for the people, by the people

Welcome to our Community

On Tuesday, April 5, 2011, The Rhode Island Fishermen's Alliance had the privilege to sponsor a guided tour of Point Judith, Rhode Island's largest fishing port, to a group of 20 graduating 1st Class Cadets from the United States Coast Guard Academy and their Civilian Fisheries Class Professor, Karina Mrakovcich. The Cadets' tour was led by Alliance President Rich Fuka and Vice President Jerry Carvalho and started at Town Dock Seafood, where the Cadets were given a firsthand look at the lengthy process of what Town Dock goes through to get fresh fish off a vessel and out the door to be delivered all around the world.

While the Cadets watched two vessels unload, they where approached and introduced to Capt. Jeff Wise who shared his story with them, offering thanks and respect to the Coast Guard for their heroic rescue of he and his crew and the attempts made to save his sinking vessel "Johanna Lenore" that was eventually lost last January. The next stop was Superior Trawl, where the Cadets were given a “Twine 101” class by Jon Knight, the owner operator of Superior Trawl. Jon introduced the group to a scale model of his "Eliminator Trawl" and provided a great dissertation of how the trawl works, as well as explaining to the Cadets how twine is effected by the harsh environment it engages. He also made particular note of explaining that building and repairing nets is a "time honored trade" that best comes from those that have spent their lives at sea.

The group eventually made their way over to the Fishing Vessel "Excalibur", where they were met by local celebrity, Discovery Channel "Lobster Wars" Capt. Joel Hovanesian, who gave the Cadets a complete tour of his vessel and spoke about life at sea and what he and his crew endure. The tour ended fittingly at the Point Judith Coast Guard Station boathouse where the Coast Guard folks stationed there gave a tour of their boats, as well as talking about their lives in and amongst the Rhode Island Fishing Community. Special thanks to all that were involved. Rich Fuka, President, RI Fishermen's Alliance.