Monthly e-Magazine Articles

Stepping into a legal arena to oppose Holtec

Sep 24, 2024 | Over the Bar

By unanimous vote, the Fishermen’s Alliance board directed me to join a committed group of Cape Codders and file legal notice that we oppose dumping radioactive wastewater into Cape Cod Bay.
The Alliance to Preserve Cape Cod is spearheading the action. It comes after the Commonwealth of Massachusetts denied Holtec, the company now responsible for cleanup and decommissioning the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth, a permit to do the dumping. Holtec has appealed. We’re adding our voice to those who say the Commonwealth is right.
There’s an Alice in Wonderland, through the looking glass element to this. After all, who in their right mind would think that releasing radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay would be a good idea?

Internship is a whirlwind for Williams

Aug 27, 2024 | Fish Tales, News

Caroline Williams remembers the video well:

Summer intern Ana Brown, smiling and dotted with fish slime, was standing at Chatham Fish Pier talking about her work with the Fishermen’s Alliance after a day aboard F/V Constance Sea.

Will Nicolai, a friend of Williams, had sent the video last winter as she headed into her last semester of junior year at University of Virginia. Williams, an Economics and Global Studies major, had been applying for internships and wasn’t sure she wanted to go into the finance realm. Nicolai, a mate on the Constance Sea, knew Williams was focused on the environment and sustainability as part of her major.

‘Flintstones’ upweller needs town support

Aug 27, 2024 | Plumbing the Depths, News

One piece of advice passed around for decades in Chatham, attributed to old salt Charles “Tiggie” Peluso: No matter how good things are going, no matter how much money you are making, never, ever, sell your shellfishing skiff.
Peluso meant that in tough times, Chatham residents could always scratch or dredge up enough money to get by on the strength of the town’s wild fishery.

Another successful Hookers Ball in the books

Aug 27, 2024 | Aids to Navigation, News

John Pappalardo, CEO of Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, looked out at revelers at the 23th annual Hookers Ball and mentioned that while the event always is a celebration, this year was particularly upbeat.

The reason? More and more people see a bright future for commercial fishing on Cape Cod and are getting into the industry, he said.

“I see a lot of young fishermen, more than in a long while. This is one of the truest ways to judge the health of the industry and the value of our work,” Pappalardo added.

Opening ‘the Hook’ archives

Aug 27, 2024 | Charting the Past, News

The first printed “Hooked on Cod” newsletter published in November 1997, about six years after “the Hook” was started by Fred Bennett, Mark Leach, Bob and Tom Luce and many others.

All the newsletters opened with a letter from the director, the inaugural penned by Lori LeFevre, a former fisheries researcher who led the organization. She announced she was taking a job as a fisheries analyst with New England Fishery Management Council and Paul Parker, who would then lead the organization for more than a decade, would be the new director.

Photo Gallery: Hookers Ball fun

Aug 27, 2024 | A Day in Photos

The Hookers Ball is the best non-profit fundraiser of the year – officially and unofficially. (The ball took the gold last year in Cape Cod Life’s Reader’s Choice Awards ) The event is the highlight of the summer for many who love eating the delicious, local seafood and seeing friends, but also support the mission of the Fishermen’s Alliance.

The 23rd annual ball, held in the big white tent behind the Harwich Community Center on Aug.2, was one of the most successful yet. The event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, sponsors and community members who donate to our auction. If you couldn’t make the event this year – and even if you could – look at this gallery of Salty Broad Studios and see who you recognize among the 400 people on hand.