I have been sporadically photographing the Key West shrimp boat fleet, which now resides on Stock Island for a number of years. Last year, 2007, I made a more pronounced effort since the fleet each year was getting smaller, and its very existence more threatened. The fleet for years has been pushed out of its various docks by the development of the waterfront into more economically rewarding ventures, condominiums, yacht dockage and various, usually upscale businesses. This year, 2008, upon our arrival, I found the shrimp dock I had photographed last year was gone and the boats moved to the last active shrimp dock on Stock Island. Over the course of sixteen days covering a two month period I photographed this last dock, the boats and the people working on the boats. It was enjoyable and hopefully the attached photos, uncropped or retouched for the most part convey the feel for this area and will document what may well be a dying way of life in the Florida Keys.

In closing, I would like to thank all those on the docks whose patience with an intruding photographer made these images possible.