Arthur C. Liese’s fascination with Barnegat Bay began more than 60 years ago when outdoor writer Gene Hill invited him over. While there, Hill’s striking Maine coon hopped up on the mantelpiece, drawing Liese’s attention to a collection of South Jersey decoys and art. These items sparked a discussion that would alter the trajectory of Liese’s life.

“I became fascinated by the Long Beach Island and Tuckerton culture,” the Bucks County, Pa., native said during his talk on Barnegat Bay catboats and sneakboxes at Tip Seaman County Park in Tuckerton on…