Saving Seafood

‘Salt of the Sea’ documents challenges for fishermen

October 17, 2018 — The Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues on Friday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., with “The Salt of the Sea.”

When the desire to make a living from the sea intersects with politics and corruption, commercial fishermen are driven to their limits and beyond. “Salt of the Sea” is the story of commercial groundfishing in New England — its history, regulations and colorful characters who refuse to give up on their dreams.

Long independent, fishermen have been plying the Atlantic coastal waters for centuries. “Poor scientific research leading to unfair catch limits, overzealous law enforcement practices and a federal agency that is missing millions of dollars in fishermen’s fines are the backdrop for understanding the frustrations of these fishermen,” the center said in a news release.

The award-winning film by Third Wave Films was an official selection at the Hamptons Take 2 Film Festival and the Long Island Film Festival.

Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Films about the working waterfront are screened on the third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center, 33 William St. in downtown New Bedford. All programs are open to the public and presented free of charge.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: If you love the fishing industry, New Bedford center has a volunteer opportunity for you

October 3, 2018 — New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is recruiting new volunteers and will launch a volunteer training on Saturday, Oct. 20. A nonprofit, the center is dedicated to telling the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present and future through exhibits, programs and archives.

From 8:30 to 10 a.m., current and prospective volunteers are invited to attend an orientation session. The session will include an overview of the mission and activities of the center as well as an introduction to the commercial fishing industry. A light breakfast will be provided.

In the coming months, volunteers will be invited to participate in a series of insider tours to learn firsthand about the commercial fishing industry. Tours will include visits to the seafood auction, a processing plant, a gear shop, a shipyard, and the School of Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth, as well as waterfront and dockside vessel tours. Periodic talks will be presented by commercial fishermen, fisheries scientists, maritime authors and other industry experts.

To register for the training or more information, email operations manager Sarah Bowen at operations@fishingheritagecenter.org or call 508-993-8894.

Volunteer opportunities include welcoming visitors, staffing the reception area and gift shop, engaging visitors with the exhibits, assisting with educational programs, conducting research, and helping with special events.

For those with commercial fishing industry connections, opportunities will be available to share industry skills and knowledge with visitors by leading walking tours, speaking to school groups, and demonstrating skills such as net mending, knot tying, or model boat making.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center presents Working on the Waterfront

September 25, 2018 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is pleased to announce the opening of its’ latest exhibit Working on the Waterfront. An opening reception will take place on October 11th at 6:30 p.m. during AHA. The exhibit will run through January 2019.

In New Bedford, there are over 5,000 people working in the commercial fishing industry both on and off-shore. Those in shoreside businesses work in a variety of positions such as electronics technicians, fuel barge operators, welders, fish samplers, settlement staff, fish cutters, and fish sellers. From preparing a vessel to go out to sea to processing the product for market, all of these workers are vital to the success of the fishing trip and the industry.

Working on the Waterfront highlights the vital role of these shoreside workers. These men and women understand the importance of doing the best job possible because the quality of their work means a safe, successful trip for the vessel or a better price for the product. They talk with pride about their jobs and how, in spite of challenges, love what they do. The majority of those interviewed work for family owned businesses, creating a unique workplace environment which they value.

These oral history excerpts and photographs are from interviews recorded as part of an Archie Green Fellowship from the Library of Congress awarded to the Center. The project, Workers on the New Bedford Waterfront, produced interviews and photographic portraits of 58 shore-side workers involved in the local commercial fishing industry with a particular emphasis on female workers and Central American workers. In addition to being a part of the Center’s archives, these interviews and photographs are part of the permanent collection of the Library of Congress.The exhibit includes an interactive oral history kiosk which allows visitors to listen to audio excerpts.

Interviews were conducted by: Laura Orleans – Folklorist & Executive Director of the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center; Madeleine Hall-Arber – retired anthropologist, MIT Sea Grant; Corinn Williams – Executive Director of Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts; and Fred Calabretta – Oral historian at Mystic Seaport Museum. Project Photographer was Phil Mello of Big Fish Studio. Support for the project and exhibit was provided by Archie Green Fellowship – Library of Congress and NOAA’s Voices from the Fisheries.

