Our tour will take place aboard the Peconic Star, departing from Greenport at 4 pm. Meet and talk with baymen Peter Wenczel and Howard Pickerell, along with lighthouse historian Merle Wiggins and environmental planner Jeff Kassner. The tour will be led by Long Island Traditions’ executive director Nancy Solomon.

During the tour there will be a facilitated discussion on the issues facing commercial fishermen, moderated by folklorist Nancy Solomon, who has been studying commercial fishermen on Long Island since the late 1980s. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn directly from these fishermen how the east end baymen are faring, and understand the issues they face.

Amid this scenic backdrop local baymen will discuss their family traditions and how fish and shellfish are harvested. Howard Pickerell is a traditional boat builder and bayman from Watermill. Pickerell has worked the bay his entire life, and is one of the few remaining traditional boat builders on the south fork. Peter Wenczel is a working fisherman and bayman who resides in Southold. He has been active in the Southold Baymen’s Association. Wenzel and Pickerell harvest finfish and shellfish in the Peconics, using a variety of methods. In addition lighthouse historian Merle Wiggins will educate passengers on the history of east end lighthouses. Completing the panel will be environmental planner Jeff Kassner of the Town of Brookhaven's Division of Environmental Protection, who has conducted extensive research on the ecological and environmental history of Great South Bay and the Peconics.

Space is limited and reservations are required! The cost is $40/person, $20 for children under 16. The tour will take place from 4 to 7 pm. To reserve your spot call Long Island Traditions at (516) 767-8803 or visit www.longislandtraditions.org . Deadline for registration is June 29. This program is sponsored in part by the New York State Council on the Arts and Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs.