The Island's four harbors are where Islanders, visitors, and their cargo are carried to and from the mainland U.S. They serve as home to the Island's fishing fleet and to a growing number of resident recreational craft, and serve as destinations.-
Oak Bluffs Harbor is a busy summer destination for ferries and recreational boats
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Vineyard Haven Harbor is the year-round working port, and home to most of the Island's boatyards.
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Edgartown Harbor is wharved and built up from Colonial days
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Menemsha Harbor is the quintessential fishing port,
Conflicts may arise among the many competing uses, both on the water and on the busy waterfronts surrounding these havens.
Commission staff helped develop a comprehensive management plan for Edgartown harbor, and strategic plans for Vineyard Haven Harbor and Oak Bluffs Harbor. Staff is available to assist the towns with additional harbor planning.
Harbor DCPCs include the Vineyard Haven Harbor District designed predominantly to manage uses, and the Oak Bluffs Harbor District predominantly directed at preservation of visual and physical access to the harbor.