Small Boats. Big Science.

Small Boats. Big Science. brings together our community, researchers, and commercial fishermen to discuss the latest scientific advancements and how they relate to our fleet, our environment, and our coastal communities.

2026 events are made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.  Watch the recordings of past events here.

Join us on Thursday March 5th to discuss the pros and cons of allowing harvest of river herring on Cape Cod.  Learn more about restoring fish passage, how to assess the health of herring runs, and how fishing regulations for vessels 100 miles offshore impact river herring. Leave with concrete actions you can take to support river herring.  

Special Screening of The Hand that  Holds the Line to benefit the families of those lost at sea while onboard the F/V Lily Jean.

The fishing community is tightknit, and when tragedy strikes, the loss is felt by all. The sinking of Gloucester’s F/V Lily Jean with all seven hands aboard on January 30 has rippled through fishing families, waterfront businesses, and coastal communities across the region. In the spirit of standing together, from one Cape to another Cape, the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance is honored to partner with the Chatham Orpheum for a special film screening on March 12. All proceeds from this event will be donated to support the families of all those lost at sea aboard the F/V Lily Jean, through the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund. Additional tax-deductible donations can be made here: https://fvlilyjeanfund.org/

This evening is an opportunity to gather in remembrance at this heartbreaking time. By attending, you are helping ensure these families feel the strength and support of the broader community during an unimaginably difficult time. The Q&A after the film will include a panel of special fishing community guests.

Buy tickets for March 12th here

The Hand That Holds the Line, a new documentary by Geoff C. Bassett and Kim Roderiques, shines a light on Cape Cod fishermen who have devoted their lives to one of the most challenging and dangerous professions in the world. The film offers an intimate look at the people behind the work and the deep ties that bind fishing families and communities together. Fishermen live lives deeply connected to nature, shaped by the rhythm of the tides, the temperament of the sea, and the unpredictability of the catch. Their work is physically demanding—often driven more by passion than profit. Fisheries observers share that same deep connection to the ocean. Their role is vital to sustaining healthy fisheries, and their dedication reflects a shared respect for the ocean and the communities whose livelihoods depend on it.

The Hand that Holds the Line Documentary – LIMITED TICKETS

Watch the trailer for The Hand That Holds The Line, a new documentary by Geoff C. Bassett and Kim Roderiques. Meet local fishermen and shellfish farmers who bring fresh seafood from their boats and shellfish farms to your plate. These men and women are part of the Cape’s proud fishing legacy and a vital part of our community. The full documentary will be shown at various local theaters  October 2025 – June 2026 — screening details and tickets are available here.

Past Events

Small Boats, Big Taste Documentary

May 2025

The Chatham Orpheum Theater hosted a free showing of a new documentary filmed and edited by Mark Birnbaum and Seth Rolbein about the Fishermen’s Alliance Small Boats, Big Taste program. Learn more about the documentary here.

To support the Small Boats, Big Taste program, and order some great chowder or stew (that can be picked up at the Fishermen’s Alliance’s office in Chatham), click here. 

Seaside Lemans Race

September 2024

We were honored to be selected as one of five beneficiaries of this important community fundraiser. For 23 years the Seaside Lemans Race has provided grants to dozens of organizations that impact the daily lives of Cape Cod residents. We are most grateful to have received a donation of $50,000 which is allocated to expanding our Small Boats, Big Taste chowder program. 

This exciting and unique annual event features Formula One European style racing karts. For more information visit the Seaside Lemans website.

Ocean to Art, Cape Cod’s Seafood Palette

April 8 – June 28, 2024

Ocean To Art, Cape Cod’s Seafood Palette was a collaborative exhibition that featured the intriguing artwork of Mike Palmer of Waquoit Bay Fish Company. It focused on highlighting the range of seafood available from our local waters and its importance to our regional economy.  A percentage of sale proceeds was generously donated to Fishermen’s Alliance. Read more about Mike Palmer and his artwork here.

Cods for the Cape – thank you for participating!

June 2024

We were thrilled to be part of this one-of-a-kind art show and auction for the fifth consecutive year which was coordinated by Aline Lindemann, artist and owner of Cottage. 

Thank you to the 2024 artists for donating their beautiful artwork: Susan Adler, Gail Bor, Clara Clough, Kim Deane, Jen Decker, Jodi Lutz French, Nick Heaney, Amy Mason Design, Mike Palmer, Sunshine Singleton/Cape Cod Landshark,  Suzanne Rupp, Ted Skirvan.

The auction closed on June 15 and raised over $3,200! All auction proceeds benefit Fishermen’s Alliance and we are most grateful.  

To learn more about the artists and the art show, follow Cods for the Cape on Instagram.