Beba ROsen

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Age: 53
Years lobstering: 14
Number of traps: 720
Buoy colors: orange and blue
Boat: 30’ H&H
Boat name: Gimmie a Hulla
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Beba Rosen was born on Vinalhaven, but it took moving away and returning to the island to realize this is home.

Like many islanders, “I couldn’t wait to get out of here when I graduated high school,” she said. Beba attended the Art Institute in Boston as a photography major for three years. Unfortunately, a bout with cancer prevented her finishing.

After travelling the country a bit and living in a few different places, Beba became homesick.

“I missed the ocean and my family,” she said.

That’s when she found her calling, lobstering. Beba needed to find some work while she figured out what to do with her life, so she got a job going stern man with a local lobsterman.

“I liked it and decided I could get my own boat and go by myself,” she said. “I got a little skiff and some traps and fell in love with it.” Ten years and four boats later, “I love it,” she says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Beba also loves small town life.

“I like being in a small community, it’s so much easier,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to be involved in the community.” Beba volunteers for the 4th of July Committee and Vinalhaven Eldercare Services, as well as gives her time to the local Harbor Committee. She doesn’t worry about the slow pace of a small town, or the lack of activities.

“I get to spend time with my grandmother and my mom. I have my house and nice piece of property,” she said. “I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to find something I love to do, and that I want to be here, I’m not stuck or forced to stay.”

- Kris Osgood