Catalyzes the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of L-fucose, yielding L-fucono-1,5-lactone, which rapidly converts spontaneously to L-fucone-1,4-lactone. Can also act on D-arabinose and L-galactose, with lower catalytic efficiency (PubMed:38944119). Does not use NADPH (PubMed:38944119). May be the initial enzyme of the L-fucose degradation pathway in mammals (PubMed:17067289, PubMed:38944119). . This is the function of ENSG00000087076 (HSD17B14, hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 14).