A.B. Coldwell
Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895
In the late 19th century, the U.S. Fish Commission conducted numerous interviews with fishermen throughout the northeast U.S. including cod and mackerel fishermen from New York, New England and Nova Scotia. Most fishermen interviewed in the 1890s by the commission were over 50 years of age and recollected changes in the marine environment during their lifetimes. These interviews, or oral histories, are an excellent source for observations of Gulf of Maine fisheries. They provide first-hand accounts and observations of fish behavior and fishing activity on specific fishing grounds such as Stellwagen Bank. Most interviewees discuss the migratory patterns and behaviors of mackerel on the east coast. In addition, the fishermen offer descriptions of fish and catch sizes as well as theories for the decline in cod and mackerel in the 19th century.
A.B. Coldwell, Director of Customs in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, was a prominent figure in the coastal community during the late 19th century. Born into a maritime culture, Coldwell assumed the role of Director of Customs in Lunenburg, a position of significance in a town deeply tied to the sea. His tenure in this role allowed him to witness and oversee various aspects of the local fishing and shipping industries.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with A.B. Coldwell, Collector of Customs, Lunenburg, N.S., conducted on May 30, 1895, by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun, provides insights into the maritime history of Lunenburg and the challenges faced by the fishing and shipping industries during that era. The interview focuses on the the status of mackerel fishing in the region during the late 19th century. Coldwell discusses the installation and operation of a pole trap near the Ovens, Fire Cove, which was a significant endeavor in the area from 1877 to approximately 1886. He highlights the initial success of the pole trap but also details its eventual decline due to the rising expenses and labor required for its maintenance. Coldwell touches upon the shipment of fresh mackerel from Lunenburg to Yarmouth for Boston in 1894, shedding light on the sporadic nature of this trade route and its reliance on limited transportation options, notably one weekly steamer to Yarmouth. The interview also delves into the potential impact of lobster pots on the mackerel population. Coldwell explains that the abundance of lobster pots in the bays might have contributed to the decline in mackerel numbers by fouling bait, cluttering the waters with buoys and lines, and causing general commotion during retrieval. He speculates on the alteration of the bay's bottom and the destruction of kelp, which was once believed to attract mackerel. Finally, Coldwell mentions the disappearance of sea urchins and the subsequent resurgence of kelp, hinting at a complex ecological interplay in the region.
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