The Hungry Ocean

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The term fisherwoman doesn't sit well with Linda Greenlaw, the world's only female swordfish boat captain. She prefers to identify simply as a woman and a fisherman, rejecting labels like fisherwoman or fishergirl. At thirty-seven, she embraces her identity as a tomboy. Greenlaw is one of the most successful fishermen in the Grand Banks commercial fleet, gaining recognition after Sebastian Junger's The Perfect Storm highlighted her boat, the Hannah Boden, a sister ship to the ill-fated Andrea Gail. In her account of a monthlong swordfishing trip over 1,000 nautical miles, she illustrates the challenges of the sea, where success hinges on narrowly avoiding disaster. From weather hazards and mechanical failures to managing a crew of sleep-deprived young fishermen, the stakes are high: "If we don't catch fish, we don't get paid, period." Her clear, straightforward writing reflects the qualities that make her an effective captain—fairness, endurance, and meticulous attention to detail. Ultimately, Greenlaw reveals that the passion for fishing transcends intellect; it is deeply rooted in emotion and experience. "I knew that the ocean had stories to tell me, all I needed to do was listen."