There’s a lot more to New Bedford’s fishing industry than the boats you see tied up along the waterfront. Behind those boats are families, businesses, and generations of hard work that have helped shape the city’s working waterfront. Check out this great write up by Dana Huxley.
One of those stories is the Canastra family.
Their story goes back to the late 1970s, when Raymond Canastra began working on the New Bedford docks, unloading fishing boats. Eventually, he went to sea himself and worked his way up to becoming a captain.
In 1989, Raymond and his brother Richard Canastra combined their experience and started their own operation on the waterfront. Raymond brought years of knowledge of the boats and fishing industry, while Richard brought his experience in business and logistics.
Over the years, the Canastras became an important part of New Bedford’s fishing community. In 1994, they helped bring the Whaling City Seafood Display Auction to New Bedford, creating a more open way for fishermen and buyers to buy and sell their catch.
Then, in 1997, they took another major step with the launch of the BASE electronic seafood auction.
What began with two brothers working around the docks grew into a business that became part of the fabric of New Bedford’s working waterfront.
Today, that family tradition continues, with Cassie Canastra carrying the business forward and remaining active in the industry her family has been part of for decades.
Stories like this are worth remembering. They remind us that New Bedford fishing isn’t just about boats, gear, and the catch — it’s about the people and families who have built their lives around the water for generations.
📸 This local history was beautifully documented through the photography of Dana Huxley, whose work helps preserve and share the people, places, and stories that make New Bedford’s waterfront what it is.
The Canastra family is one of those stories — and we’re proud to spotlight their place in New Bedford’s fishing history. Follow them: https://www.facebook.com/canastrafishing
Photography and original visual documentation: Dana Huxley. You can follow Dana on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dana.huxley.2025
