Albert Canfield is a recently retired stone crab fisherman out of Naples.

Scope and Content Note

In the oral history, Albert Canfield, a retired stone crabber and fisherman, provides insights on his experiences with red tide, his fishing practices, and his observations regarding the frequency, severity, and impact of recent red tide events on crabbing activities. Albert recalls that the red tide events in the 1980s did not cause him to encounter dead turtles or porpoises. He describes red tide as a visible red film on the water with a distinct smell, although it did not personally bother him. While some people might avoid fishing during red tide due to health concerns, Albert explains that most fishermen, including himself and his nephew, continue crabbing despite the presence of red tide.

The conversation briefly touches on a particularly bad red tide event that occurred around five years ago, leading to the death of various marine life, including groupers. Albert notes that this event lasted about a week or slightly longer, but the current red tide is more severe and has a prolonged impact. He mentions that the recent red tide significantly affects fishing, resulting in reduced catch quantities and slower fishing operations. When asked to rate the severity of the recent red tide on a scale of one to ten, Albert gives it a ten, indicating its significant severity. In comparison, he rates the red tide event of 2014 as a three, with a shorter duration and fewer negative impacts on fishing. In terms of recovery from the recent red tide, Albert expresses skepticism, suggesting that it may take years for the environment to recover fully. He speculates that the discharge of water from the lake, which affects water quality, might contribute to the severity of red tide.