Sea scallops and skittering crabs were center stage at Menemsha’s Dutcher Dock on Thursday during the eighth annual Meet the Fleet event put on by the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust.

Early in the afternoon, a crowd of people leaned in to get a closer look at the shucking skills of a group of fishermen.

“The front row could be the dirty row, so watch out!” said Matt Merry, as the scallop shuckers cheerfully tossed shells and guts toward the crowd.

Stanley Larsen and Mathew Mayhew compete in the net mending contest.

Hailey McLaughlin

Stanley Larsen and Mathew Mayhew compete in the net mending contest.

Hailey McLaughlin

The festival of all things fishy also included Coast Guard boat tours, a helicopter rescue demonstration, fish printing and green crab races for the kids. There were contests of skill, too, including line splicing and net mending.

The Dock Dance Band, Johnny Hoy & the Bluefish and The Philly Project provided a musical component, jamming out on the deck of the F/V Martha Elizabeth. People danced barefoot on the docks and on the surrounding boats.

John Keene, Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust president, was on the scene watching all the activities take place.

“One thing that’s very important is that what this event shows is there’s still plenty of hope in the fishing industry and community on the Island,” Mr. Keene said “There’s a new generation coming through that is committing to this way of life, which is wonderfully diverse and challenging.”

Ida and Luma Mayhew and Juniper Brown play with some crabs.

Hailey McLaughlin

Ida and Luma Mayhew and Juniper Brown play with some crabs.

Hailey McLaughlin

Meet the Fleet supports the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust by raising money through sponsors, donations and a silent auction. It is also an educational event, helping people learn about the industry and getting to know the fishermen who do the hard work on the water.

“Having a fusion between the commercial fishing industry and the public, that’s the spirit of this event,” Mr. Keene said.

The Fishermen’s Preservation Trust is a nonprofit organization aims to maintain the tradition of a working waterfront by helping the Island’s independent fishing community thrive.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Natural Resources Department was on hand educating people about their work, and further down the dock, kids were fascinated by the “touch tank,” where they could interact with starfish, crabs and other fish.

Coast Guard practices rescue drills.

Hailey McLaughlin

Coast Guard practices rescue drills.

Hailey McLaughlin

Shelley Edmundson, executive director of the trust, described the human aspect of the event, putting faces to what is purchased at a fish store.

“It’s really a community building but also an educational event to bring the water to the land and to help people understand all the skills and meet the people who are harvesting the seafood that we all enjoy,” she said.

Back at the net mending competition, Ian Andres took first place, Matt Mayhew earned a second place prize and Stanley Larsen came in third place.

“I have a hard time tying my shoes, so this is impressive,” joked Mr. Merry.

Jeff Murray won the sea scallop shucking event, besting nine other contestants.

Some attendees had strolled down from the beach, curious about what was happening on the dock. Megan Dusablon was visiting the Vineyard with her family and said that her mother loves music, so they decided to stop by.

“We’re from San Francisco and come to the Island every summer,” she said. “We were recommended this as a family-friendly activity, and now I’m curious about these fish prints.”

Fish prints are made by painting fish scales and pressing them onto paper.

“My favorite part is when we close down the little temporary city that we’ve all created together,” Ms. Edmundson remarked at the end of the event. “It’s golden hour and the band is still playing on the boat while you pick up all the pieces — that part is really special. You feel like you’ve done something and are with people who have that same feeling.”

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