When a bunch of salty dogs first became the Deadliest Catch stars, they were used to fairly quiet lives. Outside of the Dutch Harbor, no one really knew their names. So when they got the call to become reality stars, none of them really expected the show to take off as quickly and intensely as it did – least of all Captain Sig Hansen of the Northwestern.
When he first started on Deadliest Catch, he and his crew figured they would make the best out of their “15 minutes of fame” on TV. Little did Hansen know back then that he would soon become an internationally renowned crab fisherman.
“I think the guys pretty much know that this isn’t going to last forever. It’s a once-in-lifetime deal. We really wanted to do it just the one year, and then it just kind of snowballed,” Hansen explained to Fishing.net.
Now with 17 seasons under their belts, many of the cast members have seen the benefits that the show provides for the seafood industry. Hansen even spoke to the difference that Deadliest Catch has made on fish markets around the world. While in New Zealand, he described how the public perception of the seafood industry has changed for the better.
“I think it is a good thing. All the feedback I’m getting lately is positive, from lobster fishermen on the east coast of the US, to even here in New Zealand,” Hansen shared. “Down at the Auckland Fish Market the owner told me that they are now stocking king crab and they are selling more and more. I think that people see the work that goes into getting seafood on their plates, so they appreciate it that much more; it makes me feel pretty good about what we are doing with the show.”
The World Now Knows the Hardships of ‘Deadliest Catch’ Fishermen
Part of the newfound appreciation that customers feel for the fishing industry likely comes from seeing just how difficult the life of a crab fisherman is. From gruelingly long days to sleepless nights, it seems these crews don’t get a break until they’re back at the harbor. And despite the pain and hardships, they still love their jobs and are loyal to their captains.
As we watch just how much it takes to put crab on the market, we understand that this is a job not many of us can do. So, we might as well show some gratitude to the men and women on the Bering Sea.
And surely, in return, the improved public opinion has had a positive effect on the Deadliest Catch stars. Getting back on the boat is a whole lot easier when you have an entire fandom rooting for you and your crew.
