Michael MacAulay is the last MacAulay descendant still working in PEI's inshore fishery, harvesting lobster each May and June off the shores of Chepstow, just a little east of Souris Harbour. 

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In the early days of Island settlement, fishing was regarded as a lowly occupation and was not encouraged by colonial officials. Lobster was considered a poor man's meal. People would feel ashamed to be seen eating it. All that changed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, mostly due to new trade agreements with the U.S. and the invention of the tin can that was used to package and ship the product.  If lobster was good enough for rich Americans, it was good enough for Islanders! 

 

Lobster fishing has always been the most lucrative fishery on the island, and many families, including the MacAulays and the Powers, combined it with farming to earn their living. 

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In this newspaper article found in the trunk, George and Esta MacAulay share memories of their fishing days.