Unexplainable The Codfather
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Feb 25, 2026 Ian Koss, reporter and producer who created Catching the Codfather, tells the story of Carlos Rafael and New Bedford’s fishing controversies. The conversation covers undercover stings, cash ledgers listing fish, how NOAA trawl surveys count fish, the Trawlgate scandal, choke species and quota incentives, and local mistrust that let fraud persist.
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How The Codfather Controlled The Whole Fish Chain
- Carlos Rafael ran both the biggest boat fleet and the largest processing plant in New Bedford, letting him control catches from deck to sale.
- Investigators found a hidden cash ledger listing fish, revealing he misreported species rather than trafficking drugs.
Why Fish Counts Depend On Consistent Trawl Surveys
- Counting fish relies on NOAA trawl surveys that sample fixed ocean quadrants by towing the same net and extrapolating over time.
- The method measures change year-to-year, so consistency of gear and tow protocol is prioritized over catching every fish.
A Scientist's Tough Start On NOAA Survey Boats
- Marine biologist Linda Desprey logged over a thousand days on NOAA survey boats, collecting surprising finds like barn door skates and even unexploded WWII ordnance.
- Her early struggles included gender barriers, once boarding at 12:01am to avoid an overnight restriction.