The RV John H. Volk

John Volk, who for years was the head of the aquaculture division of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, was a terrific source for the oystering sections of This Fine Piece of Water, and read, commented on and improved the book's last chapter.

I hadn't realized that he died in 2007, a relatively young man. But I'm happy to see, here, that the state has decided to name its shellfish research vessel the John H. Volk. The man knew his shellfish, and he returned phone calls -- two things that were invaluable to me.