Fishing for a Living (1840–1920)

The bounty of the waters has sustained people of North America for centuries.

Oceans, seacoasts, and rivers have long been sources of food and profit. From tiny villages to bustling seaports, communities have harvested fish, whales, and other marine resources to survive. Even in hard times, working on the water has remained a cherished way of life for many people. As this way of life has come under pressure, they have fought to preserve it, often against mounting challenges.