The Expo has attracted people from all walks of life as there is something for everybody. Kelly Barnes, administrative assistant for the Maryland Waterman’s Association, said the Expo even has kids’ stuff, stuff for charter boat captains, sport fishermen and many under one sun. It hosts new exhibitors as well as a host of traditional ones. Self-taught master bird caller Glen Phillips and the Little Quackers, maker of bluebird boxes and nesting boxes for ducks, said, “We keep open contest and visitors are coming to the stall in large number.”
There are new vendors showing their prowess which include RAF Custom Crafts boat suppliers, Peninsula Pressure Systems out of Salisbury and the Maryland Oystermen’s Association. Besides, there are debates on topics that need some change. In this regard Chris Hager of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant helped to create the topic schedule.
Hager said that there are United States Coast Guards telling fishermen about the 10 important things to do if fishermen face water-craft problem. According to him such exhibition is important for members of the commercial fishing industry to gain valuable knowledge. He added that the present situation in which the fishing industry is running now, participation in such shows is vital.
