On February 25, 2024, Hillary Smith and Camden Hunt interviewed Abigail Barrows in Stonington, Maine. Abigail Barrows is a marine research scientist and the owner of Deer Isle Oyster Company. Raised in Stonington by parents who moved to the area in the late 1960s and 1970s. She holds a background in microplastics research and earned a Master’s in Human Ecology from the College of the Atlantic.

Adam Mistler is an advocate for environmental conservation and collaboration between environmental nonprofits and fishing communities. As a representative of the Ocean Conservancy, he works to dispel misconceptions and build bridges with lobstermen, emphasizing their role as stewards of their livelihoods. Adam's passion lies in positive storytelling and engaging with diverse stakeholders to find common ground in addressing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable fishing practices.

Adam Mistler is a dedicated professional in the field of ocean conservation, currently serving as the National Outreach Manager for Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C. He holds a degree in political science from Boston College and initially moved to D.C. to pursue a career in politics. His early career included an internship with Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, where he was introduced to various environmental issues, including the importance of red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic.

Alex DeKoning, a mussel farmer based out of Bar Harbor, ME, is the son of seventh generation mussel farmers from Holland. His family has been farming mussels in the Netherlands since the 1750s. However, due to limited expansion opportunities there, they decided to explore other regions and eventually settled in Maine. DeKoning and his family run the only mussel farms in North America that farm mussels on the bottom instead of on ropes.

Ali Berlow is a graduate student at Vermont Law School from Martha's Vineyard, MA studying how the role of Atlantic herring has changed in the U.S. food system. She came to the Forum to ask fishermen for their perspectives and talks about her findings as well as how she connects marine fisheries to her work in local-regional food systems and how eaters can support fishermen.

Scope and Content Note

On May 21, 2024, Jessica Bonilla interviewed Alisson Colson at her home in Corea, Maine. Alisson Colson is a lifelong resident of Corea, Maine, with deep generational ties to the lobster industry. Raised by her grandparents, both of whom were lobstermen, she describes a family legacy centered around working on the water. Her father continues this tradition, and her son now serves as his sternman during the summer months.

Andrew Dorr is a dedicated public servant hailing from Vinalhaven, Maine, a coastal town located in the mid-coast region of Maine and Penobscot Bay. As the town manager, Dorr's responsibilities are multifaceted and extensive, varying from town to town based on the resources and staffing available. His roles include serving as the treasurer, tax collector, road commissioner, planner, and financial manager for the community. Vinalhaven is a vibrant, year-round island community with a population of approximately twelve to thirteen hundred people.

Anne Hayden is a senior fisheries program manager at Manomet from Brunswick, ME. She has spent over 20 years actively participating in the Maine Fishermen's Forum, engaging with fishermen and researchers to understand the pressing issues and trends in the industry. With expertise in river herring restoration and the impact of climate change on fisheries, Anne works towards finding solutions that balance the needs of fishermen, conservation efforts, and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

Annie Turek is a professional working for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Management Program. She is based in Chicago, Illinois, and is involved with the Illinois International Port District, also known as the Port of Chicago. Turek's work focuses on revitalizing the port and reconnecting it with the community. She is interested in creating outdoor recreation opportunities and enhancing the port's appeal to both the local community and tourists.

This interview provides insights into the interviewee’s identity, upbringing, and family history, shedding light on their connection to the fishing community in Maine. Their father comes from a long line of fishermen and seafarers who have been in Maine for around 200 years. The interviewee discusses the significance of their last name within the fishing community and the challenges of expressing their queer identity in a community that may not be fully accepting, as well as other complicated interactions with other fishermen.