Farm fields will soon go fallow, but Vineyard shellfish beds are about to see their peak season begin. October brings the opening of the bay scallop season, and also now the reopening of Sengekontacket Pond for all shellfishing.

The pond, which spans Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, has been subject to mandatory state closures for shellfishing in the summer months for the past four years. Sengekontacket reopens tomorrow.

During the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, everyone lining up in the mornings at the Island’s councils on aging has got to love a fisherman. Every weekday during the derby, the Island’s seniors receive free fresh striped bass and bluefish and only occasionally get fresh Atlantic bonito. The program is a derby win-win.

A battalion of volunteers extending across the Island administers the program.

By MARK ALAN LOVEWELL

The seafood consumer loves to eat blue mussels. It’s an internationally consumed product that lends itself very well to modern day aquaculture, including most likely here in Vineyard waters. Last Wednesday, a top mussel grower from Iceland, Vidir Bjornsson, of Nordurskel, came to speak and share pictures of his young blue mussel farm at the Chilmark Public Library. His one-hour talk was devoted to sharing his success, his struggles and his technique.

Richard (Dick) C. Brown of Oak Bluffs, 95, was the star of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy versus MIT football game last Saturday in Clean Harbors Stadium, Buzzards Bay. It was the Buccaneers’ first seasonal home game. As part of the half-time show, Mr. Brown received the academy’s alumni of the year award.

Two fishermen participating in the 66th annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby had their leading fish pulled from the contest on Monday, for not registering for a state saltwater fishing license. While the derby officials are not disqualifying the fishermen or sharing their names, the organization hopes that anglers participating in the contest get the message. To fish in the derby, anglers must comply with state and federal fishing requirements.

It happens every autumn; a big northeaster blows across the Island stirring the waters all along the waterfront. After the storm has passed, a tragedy is discovered. Millions of baby bay scallops are discovered washed up in the wrack line on the beach.

Every time a storm hits the Island, it takes a small army of brave volunteers to save the scallops. Or worse, there are just too many of them, so millions are left to die.