Over the years I have collected many old photographs of fishermen and their boats one of which is the “Alma”; built in Yacaaba Street by Arch Thompson in the 1940s.

Once completed the boat was rolled down Stockton St, past the Seabreeze Hotel, to the waterfront (No traffic lights). Many boats were built in Nelson Bay with over 20 working the waters from Stockton north to Broughton Island. For numerous reasons there has been a steady demise of the industry since the turn of the century with currently only two boats working. If you have any old photos of the fishing, oystering, lobster or crabbing industries that you are willing to share please send them by email to stinkerfishing@yahoo.com as I am compiling a library.

Congratulations to Rebecca Morley and her workers who did a fine job over the last couple of weekends promoting the local area and its fantastic seafood with the “Love Seafood Love Port Stephens”.