There are obvious regional differences to fishing culture. First, I noticed these boats had underwater exhausts, quiet. But the startling thing here was, this guy didn't look like a lobsterman, not one I'm used to. He looked more like a model for a Lands End catalogue.

He was working though, pitch forking the by-catch from the dragger at his stern, mostly skates, into his bait well. Good theatre for shore side dining.

Biggest thing I noticed is, Menemsha is the closest thing to what is called Artisanal fishing these days. A new idea, that really is an old idea.

I noticed small short range draggers in the harbor, old style "seiners" and not a lot of lobster boats coming and going. Most of this equipment is less damaging environmentally. Plus the short range keeps a more sustainable protection that comes from feeling responsible for your own waters.

Much commercial fishing is controlled by medium large biz that buys the catch and often supplies the bait in places like Maine in our lobstering industy. This also keeps the boat prices low and retail more affordable.

Here in Menemsha, I was seeing the local fishmongers buying the local catch directly. There's a captive audience right outside to buy the finished product or it was wholesaled very nearby, most likely staying on the island. Most important, there's a short distance between fisherman and consumer, hence, more of the money goes in his pocket.

Not a new idea, but one that is gaining some momentum in a few places, even here in Maine.