The Center is open Thursday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Located at 38 Bethel Street in the heart of the National Park, the Center is wheelchair accessible with free off-street parking.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through exhibits, programs, and archives. For more information, please email programs@fishingheritagecenter.org or call (508) 993-8894.

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center seeks volunteers

September 14, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Fishing Heritage Center is recruiting volunteers and will host an orientation session from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 20, according to a news release.

The session will include an overview of the mission and activities of the center as well as an introduction to the commercial fishing industry. A light breakfast will be provided.

In the coming months, volunteers will be invited to participate in a series of insider tours to learn first-hand about the commercial fishing industry.

Read the full story at The New Bedford Standard-Times

 

MASSACHUSETTS: Free film in New Bedford follows Point Judith fisherman on the job

September 11, 2018 — The Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues Friday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m., with “Rodman Sykes: A Life in the Fisheries.” The film is part of a series by Markham Starr documenting the commercial fishing port of Point Judith, Rhode Island.

Rodman Sykes is a lifelong commercial fisherman out of Point Judith. He began fishing with his grandfather as a child and has pursued this career his whole life. He discusses his life in the fisheries, how it has changed over time, and what increasing regulatory pressure is doing to the industry against the backdrop of a day aboard the F/V Virginia Marise, catching both groundfish for food and skate to be used as bait by local lobstermen.

Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Films about the working waterfront are screened on the third Friday of each month in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center, 33 William St., in downtown New Bedford. All programs are open to the public and presented free.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: September Dock-U-Mentary Film Series Presents Rodman Sykes: A life in the Fisheries

September 5, 2018 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues on Friday, September 21st at 7:00 PM with Rodman Sykes: A Life in the Fisheries. This film is part of a series by Markham Starr documenting the commercial fishing port of Point Judith, Rhode Island.

Rodman Sykes is a lifelong commercial fisherman out of Point Judith, Rhode Island. He began fishing with his grandfather as a child and has pursued this career his whole life. He discusses his life in the fisheries, how it has changed over time, and what increasing regulatory pressure is doing to the industry against the backdrop of a day aboard the F/V Virginia Marise, catching both groundfish for food and skate to be used as bait by local lobstermen.

Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.  Films about the working waterfront are screened on the third Friday of each month beginning at 7:00 PM in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center, located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. All programs are open to the public and presented free of charge.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, located at 38 Bethel Street, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of New Bedford’s fishing industry through exhibits, programs, and archives.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry.  The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States.  The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-4 PM.  The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge.  For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov/nebe or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP. Everyone finds their park in a different way. Discover yours at FindYourPark.com

MASSACHUSETTS: Fishing Heritage Center serving up a Seafood Soiree

July 17, 2018 — You are invited to enjoy a Seafood Soiree that will showcase the bounty of the sea with signature appetizers created by some of the area’s finest chefs.

Gypsy jazz music featuring Hot Club Cheese Roll, live and chance auctions, complimentary champagne, and a cash bar are all part of the gala evening.

“We invite the community to join us for this fun and delectable evening, a showcase of seafood from the nation’s most valuable fishing port,” said New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Executive Director Laura Orleans. “We are grateful to all our chefs, restaurants, seafood companies, and sponsors for their role in helping us promote the local seafood industry.”

The cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. will feature sushi from Turk’s Seafood in Mattapoisett; shrimp cocktail from Kyler’s Catch in New Bedford; and a cheese platter donated by The Pasta House in Fairhaven.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Cooking class serves up less popular fish in delicious way

July 3, 2018 — If cod and haddock are your go to fish at the local fish market, you might consider venturing out and making some waves with other — just as delicious — species that are so much easier on the wallet.

Thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the New Bedford Port Authority and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, a free cooking class was held recently demonstrating pollock and scup as the main entree.

The class was taught by Chef Henry Bousquet at New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School.

The next class on July 25 features red fish and whiting and will involve how to cook and serve a whole fish.

