UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant

Interviewee Sort ascending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Wynn Gale Boat Stories

Wynn Gale is a lifelong resident of Darien, Georgia, and a fourth-generation fisherman. He began his career in commercial fishing at the age of twelve. Despite a brief attempt at a career in law enforcement, Gale returned to the fishing industry, following in the footsteps of his family who have only ever worked in fishing. Over the years, Gale has observed a significant decrease in the number of boats fishing in the area. He has also experienced the financial challenges of the industry, having had to sell his shrimp boat due to high dock rent and the lack of a crew.

Jamekia Collins, Amber Chulawat Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Traci and Hinton Arnsdorff Boat Stories

Hinton and Traci Arnsdorff are a married couple who own and operate a home shrimping business. Hinton Arnsdorff has a long history with boats, having owned and operated many throughout his life. His first boat, the Bunny B, was a forty-foot vessel that he ran when he was about fifteen years old. After two years, he sold it and got the West Wind. He has also run the Grey Ghost, which he has had for over twenty years. Other boats he has run include the Notre Dame, which sunk off of Saint Katherines, and Ms. Kim, which sank off of Key West.

Amber Chulawat, Sierra Sutton Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Tommy Brown Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Tommy Brown. 

Savannah Bell, Amber Gosser Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Thurmond and Marie Kern Boat Stories

Thurmond and Marie Kern are a married couple residing in Brunswick, Georgia. Thurmond has had a long history with shrimping and has owned several boats over the course of his life. His passion for fishing is evident in his inability to retire, leading him to purchase another boat, the Lady Raven, named after his granddaughter. Marie, while not directly involved in the fishing, has been a supportive partner throughout their journey. The couple has witnessed significant changes in the fishing industry and has concerns about its future in their area.

Amber Chulawat, Sierra Sutton Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Thornell King Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

The interview begins with a brief history of Thornell King's childhood and his father’s involvement in selling fish back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He then goes on to talk about his brief interest in shrimping and how that eventually led him into the world of jellyballing. He describes his time under his mentor, George Tye, and how Tye eventually gifted him his three boats and his jellyballing company.

Angelique Jennings, Scott Clark Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Todd Boat Stories

Mr. Robert Todd focuses on the history of his family’s commercial fishermen legacy. He discusses the boats run and operated by members of the Todd/Sawyer family. He discusses his short film, Trawling Traditions, which covers some histories of commercial fishermen on the Georgia Coast.  He also gives recommendations for the future of shrimping in Georgia. 

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Robert Todd Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Robert Todd is a descendant of a long line of shrimp fishermen, with roots deeply entrenched in the trade that spans over four generations. Born and raised in the coastal enclave of Valona, McIntosh County, Todd's life has been inextricably linked to the sea and the shrimping industry from a tender age. His early exposure to the family business under the tutelage of his father and grandfather instilled in him a profound appreciation for the craft of shrimping.

Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe , Alexis McGhee Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Long Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Mr. Robert Long is a seasoned commercial fisherman whose life has been deeply intertwined with the coastal waters of Georgia. Born into a family with a rich legacy in the fishing community, Mr. Long was introduced to the rhythms of the sea at a young age. His formative years were spent absorbing the traditions and skills necessary to navigate and harvest the bountiful yet unpredictable waters. At the age of 22, he took a significant step in his career by purchasing his first fishing boat, a testament to his dedication and the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the industry.

Savannah Bell, Amber Gosser Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Lee Everson, Sr. Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Robert Lee Everson, Sr.

Kendra Cooper, Alexis McGhee Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Everson Boat Stories

Robert Everson is a seasoned fisherman from McIntosh County, Georgia, with a rich history in the fishing industry. His journey in the industry began with the help of his father, who also worked in the industry. Everson's early years were spent working on several boats in the Gulf of Mexico, starting as a striker and gradually gaining experience and skills. He also worked with his father out of Fort Myers, Florida, where they would embark on three-day trips to the Gulf of Mexico for shrimping.

Kassidy Gunn, Freddy Lee Townsend, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant