NOAA Fisheries

Interviewee Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
George Harris Oral Histories from the New England Fisheries

George speaks about what it is like being a commercial fisherman and also having a summer tourist business to supplement his income.

Project Leaders: Lisa L. Colburn and Kate E. Yentes
Date Collection Completed: On going
Location: www.voices.nmfs.noaa.gov
Geographic Location: Locations across New England

Kate Yentes Eastport, ME NOAA Fisheries
Shareen Davis Women in the New England Fisheries

Shareen Davis is deeply connected to the coastal town of Chatham, where she was born and raised. Growing up in a large family during the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Shareen navigated the challenges of a struggling household. Her family's ties to the fishing industry ran deep, with her maternal grandfather being a pivotal figure in her life. Despite societal gender distinctions of the time, Sharleen defied expectations and embraced a strong voice for fairness and equity, advocating for those who needed support.

Patricia Pinto da Silva Chatham, MA NOAA Fisheries
Edalena Ribas Women in the New England Fisheries

Maria Edalena Ribas, also known as Edalena, was born and raised in Vila Praia da Ancora in Northern Portugal. She and her husband, Luiz, grew up as neighbors and eventually fell in love and married.  With Luiz away, working on factory ships in Germany, Edalena is the primary caretaker of their son Bruno who has health problems.  

Patricia Pinto da Silva Provincetown, MA NOAA Fisheries
Nancy Harrington Women in the New England Fisheries

Nancy Harrington has deep roots in the fishing and processing industry. Starting as a young worker in a sardine factory, she became a steadfast figure in the industry, working as a fish packer.  Nancy’s husband is a lobster fisherman and house painter. Nancy worked at the Stinson Cannery in Prospect Harbor, Maine, for forty-four years.  

Patricia Pinto da Silva Unknown NOAA Fisheries
Arlene Hartford Women in the New England Fisheries

Arlene Hartford has spent her life in the coastal communities of Maine. Born in Harrington in 1938, Arlene grew up in a close-knit family with one sister and three brothers. She weathered the challenges of her parents' divorce at a young age, and her mother's determination and dedication ensured that Arlene and her siblings were well-provided for, despite limited resources.

Patricia Pinto da Silva Unknown NOAA Fisheries
Pam Smith Oral Histories from the New England Fisheries

Pam Smith is a school teacher from Jonesport, Maine, with a rich family history tracing back to Ireland. She is the second of four siblings, with her older brother living on Beal's Island, her younger brother having lived in California and now shipping out, and her sister residing in Florida. Her husband is a fisherman, involved in various fisheries including quahogging, lobstering, scallop diving, and tuna fishing. He originally bought his boat in 1987 for gill netting, but lost his ground fish permit the same year. Despite this setback, he has managed to make a living from fishing.

Lisa Colburn Jonesport, ME NOAA Fisheries
David Pottle Oral Histories from the New England Fisheries

David is a commercial fishermen in Eastport, Maine. Because of the economy in Eastport, David has to work multiple jobs in addition to fishing.

Project Leaders: Lisa L. Colburn and Kate E. Yentes
Date Collection Completed: On going
Location: www.voices.nmfs.noaa.gov
Geographic Location: Locations across New England

Lisa Colburn , Kate Yentes Perry, ME NOAA Fisheries
Joel Stanhope Oral Histories from the New England Fisheries

David is a commercial fishermen in Eastport, Maine. Because of the economy in Eastport, David has to work multiple jobs in addition to fishing.

Project Leaders: Lisa L. Colburn and Kate E. Yentes
Date Collection Completed: On going
Location: www.voices.nmfs.noaa.gov
Geographic Location: Locations across New England

Lisa Colburn , Kate Yentes Perry, ME NOAA Fisheries
Tracey Bowen Oral Histories from the New England Fisheries

Tracey Bowen, the wife of a fisherman, describes what it was like when her husband became a fisherman.

Project Leaders: Lisa L. Colburn and Kate E. Yentes
Date Collection Completed: On going
Location: www.voices.nmfs.noaa.gov
Geographic Location: Locations across New England

Lisa Colburn , Azure Dee Westwood Newport, RI NOAA Fisheries
Maryellen Brown Oral Histories from the New England Fisheries

Maryellen Brown, often referred to as Mary, is a resident of West Kingston, Rhode Island, living at 35 Erica Court. She is forty-nine years old and moved to Rhode Island from Connecticut when she was fourteen. Maryellen is married to a fisherman and has been involved in the fishing community since she was fifteen. She has been married for twenty-five years and has lived in her current residence for eleven years. Maryellen is also a mother to three children.

Azure Dee Westwood Narragansett, RI NOAA Fisheries