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When a single federal judge overturned and blocked years of work by many in this community (as well as allies up and down the coast) to stop mid-water trawling near our coast so we can help revive historic herring stocks and runs, it was a body blow. But we promised we’d get off the ropes and into the middle of the ring for another round.
Here we are.
Katie Curran remembers the excitement of catching a fish as a child, the wonder of what might be on the hook. Now she loves fishing just as much and appreciates the peace and satisfaction it brings, how careful study yields welcome results.
“I think of fishing as more than catching a fish. I like learning different techniques and there is effort in learning how to be good,” Curran said. “I don’t look at fishing as something I do, more as an extension of myself.”
Knowing a big-mouthed, extra-terrestrial-looking fish was going to be the focus of her internship, Ana Brown spent time learning about all things monkfish before she landed at the Fishermen’s Alliance this spring.
What struck her most was not that the fish’s oil is used as a cordial in Japan, or that the lure hanging from the fish’s football-shaped forehead may reveal age; she was impressed by how commercial fishermen have pushed for its protection.
“It was the industry that organized and advocated for them and for a management plan,” Brown said. Management of the great-tasting fish has suffered from lack of data. A recent cut in harvest amounts, now postponed, highlighted the need for better information that Brown’s work will help provide.
Scott MacAllister, captain of F/V Carol Marie, ice coffee in hand, cap pulled low, told a capacity crowd at the Fishermen’s Alliance about getting ready for a day’s work.
“The morning routine is you sit there, have your coffee, and tape your fingers together,” said the 30-year-old captain.
The crew then puts on gloves to further protect their hands from spines on the skates they catch. MacAllister also picks up a tool to help harvest:
Although not fond of snakes, Joseph Nickerson spent several summers catching eels in eel pots and selling them to a company owned by a couple of really well-dressed brothers who came down from Gloucester every other week and transfered the harvest from eel car to tank truck.
“They looked like two guys getting out of the truck in tuxes,” he said. “They were first class.”
Provincetown is a fascinating place, with a rich fishing history. We never tire of looking back at photos of the fleet, its characters and learning about how the fishing village helped build a nation.
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