Happy 40th Birthday Maryland Watermen’s Association
Maryland Watermen’s Association celebrates its 40th birthday at the association’s annual East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s and Aquaculture Trade Exposition Jan. 18 to 20 in Ocean City.
Commercial and recreational fishermen will find a marine extravaganza at the Expo: boats, engines, fittings, fishing gear, equipment, clothing, aquaculture demonstrations and even maritime art and cuisine. Nearly 100 exhibitors show their wares, from model boats to real ones, nets to propellers, anchors to oyster seed. Two full days of seminars keep you up to date on fisheries, aquaculture, marketing and environmental requirements. Maryland chefs demonstrate how to extend your range in species and preparation. Little watermen in training learn to repair nets and make crab pots.
Watermen also show off their skills at the Expo. Compete for waterman of the year, junior waterman of the year, best duck caller, junior duck caller or demonstrate your culinary skills in a seafood cook-off.
This year also marks Capt. Larry Simns’ 40th year as the Association’s president. Simns will be honored with a piece from waterman artist Marc Castelli’s private collection.
The association has represented watermen from all over the state in regulatory and legislative issues concerning their trade, the environment and the Bay since 1973.
410-216-6610; www.marylandwatermen.com.