Debbie Harrison is a long-time resident of the Lower Keys in Florida, having lived there for fifteen years, with a brief hiatus when she returned to Michigan to care for her mother. She is a certified diver since 1983 and has spent a significant amount of time exploring the back country and diving on the reef. Harrison has held a variety of jobs, including grafting, hotel/motel work, and working on a lobster boat, which she considered more fun than work. She has also worked as a planner for the Florida Keys Land & Sea Trust and another unidentified organization.

Joan Nolan is a long-term resident of the Florida Keys with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Her life in the Keys has been characterized by her close relationship with the water, both professionally and recreationally. Joan has spent years observing and interacting with the marine ecosystem through her occupation, which remains unspecified, and her extensive involvement in volunteer work related to water conservation and marine life protection.

Narrator Jack Hill, of Key Largo, Florida, was the owner of a fish house and a former commercial fisherman at the time of the interview. Hill's formative years were spent mastering the craft of fishing, a skill passed down through generations. As he matured, he expanded his expertise beyond the immediate scope of fishing to encompass a broader understanding of market dynamics and trade.

Bennett Orr is a seasoned commercial fisherman who has been living in the Marathon area since 1993. Born in 1935, Orr has spent a significant portion of his life in the Florida Keys, specifically in Key West and Marathon. His primary occupation is fishing, with a focus on catching crawfish and stone crabs. During the summer, Orr switches to hook and line fishing, primarily targeting dolphins. He is known for his extensive knowledge of the local waters, fishing in the east and west to the north shore.

Bob Holston and Cecelia Raycroft are long-time residents of the Florida Keys, with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Bob Holston, a former Navy serviceman, has been diving since the early 1970s. After leaving the Navy in 1972, he opened a dive shop, which has been his primary occupation ever since. His experience in the Navy and subsequent years of diving have given him a wealth of knowledge about the local marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. Cecelia Raycroft, on the other hand, has lived in the Keys her entire life, which spans over forty-four years.

Jonathan Roth is an esteemed environmental scientist with a focus on marine biology and a particular interest in the ecosystems of coastal regions. His career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by his dedication to studying and preserving the delicate balance of marine life in Florida Bay. Roth's expertise in the field is grounded in his extensive academic background, which includes a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from a prestigious university.

Ted Hoverson, of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, is a seasoned professional with a background in public service, having dedicated a significant portion of his career to working for the U.S. Post Office and U.S. Customs. His tenure in these roles has provided him with a unique perspective on the operational intricacies of federal agencies, particularly in the context of the Florida Keys, where he has been stationed.

Bernard Russell, a native of Whale Harbor and part-time fishing guide, has a deep-rooted connection with the ocean and the local fishing industry. He was born and raised in Key West, and currently resides in Islamorada. Born into a family with a long-standing history in the area, Russell spent most of his life caring for boats and engaging in fishing activities. His grandfather, a notable figure in the community, was instrumental in shaping the local fishing industry, which included the establishment of two fish houses built on the side of the railroad.

Narrator Jimmy Albright of Islamorada, FL was a retired fishing guide at the time of the interview. He is the originator of the Albright Knot, a strong line-to-line connection used for attaching lines of different diameters. His career spans several decades, during which he has developed a deep understanding of the local marine environment and its inhabitants. Albright's work has placed him at the forefront of observing the ecological changes within this unique ecosystem.

Tony Iorucci is a seasoned commercial fisherman with over two decades of experience in the Florida Bay area. His life has been deeply intertwined with the sea, having spent the majority of his career navigating the waters around the Florida Keys. Tony's expertise extends beyond the act of fishing itself; he possesses a profound understanding of the local marine environment, the behavior of various fish species, and the intricacies of the fishing industry.