Capture fisheries globally are imperiled with many tra-ditional stocks fully or over-exploited (Schiermeler 2002, FAO 2004, NMFS 2003). Regulations that restrict commer-cial harvest and entry into fisheries are growing and have reached a point where the livelihood and lifestyle of many fishers have been compromised. An important fishing voca-tion and tradition is threatened. If explored and implemented in a manner that provides comfort and confidence in commercial fishers, aquaculture can serve as a conduit and alternative option to keep fisher-men on the water, working in an environment and pursuing a vocation consistent with their experience and preference. Perhaps the best way to encourage acceptance of aquacul-ture and to provide the training that commercial fishermen need to pursue aquaculture successfully is through hands-on experiences that build upon activities with which fishers are familiar. The American lobster (Homarus americanus) supports an important and lucrative fishery in coastal waters of the northwestern Atlantic (NMFS 2003, Corson 2004, Boston Globe 2005). In New England, lobsters are routinely cap-tured in baited traps fished on the bottom and secured in position by bricks serving as ballast (Figure 1). Traps are fished for several days, hoisted, harvested and cleaned be-fore being re-baited and returned to the water. Handling procedures are reminiscent of techniques commonly em-ployed in tray culture of the American or eastern oyster (Crassostea virginica; Mattiessen 2001, Wallace 2001). Replacement of brick ballast by living oysters could inte-grate oyster culture into fished lobster traps thereby link-ing aquaculture with an existing practice, while providing exposure and nurturing receptivity in commercial fishers. Coincidentally, the process encourages regulators to reas-sess preconceptions that segregate fish culture from capture fisheries. Are lobster traps with brick ballast replaced by living and growing oysters a fishing device, an aquaculture technique or something else? To assess the efficacy of integrating small-scale oyster culture in lobster traps, a two year study was initiated that enlisted the cooperation of eleven commercial lobstermen from Massachusetts (USA); six lobstermen trapped lobsters in waters north of Boston and four trapped in waters south of Boston. Critical considerations, beyond permit acquisi-tion, included oyster survival and growth, lobster capture rate, and time required to process modified vs. traditional traps. If successful, the approach would increase receptiv-ity to aquaculture and would provide supplemental income for lobstermen in coastal waters of Massachusetts as well as facilitating application of the lobster trap/oyster culture technology elsewhere.