Harvesting the Seas

Harvesting the Seas. . , On nearby docks you can see some of Gig Harbor's fishing fleet., The salmon-rich waters of Puget Sound made Gig Harbor an ideal home for fisherman. Founded largely by immigrants from Croatia in the late 1800s, this industry became the center of the community's economy for more than 100 years, determining the character and rhythm of the harbor. Many of the fishing boats still operating from Gig Harbor are captained by descendents of the industry founders. Over the years, favorite fishing grounds have included the San Juan Islands, Alaska, and local areas of Puget Sound., Salmon was and is their main catch, and seining the favored method. Seine nets function like purses - the fish are surrounded by the net, the bottom of the net is cinched together, and the "purse" and its contents gradually hauled from the water., In the early days, fishermen worked from shore or from oar-powered boats. Around 1905, fishermen began installing gasoline engines. These first engines were primitive and temperamental. With engines on board pilot houses were added and boats gradually became larger. Eventually, diesel engines replaced gas engines. New technologies continue to be adopted., Through changing times, one thing remains the same. To these fishermen and their families, fishing is more than a living, it's a way of life., [Photo captions, top to bottom, read] , . First Croatian fishermen fishing for salmon, south of harbor entrance, 1889, . Sea Bird entering harbor at sandspit, circa 1913, . Aeroplane and Fairplay fishing boats at work