People and Ponds
Jack Blake, one of several oyster farmers on Katama Bay.
Jack Blake, one of several oyster farmers on Katama Bay.
A family clamming outing on Sengekontacket.
A family clamming outing on Sengekontacket.
Clamming on Lagoon Pond.
Clamming on Lagoon Pond.
Kayaking on Tisbury Great Pond.
Kayaking on Tisbury Great Pond.
A walk with a view: Beach Road path borders Sengekontacket.
A walk with a view: Beach Road path borders Sengekontacket.
A misty view of a boat-filled Tashmoo Pond.
A misty view of a boat-filled Tashmoo Pond.
Scalloping at Cape Pogue.
Scalloping at Cape Pogue.
Boats at rest on Menemsha Pond.
Boats at rest on Menemsha Pond.
Fern and Feather campers learn about nature at Sengekontacket Pond.
Fern and Feather campers learn about nature at Sengekontacket Pond.
Nancy and Duncan Caldwell wade in Menemsha Pond.
Nancy and Duncan Caldwell wade in Menemsha Pond.
Iceboating on Squibnocket Pond.
Iceboating on Squibnocket Pond.
The Vineyard’s coastal ponds have a wide variety of uses. Shell fishermen make a living from growing or harvesting oysters, bay scallops and other shellfish in them. Fishermen flock to their shores. Pond wildlife is studied by scientists from near and far. Children search for fish or catch their first crabs in the shallows. And on any given summer day the ponds are filled with people. Some take to the water on kayaks, paddle boards, sailboats or kiteboards, while others bring binoculars in pursuit of the best bird sightings. Still others come with a beach towel for a quick dip at the end of a summer day. In winter the ponds are used by hardy souls for ice fishing, skating and ice boating.