Pacific Ocean Pearch History
I’m excited to return to blogging with new stories drawn from years of research. This post continues the Fishing for Answers: Maritime and Fishing History Series, where I explore how U.S. exploratory fishing efforts helped shape an entire industry. If you followed my earlier posts on Carmel Finley’s historical blog, you might remember my first article, published on September 11, 2012. Over the next nine years, Carmel generously featured 43 of my articles. The final one appeared in February 2021. I’m truly grateful for her encouragement, especially when she suggested turning my research into a book. I followed her advice, and now, that book is finally coming to life on the Pacific Ocean perch history.
Announcing the Book: The Rise and Fall of the Pacific Ocean Perch
I’m proud to announce the release of my book:
This book reveals the little-known story of the Pacific Ocean perch, one of 63 species of rockfish that gained importance during the Cold War. It also highlights the pioneering work of the R/V John N. Cobb. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operated this research vessel out of its Exploratory Fishing and Gear Research Base in Seattle. I served there as a marine biologist from 1960 to 1970.
The End of an Era
In 1970, the creation of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) marked the official end of the U.S. exploratory fishing program. The John N. Cobb was then transferred to NOAA’s Pacific Fleet and continued its research missions until its decommissioning on August 13, 2008. At the time, it was NOAA’s oldest and only wooden-hull research ship.
NARA Seattle Location, Series: Historical Ship Data Files – Records of the John N. Cobb, 1948–1978
Officially delivered: July 31, 2018
What’s Next
Through Sitka 2 Publishing, I remain committed to preserving this important chapter in maritime and fisheries history. The Pacific Ocean perch history story—and the ship designed specifically to explore it—deserves to be remembered. The John N. Cobb symbolizes not just a vessel, but a legacy of innovation, curiosity, and commitment to understanding our oceans.
Therefore, I’ll be continuing this journey through a new blog series at SitkaTwo.blog, titled: Fishing for Answers: Maritime and Fishing History Series
Fishing for Answers: Maritime and Fishing History Series
A deep dive into the stories, science, and people who shaped the modern U.S. fishing industry.
Stay tuned—and thank you for joining me once again on this voyage into the past. ~ Bob
