A certain mystique has always surrounded watermen of the Chesapeake Bay, but this book goes far toward dispelling it by taking the reader on a journey with the watermen as they harvest oysters, clams, fish, and crabs. The author spent three years actively documenting the fascinating and rapidly changing way of life of those who make their living from the Bay's resources. Organized chronologically by season, it illustrates a behind-the-scenes view...

In 1868, Maryland's embryonic maritime law enforcement agency, the State Oyster Police, set out on its mission to enforce the state's laws on the Chesapeake Bay. The force, quickly dubbed the Oyster Navy, met stubborn and often violent resistance. Haynie McKenna, the agency's deputy commander, serves as captain of the Leila. With a crew of untested officers, the Leila sails to the Honga River in search of a rogue waterman, Marrok Blanchard, and his...