in the 1980s by staff photographers of the Portland Press Herald and Evening Express offers a vivid snapshot of the industry’s daily rhythms during that decade.
The series showcases six moments from different corners of Maine’s coast:
Shrimp net preparation in Portland – In a December 1989 photo, Cornelius Cahalane and Jeff Huff of the vessel Janice Marie are shown setting out nets on the fish pier off Commercial Street. The image, captured by Gordon Chibroski, reflects the careful planning that precedes a shrimp‑catching expedition in the Gulf of Maine.
Filleting in a commercial kitchen – On July 21, 1983, Nancy Scola and Tracy Phillips can be seen filleting fish inside Cozy Harbor Seafood on Commercial Street, as documented by John Ewing. Their work illustrates the processing side of the industry that brings fresh products to local tables.
Net repair at Central Wharf – February 9, 1984, photograph by John Patriquin shows vessel owner Edmund Blakeman mending nets while his ship, Silver Lining, is docked at Central Wharf. The image highlights the maintenance that keeps fishing fleets operational.
Reopening of a clam beach – A February 28, 1987, photo by Patricia McCarthy captures Joe Ribaudo and Paul Boucher, both from Biddeford, celebrating the reopening of Camp Ellis Beach to clam‑hunters. The scene underscores the community’s connection to the shoreline and the importance of clam fisheries.
Herring net hauling in 1980 – In a 1980 image taken by John Patriquin, four Maine fishermen haul in herring nets, offering a glimpse of the traditional net‑tending that has defined the state’s commercial fishing for generations.
Loading bait aboard a lobster boat – Finally, on August 20, 1987, a photo by Gordon Chibroski shows seven‑year‑old Phil Young of Cape Elizabeth watching crewman John Kelley and Skip Larrabee of the lobster outfit C&C Lobster load hake for bait aboard a lobster boat at Union Wharf. The picture captures a generational transmission of knowledge and the everyday life of a lobster crew.
These images were originally published in the Portland Press Herald and the Evening Express over the past four decades. They provide a visual chronicle of the varied aspects of Maine’s commercial fishing—from net‑setting and fish processing to beach access and fleet maintenance—reminding readers of the industry’s integral role in the state’s economy and culture.
The photographs are now freely accessible online, allowing residents and visitors alike to explore a bygone era of Maine’s maritime history.
