On May 21, 2024, Jessica Bonilla interviewed Alisson Colson at her home in Corea, Maine. Alisson Colson is a lifelong resident of Corea, Maine, with deep generational ties to the lobster industry. Raised by her grandparents, both of whom were lobstermen, she describes a family legacy centered around working on the water. Her father continues this tradition, and her son now serves as his sternman during the summer months.

In the interview, Colson reflects on her family’s fishing heritage, including her own time working on her father’s boat and her grandmother’s past work at Stinson’s cannery. She shares her experiences bookkeeping at the Winter Harbor Co-op, describing how this role gave her a broader understanding of the industry’s operational systems. She discusses the emotional impact of the loss of her family’s wharf during the 2024 winter storms and expresses concern over how funding and recovery efforts often overlook small, family-run operations. Colson critiques the current regulatory environment, describing a widespread sense of frustration among local fishermen and expressing skepticism about some scientific claims driving fisheries policy. She emphasizes the need for policymakers to consult directly with fishermen and underscores the importance of preserving the traditional, family-based nature of Maine’s lobster fishery. She also comments on the growing participation of women in the sector and shares her hope that future generations—including her children—can continue the work.