3RD GENERATION FISHERMAN

Home Port: Powell River, BC | Vessel Name: Pacific Ambition

“I feel very privileged to make a living and support my family of six as a fisherman.”

1. When and how did you start fishing?
As a third generation fisherman, I have been on fishing boats all my life. I knew that I wanted to be a fisherman since I was five, and started officially halibut fishing when I was 18 and fresh out of high school.

2. Where do you usually fish?
I usually fish around the northwest coast of Haida Gwaii by Frederick Island and also in Dixon Entrance.

3. What is the best thing about fishing?
I feel very privileged to make a living and support my family of six as a fisherman. The freedom and flexibility of running your own business is really great, and it also gives me the opportunity to have a very close relationship with all my kids. My four kids have all been taking turns fishing with me during the summers since they turned ten years old, and my wife looks after managing our direct sales business, Pacific Ambition Seafoods, that we started over ten years ago.

4. What is your most memorable fishing experience?
My son’s first fishing trip with me was the most memorable. He was less interested in fishing than my three daughters and he was reluctant to go out on his first trip so I planned some activities to make it a fun first experience for him, including some golfing and movies in Prince Rupert beforehand. His first job on the boat was to gaff every halibut on-board and then take them to the guys for dressing. He found his role and passion for fishing on that first trip, and that made me really happy as well.

5. What do you believe everyone should know about wild Pacific halibut and the fishery?
The wild Pacific halibut fishery is extremely well run and it is an abundant resource.

6. What do you believe are the most important issues facing the wild Pacific halibut industry today?
We need to attract new people to the industry and especially more young people. Our relationship with First Nations is also an important issue when it comes to managing the industry.

7. How would you describe the future of the wild Pacific halibut fishery?
Our future has some challenges including the need to attract younger people and also addressing the agendas of environmental and conservation groups.

8. What three words/phrases best describe the wild Pacific halibut fishery today?
Dynamic and vibrant
Rewarding
Extremely well-managed

1. What was your first job?
Chopping firewood on weekends and fishing

2. What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not fishing?
Surfing, hunting and spending time with my family

3. What is your favourite meal to eat on the boat when fishing?
I’ve been so lucky to have crew who are all amazing cooks so it’s impossible for me to pick!

4. What is your favourite wild Pacific halibut dish?
Wild Pacific halibut seared in olive oil seasoned with pepper and a good coating of salt

5. What is your favourite movie or TV show of all time?
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly with Clint Eastwood

6. What is your favourite song or who is your favourite artist?
Hotel California by The Eagles

7. What skill or craft would you like to master?
Surfing, welding and marksmanship

8. Who is your hero and why?
Nelson Mandela
Winston Churchill
Bethany Hamilton

Doug Mavin