The final class is set for Aug. 15 is entitled “Crafting Sauces that enhance and highlight underutilized species.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Seafood Soirée to Benefit New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

July 2, 2018 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

Enticing seafood appetizers from some of the area’s finest chefs are on the menu for a Seafood Soirée, the first gala fundraiser to benefit the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.

Scheduled for the evening of July 19th at the Wamsutta Club at the James Arnold Mansion, a Seafood Soirée will feature the bounty of the sea with over a dozen dishes prepared by area chefs, as well as handmade desserts; live gypsy jazz by Hot Club Cheese Roll; and live and chance auctions.

“We invite the community to join us for this fun and delectable evening, a showcase of seafood from the nation’s most valuable fishing port,” says Executive Director Laura Orleans. “We are grateful to all our chefs, restaurants, seafood companies, and sponsors for their role in helping us promote the local seafood industry.”

The event is sponsored by BayCoast Bank, Eastern Fisheries, Farm Credit East, SouthCoast Media Group, and the Wamsutta Club at the James Arnold Mansion.

The cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30 pm will feature sushi from Turk’s Seafoodin Mattapoisett; shrimp cocktail from Kyler’s Catch in New Bedford; and a cheese platter donated by The Pasta House in Fairhaven.

From 6:30 to 7:30, signature seafood dishes will be offered by the following chefs (committed to date):

  • Clam Chowder donated by Blount Fine Foods;
  • Smoked Eel (or unagi), Deviled Egg, Pea Greens on crostini created by Chris Chronin of Farm and Coast Market, Pandanaram;
  • A red crab dish created by Chefs Arthur Dill and Helder Costa from Chartwells Dining Service at UMass Dartmouth featuring crab donated by Atlantic Red Crab Company;
  • Sea Scallops prepared on site by Eastern Fisheries Executive Chef George Korousos;
  • A Monkfish dish created by Chef Mike Mello of M&C Café featuring monkfish donated by Bergie’s Seafood;
    New Bedford Seafood Paella featuring clams, scallops, mussels & chorizo created by Chef Greg Morton of Morton’s Fork Catering;
  • Mini lobster rolls by Oxford Creamery;
  • A fish dish prepared by Sid Wainer’s Corporate Chef Chris Cordeiro;
  • A seafood dish prepared by the chefs at the Waterfront Grille in New Bedford, newly owned by Lafrance Hospitality.
  • For non-seafood eaters, Wamsutta Club Executive Chef Raymond Fonseca will offer assorted petite quiche, spanakopita, bruschetta, and chicken allouette.
  • Dessert from 7:30 to 8:30 pm will feature handcrafted chocolates by Life is Sweet, hand-painted sugar cookies by Sarah Joy, and coffee and tea.

From 7:30 to 8:30, WBSM radio personality Phil Paleologos will auction items ranging from Red Sox tickets to a scallop dinner for four in the galley of a working vessel. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy gypsy jazz by Hot Club Cheese Roll, and try their luck at a Fluke and Flounder chance auction. A complimentary glass of Blue Ocean Champagne and a cash bar will round out the evening.

Tickets are $75 per person; proceeds will benefit the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, the city’s newest museum. For tickets, visit the Center at 38 Bethel Street, call 508-993-8894, or email info@fishingheritagecenter.org. Tickets can also be purchased online at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3437877

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to telling the story of the fishing industry past, present and future through exhibits, programs, and archives. The Center is free of charge and open Thursday-Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Visit www.fishingheritagecenter.org for more information.

MASSACHUSETTS: Scanning Day to Preserve Fishing Industry

June 29, 2018 — The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host its monthly Scanning Day on Saturday July 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Scanning Day is an opportunity for the public to share and preserve a digital image of their fishing industry photographs, documents, and other records for future generations.

The Center invites the public to bring their fishing industry related photographs, both historic and contemporary, as well as documents such as settlement sheets, union books, or news clippings to be scanned.

Staff will scan the materials and record any information the owner shares about each piece. The owner will leave with their originals along with a digital copy  of the scans on a flash drive.

The Center is working to create a digital archive of these materials which will be made available to researchers and the public. These documents will help us to tell the story of the fishing industry. This event is free and open to the public.

Read the full story at WBSM