David Goethel of Hampton may have retired from commercial fishing, but he’s still on the water on a regular basis. Ellen Goethel, his wife and partner can’t stop teaching about and researching the ocean and its creatures. Together they form a formidable duo in life and in science. David survived a bout with cancer, and while recovering wrote a book. Endangered Species is about his life on the water, his favorite place. But it’s also about the losing battle that those who still go down to the sea in ships have been facing when the rules go against them at a time when scientists are declaring that overfishing has put the species at risk, especially in the productive Gulf of Maine. In this podcast, Roger Wood speaks to both of them, learning about David’s newly published book and their shared passion, the sea.
David Goethel was born in Boston and raised in Needham, MA and began fishing at the age of 13. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Boston University. Upon graduating with his undergraduate degree, Mr. Goethel worked at the New England Aquarium as a research biologist.
However, his love of fishing and the ocean brought him back to fishing. He has been an advisor to seven state and federal fishery management boards, including the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commision and the governor’s commission on marine biology. Additionally, Mr. Goethel has served two terms on the NEFMC and is a member of Yankee Fishermen’s Cooperative. He is a passionate advocate for a balanced approach to the industry’s challenges who has testified before the U.S. House on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
Mr. Goethel has been awarded the National Fisherman’s Highliners Award for his active involvement in cooperative efforts to research and manage marine fisheries resources. Mr. Goethel, using his fishing and biology skills and expertise, is confident that there are alternative solutions that will allow for fishing in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Ellen Goethel
Ellen Goethel has been giving talks about the ocean to school groups since 1984. With a degree in zoology from the University of New Hampshire, she has experience giving talks in other settings like the New England Aquarium in Boston. In addition to her work as an educator, Mrs. Goethel has been involved with the town of Hampton’s Conservation Commission, having written the town’s original wetlands ordinance.
Roger Wood is an award winning radio, podcast, newspaper and television journalist, with over 50 years of experience in the media. Roger has spent his entire professional career in New Hampshire. Roger currently serves as associate publisher and podcast producer at InDepthNH.org. In 2021 and 2022, he was recognized by the New Hampshire Press Association for his work in news podcasts. He is the 2022 winner of the NHPA lifetime achievement award. Prior to that he was honored for his work in broadcast radio news and public affairs. He has produced news and special feature reports for InDepthNH,New Hampshire Public Radio, NPR, and other public and commercial radio stations. He also has produced spot news for CBS Radio. He has produced and narrated some 50 audiobooks and has written three novels. Roger has also moderated political forums for Seacoast Area Chambers of Commerce in Senate, gubernatorial and congressional races. He has also facilitated public policy discussions locally and statewide. He has three adult children and four grandchildren. Roger and his wife Elaine, reside in Portsmouth.
Roger Wood
Associate publisher
Podcast Producer
Indepthnh.org