Meaning: This quote reflects the decline of the merchant marine industry in the Cape Cod region and the subsequent shift in control of fishing activities to Portuguese immigrants. Joseph Crosby Lincoln, the author of this quote, was an American author known for his novels and stories set in Cape Cod. His works often depicted the people and culture of the Cape, and this quote likely reflects his observations of the changing maritime and fishing industries in the region.

The merchant marine, also known as the merchant navy, refers to the fleet of merchant vessels that are engaged in commercial transportation of goods and passengers. In the context of Cape Cod, the merchant marine likely played a significant role in the region's economy and trade activities, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when maritime trade was a vital part of the local economy.

The quote suggests that the merchant marine industry experienced a decline, leading to its eventual demise in the Cape Cod region. This decline may have been influenced by various factors such as changes in trade patterns, advancements in transportation technologies, or economic shifts that impacted the demand for maritime transportation services. As a result, the once-thriving merchant marine industry gradually faded away, representing a significant transformation in the region's economic landscape.

Furthermore, the quote highlights the impact of this decline on the fishing industry in Cape Cod. It mentions that the majority of fishing activities around the Cape are now in the hands of Portuguese immigrants who emigrated to the area approximately fifty years ago. This demographic shift in the control of fishing activities underscores the changing demographics and labor dynamics within the local fishing industry.

The arrival of Portuguese immigrants and their subsequent dominance in the fishing sector may be indicative of a larger trend of immigration and labor migration to Cape Cod during that period. The influx of Portuguese immigrants likely brought about cultural and economic changes to the region, including their active involvement in the fishing industry, which was traditionally a significant part of the Cape's economy and heritage.

Overall, Joseph Lincoln's quote captures the historical transition of the maritime and fishing industries in Cape Cod, shedding light on the decline of the merchant marine and the subsequent influence of Portuguese immigrants in the fishing sector. It reflects the complex interplay of economic, demographic, and cultural factors that have shaped the region's history and evolution over time.