Saving Seafood

MASSACHUSETTS: The Working Waterfront Festival returns: A fest primer

September 14, 2017 — It’s back, baby.

Yup, New Bedford’s famed Working Waterfront Festival, which transitioned to a biennial event following 2015, is back — and looks better than ever.

Clear your calendar for Sept. 23, and head down at the docks to watch whaleboat races and lobstering contests; to eat fresh seafood, sing, dance, climb aboard a fishing vessel and more at the Working Waterfront Festival.

Now I’m the first to admit I don’t know ship about fishing, so when I’ve gone to the Waterfront Fest in the past, I’ve felt like I’m walking into a Discovery Channel documentary.

It’s absolutely eye-opening, utterly fascinating, and a fantastic — and free! — family day trip.

New Bedford is the nation’s most valuable fishing port, and the fest—named one of the world’s “Top 20 Travel Events” by National Geographic Traveler in 2011 — draws people from around New England each year for harbor tours, cooking demonstrations, author talks, folk music and dance, fishing contests, explore vessels, and more.

This year, the fest has a new partner in the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, and will be presented in two locations: on Steamship Pier, and at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. The sites will be linked by a free shuttle bus.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Sunset Cruise to Benefit New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center

September 5, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host a sunset harbor cruise fundraiser aboard the M/V Cuttyhunk on Saturday, September 16 from 5:00 p.m. – 7 p.m. Passengers will enjoy live music, a cash bar and light refreshments. Musical entertainment will be provided by Joanne Doherty.

Born and raised on the Southcoast with the working waterfront in her blood, Joanne Doherty spent her childhood climbing on her father’s scallop boats and painting them for summer jobs. For the last fifteen years she’s been performing throughout New England spinning her magic on a wide variety of songs selected from an eclectic catalogue of folk, blues and old standards combining her deft & delicate stylings on guitar and ukulele with a rich smooth voice.

Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at the Fishing Heritage Center. Tickets may be reserved by calling 508-993-8894 or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3079097. All proceeds will benefit the Center’s programs, exhibits and daily operations.

Located at 38 Bethel Street in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving and presenting the story of the commercial fishing industry past, present, and future through archives, exhibits, and programs. The Center is open to the public Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.fishingheritagecenter.org.

Stock assessment meeting erupts into lively talk between NOAA, fishermen

August 17, 2017 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Diagrams, life-like statues and pictures fill the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to depict the history and future of the industry.

NOAA scientists and local fishermen filled the small building on Bethel Street on Wednesday night to discuss future stock assessments. The meeting, though, told another aspect in the story of the Port of New Bedford: the decades old tension that continues to exist between the groups.

“We all have to pull in the same direction,” Executive Director of New Bedford Seafood Consulting Jim Kendall said.

Instead a powerpoint presentation listing stock limits led to a discussion, which evolved into an argument and ended with two fishermen abruptly leaving. Russ Brown, director of the Population Dynamics Branch of NOAA, ended his presentation to meet with the fishermen outside. They spoke outside for 20 minutes before parting ways with a semblance of mutual respect.

“What we need to do is find common themes,” Brown said. “I’m a scientist. We want to find common themes within the science where we have questions and the industry has questions, and we can basically collaborate and pull in the same direction.”

Most of the discussion revolved around the methods in which NOAA is acquiring its data. Fishermen in attendance questioned the methods used by scientists to count groundfish. They also pointed out that years to correct a data point is too much time for an industry that continues to shrink.

“We understand that the management is affecting people and is having some serious consequences for our stakeholders who are depending on the resources,” Brown said. “We care about that, and we want to make sure the science is as accurate as it can be.”

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

 

MASSACHUSETTS: ‘Finest Kind’ film pays tribute to New Bedford fishing industry

August 10, 2017 — The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will host the world premiere of “Finest Kind: The New Bedford Fishing Industry” Sunday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. The screening will be held at Greasy Luck Brewery, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford. Doors open at 6 p.m.

A facilitated discussion with some of those featured in the film and director Kevin Kertscher will follow. Free parking is available on the street. The venue is wheelchair-accessible. The screening is free.

