History Afloat: Voices from the Working Waterfront
Victor C. Wellington Sr., Retired Commercial Fisherman
Victor C. Wellington Sr. is a retired commercial fisherman and has fished for over 50 years. His journey spans the changing tides of Alaska's commercial fishing industry from the introduction of the limited entry and hatchery programs to the permit buyback program. Victor started commercial fishing on his cousin's gillnetter for 15 years. After working for the U.S. Coast Guard for nine years, he returned to fishing and purchased the seine boat F/V Miss Tracie. During his fishing career, Victor was also involved in local politics, serving four terms as the mayor of Metlakatla and lobbying on behalf of his community in Washington, D.C. In 2019, the Southeast Alaska Seiner's Association approved a buyback program to reduce the number of seine permits. Victor decided to sell his permit and purchased two gillnetters for his sons Victor C. Wellington Jr. and Nicholas Wellington to continue in the family tradition.
Victor Wellington Sr., Retired Commercial Fisherman
Victor Wellington Sr., Retired Commercial Fisherman

Interview Excerpt: Victor's fishing history and time in politics



Interview Excerpt: Fishing through the
ups and downs



Interview Excerpt: Investing in your
boat and gear



    Click on images to enlarge
Fishing Display in Victor Wellington Sr.'s Home
Fishing Display in Victor Wellington Sr.'s Home
Painting of the <i>F/V Theresa</i> by Terry Pyles
Painting of the F/V Dre'cille
by Terry Pyles
Victor Wellington Sr.'s Cat
Victor Wellington Sr.'s Cat
Wooden Model of the <i>F/V Theresa</i>
Wooden Model of the F/V Theresa
Wooden Model of the <i>F/V Theresa</i>
Wooden Model of the
F/V Theresa
Painting of the <i>F/V Theresa</i>
Painting of the F/V Dre'cille
Raising a Broom on the <i>F/V Theresa</i>
Raising a Broom on the
F/V Miss Tracie
Painting of the <i>F/V Theresa</i>
Painting of the F/V Theresa