Smaller crews have meant adapting the old ways. Once known as a whaling town, Provincetown is now known as the foremost place for whale watching . Trap fishing is a thing of the past. As fishing stocks have dwindled, regulations have multiplied. Some of these, while meant to preserve and nurture future catches, are especially hard on the small wooden boats that make up most of the Provincetown fleet.
Weather is a constant factor and quotas seem unfair to some.
For a number of years, the industry has been struggling to survive. Aquaculture and fish farming are possible ways to satisfy the market for seafood. It is the fervent hope of all involved in the Blessing of the Fleet, that this year will mark a turning point in the fishing industry.