Maria Dosal, a standout deckhand and reality TV star from Deadliest Catch, has captured audiences with her grit and adventurous spirit. Born in March 1993 in King Cove, Alaska, she is currently 32 years old in 2025. Her net worth is estimated at $250,000, earned through her fishing career, reality TV appearances, and side ventures like wellness advocacy. While her salary as a deckhand varies with fishing seasons, it’s reportedly substantial for the high-risk job. Dating rumors have linked her to fellow fisherman Ry MacDonald, but she is now engaged to Mark Schwantes, with whom she shares a daughter, Hazel Mae Schwantes.
Early Life and Background of Maria Dosal
Growing up in the rugged fishing community of King Cove, Alaska, Maria Liliana Dosal developed a deep connection to the sea. Her family instilled a love for fishing, teaching her to navigate the ocean’s challenges from a young age. She pursued higher education at the University of Alaska Southeast, studying physiology, which reflects her multifaceted interests. This blend of academic rigor and hands-on maritime experience shaped her into a resilient figure, ready to tackle the demanding world of commercial fishing. Her mother’s advice—“the sea will either make or break you”—became a guiding mantra for her career.
Maria Dosal’s Career: From Deckhand to Reality TV Star
Maria Dosal joined Deadliest Catch in 2020 as a deckhand on the Fishing Vessel Cornelia Marie, under Captain Josh Harris. Her debut in Season 16 showcased her as a formidable presence, earning praise for outshining her male counterparts. Harris described her as a “badass chick” who “knows what she’s doing.” After the Cornelia Marie’s exit from the show in 2023, Maria transitioned to the Fishing Vessel Summer Bay for Season 19, proving her adaptability. Beyond fishing, she’s a wellness advocate for doTERRA since 2014 and has worked at Milanos restaurant, diversifying her income streams.
Her salary as a deckhand is tied to fishing quotas and seasons, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on the catch. The high-risk nature of crab fishing in the Bering Sea justifies this lucrative pay, though it comes with grueling hours and harsh conditions. Maria’s reality TV appearances add to her earnings, with Deadliest Catch cast members reportedly earning $10,000 to $20,000 per episode.
Maria Dosal’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Maria Dosal’s net worth is estimated at $250,000, a slight increase from earlier reports due to her continued work on Deadliest Catch and side ventures. Her income sources include:
- Commercial fishing: The backbone of her earnings, driven by crab fishing seasons.
- Reality TV: Appearances on Deadliest Catch Seasons 16 to 19.
- Wellness advocacy: Promoting doTERRA essential oils.
- Modeling and entrepreneurship: Occasional work with brands like Adidas and Coco Chanel, plus her self-designed clothing line.
This net worth reflects her ability to balance high-risk fishing with entrepreneurial pursuits, a rare combination in the industry.
Maria Dosal’s Dating and Married Life
Maria Dosal’s dating history has sparked interest among fans. She was previously in a relationship with fellow fisherman Ry MacDonald, which began around 2017. Their romance was documented on social media, including a heartfelt poem Maria dedicated to Ry in May 2018. However, the couple parted ways, and Maria deleted related posts, signaling a breakup by 2020.
Currently, Maria is engaged to Mark Schwantes. The couple welcomed their daughter, Hazel Mae Schwantes, in May 2021. While they’ve been engaged for several years, no wedding plans have been publicly announced, suggesting a focus on family and career over formalizing their married life. Maria’s openness about her personal life on platforms like Instagram (@mariamarialiliana) offers fans glimpses into her adventures and family moments.
Unique Insights: The Life of a Female Deckhand
As one of the few women in the male-dominated fishing industry, Maria Dosal brings a fresh perspective to Deadliest Catch. Her ability to excel in a physically demanding role challenges stereotypes and inspires others. In a 2023 interview, she shared, “The sea doesn’t care if you’re a man or a woman—it tests your strength and heart equally.” Her journey highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability, qualities that resonate beyond the fishing deck.
Personal observation from industry insiders suggests Maria’s presence has shifted dynamics on the boats, fostering a more inclusive environment. Her chemistry with co-stars, as noted by fans, adds a unique layer to the show’s appeal. Data from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shows that women make up less than 10% of commercial fishing crew members, making Maria’s success a significant milestone.
Maria Dosal’s Hobbies and Lifestyle
Beyond fishing, Maria Dosal is a self-proclaimed adventurer and musician. She plays string instruments like the guitar and ukulele, often sharing her music on social media. Her hobbies include dirt biking, snowboarding, and cycling, reflecting her love for adrenaline-fueled activities. Maria’s modeling for brands like Adidas and Coco Chanel showcases her versatility, blending rugged outdoor life with high-fashion moments.
Her lifestyle, marked by luxury purchases like a Jeep Wrangler, reflects her ability to balance hard work with enjoyment. As she once said, “When I’m not on the boat, I’m chasing the next adventure—whether it’s on land or sea.”
Maria Dosal Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Liliana Dosal |
| Age | 32 (Born March 1993) |
| Birthplace | King Cove, Alaska |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Deckhand, Reality TV Star, Wellness Advocate, Musician |
| Net Worth | $250,000 (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | $50,000–$100,000 (fishing), $10,000–$20,000 per episode (Deadliest Catch) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 62 kg (136 lbs) |
| Education | University of Alaska Southeast (Physiology) |
| Dating History | Ry MacDonald (2017–2020) |
| Current Relationship | Engaged to Mark Schwantes |
| Children | Hazel Mae Schwantes (Born May 2021) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mariamarialiliana |
| Hobbies | Fishing, Dirt Biking, Snowboarding, Music (Guitar, Ukulele), Modeling |
Why Maria Dosal Stands Out
Maria Dosal is more than a reality TV star; she’s a trailblazer in a challenging industry. Her journey from a small Alaskan town to national television highlights her determination and versatility. Unlike many cast members, she balances fishing with creative pursuits like music and modeling, making her a unique figure. Her story resonates with those seeking to break barriers, whether in fishing or other male-dominated fields.
For the latest updates, follow Maria on Instagram or check out her work on Deadliest Catch via Discovery Channel. Learn more about her background on Wikipedia or explore her fishing adventures on Discovery’s official site.
