The Island Institute

Interviewee Collection Sort ascending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Jessica Echard and Rebecca Weil Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Jessica Echard and Rebecca Weil, from Cooperstown, NY, both work for the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety as a research assistant and research coordinator, respectively. Their main project has been working with fishermen to increase their use of lifejackets while fishing. They have focused on talking with fishermen about why they choose not to use lifejackets, what their concerns are, and how they can help improve lifejacket design to make them more appropriate for the job.

Matt Frassica Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Tom Duym Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Tom Duym, from Lamoine, ME, is a seasoned professional in the fisheries industry with over 45 years of experience. He has dedicated his career to marine education and the development of programs that support young people interested in the fishing industry. Through his work as a coordinator and educator, Duym has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and advocating for sustainable fishing practices in coastal towns.

Galen Koch, Giulia Cardoso Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Sonya Corbett Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Sonya Corbett is a trap-maker with Sea Rose Trap Company in South Portland, ME.

Scope and Content Note

Natalie Springuel, Eliza Oldach Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum, University of California, Davis
Marc Hoffman Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Marc Hoffman is a business owner, author, and advocate for fisheries management. As the owner of M. K. Hoffman Services, he specializes in selling automotive mechanical lubricants and additives aimed at improving fuel efficiency. With his book Shell Game, Hoffman alleges that the high 2008 oil prices were caused by actions of investment banks rather than the mortgage collapse. Additionally, he actively participates in fisheries management as a member of the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission Advisory Panel. 

Natalie Springuel, Corina Gribble Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Butch Harris Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Butch Harris is a seasoned fisherman and summertime charter captain from Eastport, Maine. He has spent the majority of his life engaging in lobstering, scalloping, and urchin diving. 

Scope and Content Note

Matt Frassica, Griffin Pollock Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Adam Mistler Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

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.

Galen Koch, Giulia Cardoso Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Sarah Madronal Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Sarah Madronal is a fisheries biologist from Cutler, ME. With a background in policy studies, she has focused her work on understanding the social structures and cultural significance surrounding fisheries, particularly alewives.

Scope and Content Note

Matt Frassica Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Valerie Peacock Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Valerie Peacock is an education consultant and advocate for fishing communities from Bar Harbor, ME who is the head of the Eastern Maine Skippers Program. Valerie has experience in the fishing industry, including scalloping, lobstering, and sea sampling. 

Scope and Content Note

Eliza Oldach , Natalie Springuel Rockland, ME University of California, Davis, Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Steven Burns Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Steven Burns is an experienced lobster fisherman from Bar Harbor, Maine. With a lifelong dedication to his craft, he has been actively involved in the industry since the age of 12. Steven's passion for the ocean, commitment to sustainable practices, and desire to pass on his knowledge to future generations make him a respected figure in the lobster fishing community.

Scope and Content Note

Giulia Cardoso , Natalie Springuel Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum
Rodman Sykes Voices of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum 2019

Rodman Sykes is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Point Judith, Rhode Island. With 50 years of experience in the fishing industry, he represents the third generation of fishermen in his family. Sykes specializes in skate and ground fish.

Scope and Content Note

Galen Koch, Corina Gribble Rockland, ME Maine Sea Grant, The First Coast, College of the Atlantic, The Island Institute, Maine Fishermen’s Forum