Recreational saltwater fishermen in Massachusetts likely will be required to have a fishing license beginning next year.

That word came from Paul Diodati, the director of the state Division of Marine Fisheries, who came to the Island last week and spoke at the Chilmark Public Library.

Mr. Diodati was joined by John Pappalardo, chairman of the New England Fishery Management Council. The council oversees many fish stocks that swim in federal waters south and east of the Vineyard.

They’re back, we hope. Within a week or two, the nymphs may emerge from the ground where they have hibernated for 17 years, occasionally sipping on water and other nutrients from the roots of trees and shrubs which they pierce with their beaks. The nymphs emerge from the ground, hatch into adults and start their mating cycle. “They” are periodical cicadas, the ones that make that high-pitched harsh squealing sound that can get on your nerves on warm early summer days.

The time has come to write my annual piece on what to do with young critters, either feathered or furry, that you come across. Last weekend Prudy Whiting and I were walking on Hancock Beach and came across a young gray seal. At first we thought it was dead, but as we approached the youngster raised its head. We kept our distance and watched it for a while. The seal didn’t have any wounds or obvious problems except perhaps a gimpy left flipper. What to do?

By LYNNE IRONS

Since I write this column a week ahead, I am always a week behind. Now there is a statement describing my life. Nevertheless, I have a few offerings concerning Memorial Day. I guess memory might be the key word.

Wastewater Management

Study Begins on Island

A comprehensive wastewater management study for the Vineyard started Monday with a meeting at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission with the consultants and members of the study advisory committee.

The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate ways to address state requirements for on-site septic waste disposal, as well as reductions in nitrogen-loading expected in the wake of the Massachusetts Estuaries Project study.

I can “azure” you that it is finally spring.

It wasn’t a little birdie that told me; rather, a small butterfly. This butterfly has all the reason in the world to be blue. For that is the color of the spring azure butterfly.

T.J. Hegarty accused me of being a political activist in the Vineyard Haven post office last week. Where did he get that idea? Here is the original . . . Mark Twain said, “Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it.”

My thanks go out to all the birders and feeder observers that either went out into the field or watched their feeders last weekend and reported their finds. Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary was able to raise close to (and maybe by now) $2,000.

Peace Council

The Martha’s Vineyard Peace Council will meet on Thursday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Church in Vineyard Haven. The council will evaluate the Iraq resolution voted on in Island town meeting voting and plan for summer projects. All are welcome. Call 508-627-8536 for more information.

Photography at Dragonfly

The opening reception for the Dragonfly Gallery’s photography show will be held Saturday, May 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the gallery at 91 Dukes County avenue. The show runs from May 22 through June 1.

The gallery’s show features many Vineyard and regional photographers. Photos of familiar vistas as well as exotic places and personal looks at nature and the world are included. From black and white to bold color, this show expresses the magic of the many types of cameras, photographers and printing processes.