Salt of the Sea
SALT OF THE SEA – TALES FROM COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN
“G’day, I consider myself fortunate to have been involved in the commercial fishing industry for 20 years during which I’ve met some truly incredible fisherfolk with inspiring and exciting tales of life at sea. I was deeply compelled to record some of their stories and have done so in my book, Salt of the Sea – Tales from Commercial Fishermen, a beautiful coffee table book, spectacular to look at, and packed full of engaging stories about the most dangerous job in the world. It’s a tribute to a wonderfully unique industry designed to wow you at each turn of the page but it’s also much more. The book’s characters and I address many issues such as public misconception, environmentalism, fisheries management, and work ethic plus many other important concerns facing today’s fishers. It’s written in a very easy to read style without technical jargon so that the experienced pro as well as the general public are kept entertained and informed along the way.
The initial print run of only 1500 handmade hardcover books was published in July 2014 as a “Limited Collector’s Edition” and has been extremely well received. Limited edition hardcover copies are still available for purchase and I am very pleased to now be able to offer a downloadable full PDF version of my book. Regardless of which version you choose, I am sure you, like hundreds before you, will greatly enjoy Salt of the Sea – Tales from Commercial Fishermen.”
Cheers Dave
Testimonials
“Salt of the Sea” is a beautifully produced publication featuring full colour images and gloss paper pages. Congratulations to the Author, Dave Dawson, and to the photographers who were sufficiently astute to capture those magnificent images from the coalface of industry. This book has a distinctly international flavour, with tales from the fishermen and women of this once vibrant industry. The stories extend from the deep freeze Antarctic tooth fish grounds of Herd Island, to the tropical tiger prawn channels of the Torres Strait. The fisheries of New Zealand and the English Channel are excellent renditions of the same industry in different fisheries, and the challenges and variables that come with that. The Queensland east coast fishery and the frustrations of the grass roots fishers is well articulated, and representative of a world that was. Ongoing confusion has been the hallmark of fisheries management of recent years, and demonstrably the effects of questionable resource management are well expressed. This is a well-produced book, a fine contribution to the memory of an industry that was. Well worth its place on the mantelpiece, and deserving of its place in history.”
– John Olsen, a former Queensland commercial fisherman (55yrs), and past State President, Queensland Seafood Industry Association 2000-2005.
“This book is a great read with outstanding photos. It is highly recommended to the general public who have questions about the seafood they eat. It is a great insight into the Australian fisheries industry and the various governments role in the decimation of this same industry. Highly recommended!”
– Merv Hargraves
“Salt of the Sea will give you an insider’s look at life at sea. It is an engaging collection of stories from fishermen and women working in Australian waters. Dave Dawson wrote the book to set the record straight. He says these hard-working folk who put food on our tables are often painted as being “pillagers of the ocean.” Salt of the Sea shares many grand fishing stories. There’s danger, great catches, wild seas and beautiful photos. The book introduces some younger men of the sea who are keeping this skill set alive for now.”
– Tamarind Magazine
“Salt Of The Sea – Tales from Commercial Fishermen, is a compelling and lavish work by Dave Dawson chronicling some of the Australian fishing industry’s most colourful characters and stories. An important book for the Australian fishing industry.”
– Ausmarine Magazine