Fishermen Salute Their Working Waterfront Dogs

Waterfront dog Seguin takes a break on the rail during a long day at sea. Photo courtesy Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association

Seguin is one of many salty work dogs that can cheer up a boat. The pup made his photo debut in the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association’s 2024 Dock Dogs Calendar, and he is set to return again in 2025.

Dogs offer unconditional love, constant companionship, and unfailing optimism for hardworking Mainers who make their living on the water, and MCFA’s annual Dock Dogs Calendar celebrates the fisherman’s best friend. “He’s great at keeping morale up,” said Seguin’s person, Justin Papkee, who operates the fishing vessel Pull N Pray from Long Island, Maine.

This past year’s damaging storms and uncertain seafood markets were especially challenging for Maine fishermen and aquaculturists. Their dogs helped buoy the spirits of those who work on the waterfront as they navigated tough times. 

The association is a fishing industry-focused nonprofit organization. The MCFA team, which includes 10 staff and several dock dogs, has devoted countless hours to storm recovery and helping fishermen prioritize health and wellness so they can stay safe at sea. New efforts to build more resilient seafood markets are underway, including getting more local fish on school lunch menus and on the plates of Maine neighbors in need. 

“Fishermen have come to count on our programs for 360-degree support,” said MCFA Director of Strategic Initiatives, Jill Harlow. “It’s also important to celebrate the simple things, like a good dog, that bring joy and a sense of stability as the world around our fishermen changes. That’s why we decided to bring back our popular Dock Dogs Calendar for a second year.” 

Dogs are woven into nearly every part of Maine’s fishing culture. They are part of the unique connective tissue and relationships in our working waterfront communities and are often seen aboard fishing vessels and aquaculture skiffs, riding shotgun in pickups loaded with fishing gear, and greeting friends and neighbors along the dock. Many fishermen will not stray far from home without their dog. 

Dogs also contribute to their human’s overall mental and physical wellbeing, which is a priority for the MCFA. They need daily exercise, which can help motivate their people to get more physical activity. Fishing can be an isolating profession with long hours away from home and family. Fishermen feel less alone when their dog is aboard. Dogs have an incredible ability to detect and respond to their owner’s emotional state, providing comfort during moments of sadness, anxiety, or stress.

MCFA has chosen 12 special dog photos to feature in its 2025 Dock Dogs Calendar. These vignettes represent just a few of the places and fishing businesses where dogs contribute to Maine’s special character.  

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For More Information

To order your 2025 Dock Dogs Calendar visit mainecoastfishermen.org/shop. The Maine Coast Fisherman’s Association office is located at 93 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, Maine.

Send a photo of your water-friendly dog & details to editor@maineboats.com.