Anthony and David pulling a crab trap on Battery Creek; Beaufort SC
I had the
opportunity to go along while Anthony and David pulled some crab pots for the Sea
Eagle Market. One thing I have found
about the seafood industry – everything about it is colorful. The boats, the marker buoys, the catch, the
characters – the whole thing is a striking array of contrasts and hues.
I cannot do
the Sea Eagle Market (Boundary St. in Beaufort SC) justice in a short article. I had a bit of time to take some shots in the
market, and watched a few videos on their website, and there is a lot of depth
to this place. What I can say is that
the Reaves family is four generations deep in their involvement with the
market. I can also say that I have been
around some of the fishermen, and quietly behind the scenes the Reaves go above
and beyond to help those struggling when it is appropriate. They also are doing the best they know how to
be good stewards of the coast and the industry in not just this community, but
the South Carolina coast as a while. Given
the opportunity I will try to do a piece that does this family justice in the
future. I would also encourage those of
you in this area to purchase seafood here if you can – a dollar spent with a
local firm circulates many times in the community versus a dollar that goes
overseas and is gone for good.
Cameron Reaves preparing Salmon
Zach preparing fish for shipping
From the
little I have seen, I sense that the seafood industry in this country, just like
the dairy industry is on the brink of extinction. Foreign competitors that do not have the
regulations and expenses to contend with have flooded the market. Just as in the farming industry there are laws
that sound great on paper but in practicality handicap the people trying to do
the work. On the other side of the coin
there are standards that must be held up if our food supply is going to be kept
safe. I am sure it is a topic that I
will encounter many times as I travel.
Crab claws and conch
Queen Trigger Fish
Toad-fish
This is a
toad fish – I wanted to get a better shot of it, but they are too slimy to pick
up. Anthony told me to put my finger in
its mouth and I would be able to get a good shot of it – in fact I would have
the chance to get many good shots of it because when they bit they do not let
go. From the looks of its dental work I
decided not to try.
This is a South
Carolina Dingo. Ancient Indian artwork
indicates that it is directly descended from the dogs that were domesticated
and bred by the Indians in this area. They
were discovered living in the wild in the 1970’s, and subsequent DNA testing
has shown that genetically they are at the base of the canine tree. You can tell that the dog has a different temperament
than other domesticated dogs – it does not care for petting but rather wants to
chase or be chased. It is a keen animal.
Have a great Thursday all !!
David
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