A year in the making, this original documentary was produced by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. Written and directed by Kevin Kertscher of Big Ocean Media, the film interweaves interviews, historic and contemporary footage, and photographs to provide a sense of the rich history and culture of the New Bedford and Fairhaven fishing industry.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center Announces Premiere of Film

August 1, 2017 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is pleased to announce the world premiere of Finest Kind: The New Bedford Fishing Industry on Sunday, August 13th at 7:00 p.m. The screening will be held at Greasy Luck Brewery  located at 791 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.  Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to purchase a meal before the screening. The film will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by a facilitated discussion with some of those featured in the film and director Kevin Kertscher.  Free parking is available on the street.  The venue is wheelchair accessible. The screening is presented free of charge.

A year in the making, this original documentary was produced by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center.  Written and directed by Kevin Kertscher of Big Ocean Media, the film interweaves interviews, historic and contemporary footage, and photographs to provide a sense of the rich history and culture of the New Bedford/Fairhaven fishing industry. The expression “Finest Kind” was commonly used in New England fishing communities to mean “the best”. To view a trailer, click here.

The film was made possible with funding from a Maritime Heritage Grant provided by the National Park Service.  Beginning in mid-August, the film will be shown regularly at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center as well as at the National Park Visitor Center and the Waterfront Visitor Center. Copies of the film will also be made available to local libraries and schools.

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 visit www.fishingheritagecenter.org.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center presents Nautical Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them: Portraits by Phil Mello

August 1, 2017 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is pleased to announce the opening of Nautical Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them: Portraits by Phil Mello. An opening reception will take place on August 10, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. during AHA. The exhibit will run until October 1, 2017.  During the 2015 Working Waterfront Festival’s Nautical Tattoo Contest, contestants and attendees had the opportunity to have their portraits taken by Phil Mello and the story of their tattoo recorded.  This exhibit showcases these images and stories.

There is a long history of tattoos in the maritime world dating back to the age of sail. The symbolism of many images is part of the tradition for those who have a connection to the sea. More than just beautiful artistry, tattoos often hold deep meaning for those they adorn. A tattoo can be a talisman or commemorate an important event or person. It can serve as a reminder of what has been or reflect an aspiration for the future.

In the commercial fishing community, tattoos often pay tribute to family or friends lost at sea or pledge loyalty to those left on shore. Some portray real or mythical sea creatures and others illustrate a person’s character traits or work history.

The exhibit is sponsored by New Bedford Tattoo Company and is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.  It is presented by New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, Community Economic Development Center, and the Working Waterfront Festival.

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.

MASSACHUSETTS: Fish Fry Fundraiser to benefit Fishing Heritage Center

July 17, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will hold its second annual Fish Fry Fundraiser on Friday, July 22nd from 6-11 pm at Cotali Mar Restaurant (1178 Acushnet Avenue).

Guests will enjoy platters of fresh local fish donated by Bergie’s Seafood and prepared by the chefs at Cotali Mar. Live music will be provided by Paul Savoie and Richie Canastra. The event will include a cash bar, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $35 ($15 for kids 12 and under) and may be purchased by phone or in person at the Center or on line through the Center’s Facebook page. All proceeds will benefit the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, a 501c3 non-profit organization. For more information contact the Center at 508-993-8894 or info@fishingheritagecenter.org.

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center opened to the public on June 25th. Current hours of operation are Thursday-Sunday 10-4. Located at 38 Bethel Street in the heart of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Center’s inaugural exhibit From Boat to Table presents all aspects of the industry from the time a keel is laid on a vessel to the time the catch is landed and brought to market. A variety of interactive components include a net mending activity, dress up area, and Eastern Rig style pilothouse designed and built by Fairhaven Shipyard with electronics provided by Furuno USA.

During 2016 the Center will continue to present Dock-u-mentaries, its monthly film/speaker series and Something Fishy, its free summer camp program presented in collaboration with the National Park and Whaling History Alliance. Weekly cruise ship programs and fishermen-led walking tours will be offered during the summer months.  A variety of public programs including author readings, talks, occupational demonstrations, and performances will be presented.  The Center is also working in collaboration with MIT Sea Grant, UMass Dartmouth, UMass Boston, and the New Bedford Free Public Library on a year-long initiative to create a digital archive of fishing community history with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The 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 visit www.fishingheritagecenter.org.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to host Seafood Throwdown

July 17, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, in collaboration with the Port of New Bedford, Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, Mass in Motion New Bedford, and New Bedford Farmers’ Market, is pleased to present a Seafood Throwdown on Thursday, July 27, 2017. Funded through a Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries grant secured by the Port of New Bedford, this free event will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Custom House Square located in downtown New Bedford. This evening also marks the launch of the New Bedford Seafood brand by the Port of New Bedford.

Chef Edward Roszak, Executive Chef at How on Earth, and Chef Joe Rego, Executive Chef at Cask and Pig Kitchen and Alehouse, will compete to create a winning dish using a surprise, locally caught seafood ingredient and local produce purchased at the New Bedford Farmers’ Market. The secret ingredient is an abundant, underappreciated, and underutilized species of seafood.

Judging their creations will be Chef Chris Cronin, Executive Chef at Farm & Coast Market and two-time Seafood Throwdown Champion; Dan Medeiros of the Herald News and contributor to the Dine Out column in the Standard-Times’ Coastin’; and Diane Nanfelt, co-owner of Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market.

Seafood Throwdowns are a collaboration between the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance and fishing communities, providing a unique opportunity for the public to learn more about our local seafood, local fishing fleet, and fisheries related issues. The chefs can bring three of their favorite ingredients. When the secret seafood ingredient is revealed, they are given $25 and 15 minutes to shop the New Bedford Farmers’ Market for additional ingredients. After their shopping spree, they have one hour to cook and present their entry for the judges’ consideration. LImited sampling will be available for audience members.  This year’s secret ingredient is generously donated by Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market.

Through a grant with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, the Port of New Bedford created a New Bedford Seafood logo to better brand the seafood landed in the Port of New Bedford – the #1 fishing port in the country by value.  A website will also be launched as a central location for buyers to find and directly connect with all of New Bedford’s fish processors and wholesalers.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center and National Park Team Up to Present Something Fishy Camp

July 6, 2017 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center:

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, and the Whaling History Alliance have teamed up to offer a free summer camp at the Park for New Bedford children entering grade 4 in the fall of 2017.  Something Fishy Summer Camp is designed to give kids an introduction to the history and culture of the working port from whaling days to present day commercial fishing.

Camp activities will include hands-on marine science with fisheries scientists; storytellers; marlinspike ropework; arts and crafts; a harbor tour; and a fishing vessel tour. In addition, campers will explore the Park to learn about New Bedford’s whaling history and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to learn about present day commercial fishing from a fisherman.  They will also visit the Seaman’s Bethel, Casa dos Botes Discovery Center; and Buzzards Bay Coalition.

The camp curriculum is designed to engage local youth in learning abut the history and culture of New Bedford’s whaling and fishing industries. For campers whose families are connected to our working waterfront, these programs honor the lives and experiences of their families.  For those who are not directly connected to the port, the opportunity to learn about this part of our community is equally important. Unlike many waterfront communities that have lost their working waterfront to development, New Bedford remains a working harbor. Continued support and preservation of our working waterfront requires a citizenry that understands its’ essential value.  It is the children of today who will be shaping the port of the future.     

Campers were chosen by lottery for a one-week session. Sessions begin July 10th and July 17th. 

Something Fishy Camp is a collaboration between the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, and the Whaling History Alliance.  The 2017 camp program is made possible by grants from the United Way Summer Fund, New Bedford Day Nursery Foundation, the New Bedford Education Foundation, and support from BayCoast Bank.

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center marks first anniversary

June 20, 2017 — The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will celebrate its first anniversary on June 24 and 25 with a model boat show, walking tours, performances of maritime music and storytelling, and anniversary cake.

“Big Boats, Little Boats” will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center and on Pier 3 in New Bedford on Saturday, June 24. This free event features a model boat show, walking tours of the working waterfront, a fishing vessel tour, mini-tugs dockside at Pier 3 and center exhibits. In addition, Whaling City Expeditions will offer harbor tours at a reduced rate with coupon.

That evening, The Souls of the Sea Trio will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. The benefit concert takes place under a tent at the center and features Allen Estes, Sal Baglio and Matt Leavenworth. These three nationally acclaimed singers, songwriters and musicians perform musical tributes to the lives and experiences of the fishermen of the North Atlantic and their families. Their original and musically diverse songs are a unique interpretation of life around the working waterfront. A cash bar will be open. Tickets for the concert are $20 and all proceeds benefit the center.

On Sunday, June 25, the public is invited to the anniversary party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus kicks off the event at 11. Following welcome remarks by Executive Director Laura Orleans and Board Chair Phil Mello, anniversary cake by Ellen’s Creations and ice cream from the Ox Cart will be served. Storyteller Jackson Gillman will perform at 12:45 p.m. In addition, children can make crafts and the Ox Cart will sell additional food and beverages.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times