Best Fisheries & Aquaculture Books of 2026

The Perfect Storm is a gripping non-fiction book written by Sebastian Junger, which explores the history of the fishing industry, the science of storms, and the candid accounts of the people whose lives the storm touched. The book is centered around the story of the doomed swordfish boat Andrea Gail, whose crew was never found, making it the most compelling part of the book. Junger's writing style is seamless as he weaves together known facts with everything from interviews with survivors of other disasters to create a real-life thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, The Perfect Storm is a must-read for anyone interested in natural disasters and the power of nature.

Aquaponic Gardening is a comprehensive guide to creating a sustainable closed system for growing plants by fertilizing them with fish waste water. This book, published by New Society Publishers, is a complete do-it-yourself manual that provides readers with all the necessary tools to create their own aquaponic system. The book covers theory, benefits, and potential of aquaponics, system location considerations, hardware components, fish, plants, bacteria, and worms, and how to start and maintain a healthy system. The book is practical, accessible, well-illustrated, and perfect for anyone interested in self-sufficiency. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those who want to grow organic vegetables and fish together in a sustainable way.

The Fishermen and the Dragon is a gripping and twisting account of a small town set on fire by hatred, xenophobia, and ecological disaster. The book weaves together corporate malfeasance, a battle over shrinking natural resources, a turning point in the modern white supremacist movement, and one woman’s relentless battle for environmental justice. This book deserves a wide readership as it feels quite prescient, as if something we’re living out now, you can see scenes of it then. The author does an excellent job of highlighting the complexity of the situation and the impact of prejudice and fear on a community.

A Speck in the Sea is a gripping memoir that tells the story of John Aldridge's harrowing experience at sea, where he was stranded in the middle of the night after being thrown off the back of his fishing boat. The book recounts the incredible search and rescue mission that followed, involving his fishing partner, the local community, and the US Coast Guard. The book is a testament to the human spirit and the power of community, and it's impossible to put down. The book is a must-read for anyone who loves adventure stories and tales of human resilience.

The Lobster Chronicles: Life on a Very Small Island by Linda Greenlaw is a captivating memoir that explores the author's return to Isle au Haut, a tiny Maine island with a population of only 70 people. Greenlaw's writing style, which is both technical and humorous, makes for an enjoyable read as she shares her experiences with family, love, and the best way to cook a lobster. However, the book also delves into the island's darker side, including a tragic boating accident and a century-old conflict with a neighboring community. Overall, The Lobster Chronicles is a unique and entertaining read that offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of a small island community.

The Aquaponic Farmer by Southern and King is a complete guide for starting and running a cold-water aquaponic farming business. The book covers everything from design and construction of a Deep Water Culture system to system management, standard operating procedures, and maintenance checklists. The authors also provide strategies for successful sales and marketing of fish and plants. This comprehensive resource is essential for farmers contemplating the aquaponics market, aquaponic gardeners looking to go commercial, and anyone focused on high-quality food production. Overall, The Aquaponic Farmer is a valuable toolkit for those looking to start a sustainable and profitable localized food system.

Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food by Paul Greenberg is an informative and thought-provoking read about the four fish that dominate our menus: salmon, sea bass, cod, and tuna. Greenberg examines the forces that have led to rampant overfishing and an unprecedented biotech revolution, ultimately revealing our damaged relationship with the ocean and its inhabitants. This book offers a way for us to move toward a future in which healthy and sustainable seafood is the rule rather than the exception. The author's expertise as a life-long fisherman and regular contributor to The New York Times adds credibility to his compelling arguments.

The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier is a gripping and eye-opening book that takes readers on a tour of the lawless and often criminal world of the high seas. Ian Urbina's five years of reporting brings to light the exploitation and crime that take place in these immense regions of water. Through stories of courage, tragedy, survival, and brutality, Urbina uncovers a globe-spanning network of crime and exploitation that emanates from the fishing, oil, and shipping industries. This book is a stunning exposé that brings into view the disturbing reality of a floating world that connects us all.

Peg Leg Pete and His Little Green Submarine is an exciting children's adventure book that takes readers on a thrilling underwater journey while emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation of the seas. The story follows young Pete and his friends as they explore the ocean in a fantastic green submarine, encountering sharks, fish, lagoons, and treasure. However, the threat of trash polluting the ocean puts their adventure at risk, and it's up to Pete and his team to save the day. This book is a great way to introduce children to the wonders of the ocean and teach them about the importance of protecting our environment. Highly recommended for young readers interested in submarines and marine life.

Salmon Wars by Douglas Frantz and Catherine Collins is a hard-hitting exposé of the international salmon farming industry, revealing the disturbing truth about the fish that has replaced tuna as the most popular one in North America. Investigative journalists Frantz and Collins take readers on a journey through massive ocean feedlots, hatcheries, and farms that threaten our environment and health. They document how the industrialization of Atlantic salmon endangers our planet and lines the pockets of the industry's giants. The book is an eye-opener, inspiring readers to make choices that protect our health and our planet.