Commercial Fishing Library Collection
Thanks to the generous donation of Provincetown fisherman, Alex Brown, Fishing Partnership’s Chatham office now features a special library of commercial fishing books, some of which date back to 1880. This fulfills a unique niche by providing a diverse collection of non-fiction and fiction books within the distinctive category of commercial fishing. All are welcome to stop by the Chatham office to explore the library and imagine the emotions and circumstances of commercial fishermen and their families. Fishing Partnership is grateful for the generosity of Brown’s donation. The library will help increase understanding of commercial fishing practices, fishing industry culture and New England fishing communities. Inspired by Brown’s donation, Fishing Partnership will build this library over time. If you have books on the niche of commercial fishing you would like to donate to the library, please contact Navigator Julia Messersmith in Fishing Partnership’s Chatham office.
Browse Sample Titles from the Commercial Fishing Library
Alex’s favorite book for the way it depicts his fishing life from the late 60’s through the 70’s in Long Island.
Alex learned commercial fishing on the job and learned particular fishing methods and techniques by reading books about gear and vessels..
These old leather-bound books document the fishing methods used in 1880 and predict the finite nature of fishing as evidenced by dwindling landings.
First released in 1994 this book was ahead of its time. The groundbreaking text was the first and only popular work to document the origins and tactics of the Coastal Conservation Association.
Elisabeth Ogilvie’s beloved Tide Trilogy transports readers to the beautiful and rugged Maine coast where families must eke their livelihoods from the tempestuous ocean. In return they are afforded the daily splendor and simple pleasures of island life.
Elizabeth Oglivie’s book series is authentic storytelling about the Bennett fishing family living on Bennett Island (aka Crie Haven). Utterly relatable to fishing families.
Printed in London, The Fisherman’s Library books were an invaluable resource for Alex in high school. From reading these books, he learned net mending, gear set up, different boat set ups and more.
A British inshore fisherman discusses all aspects of lobstering, drawing upon existing scientific knowledge.
Profusely illustrated with photographs, charts and tables, diagrams, and figures.
A unique, comprehensive survey of the evolution of fishing methods throughout the world.
A book on the history, preparation and eating of oysters, first published in the U.S. in 1941.
An indispensable reference book for anyone involved in studying George’s Bank or in making decisions about its use.
James Beard Foundation Book Award Winner
Behind a Cape Cod Fish Pier
Adventures of the Schooner Lottie Bennett
A wonderful classic journal of the life of a small boat fisherman in the waters surrounding Cape Cod.
A Practical Treatise Dealing with Those Branches of Motor Boating with Which Every Yachtsman Should Be Familiar.
First published in 1802 and billed as the “epitome of navigation”, a valuable reference for modern marine navigation.
First published in 1891 and culturally important, this book is a critical scientific review of oyster management in the Chesapeake Bay.
About Fisherman Alex Brown
Born and raised on Long Island, NY, Alexander Brown had his first boat at 12 years old and started clamming and lobstering by age 14. Though his father did not want him to go fishing, he eventually relented on the condition that Alex first learn a different trade. He worked in several boatyards on the North Shore in season and bull-raked for clams in the winters. Over the years, he worked as a crew member on various small boats, on a haul seine crew, and moved to the Cape in 1980 to continue to work on the water. In 1989, he began a shellfish grant in Provincetown before being “talked into growing oysters” in 2004. He was the first person to raise, commercially harvest, and sell Provincetown oysters. Alex sold his ground fish permits in the mid-90’s and finally left the lobster business in 2018. He currently shellfishes and does outboard motor repair under his business name, Victory Fisheries, in Provincetown.
Alex Brown
Commercial Fisherman Alex Brown (Left) at an annual Provincetown Blessing of the Fleet
“Fishing Partnership, especially the Chatham office and staff, have always been there when I have had a problem with something or even have just lent a sympathetic ear to listen. My donation to the Chatham office is my way of saying thank you. Hopefully, the library will inspire other people to become involved in our industry. I led a charmed and lucky life on and around the water and have lived to remember it. That’s what the library represents.”
