The interviewee is a 41-year-old individual born in Forked River, New Jersey. Coming from a fishing family, his father owned a charter boat and engaged in charter fishing in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. The interviewee has two daughters and a young son, and while the son has yet to express an interest in fishing, the interviewee is open to encouraging him if he chooses to pursue it. The narrator has been involved in commercial fishing since high school, initially working for others before purchasing his own boat in 1992. He have been an owner/operator for about eight or nine years, primarily engaged in bottom long-lining for tile fish, gill netting for monk fish, and more recently, general category scalloping. The narrator has faced challenges with changing regulations and market conditions, leading him to adapt his fishing practices and explore different fisheries to maintain profitability.

Scope and Content Note
The interview conducted in Barnegat Light, New Jersey, provides insights into the interviewee's background and fishing career. He comes from a fishing family, with their father being a charter boat owner. The interviewee started his commercial fishing journey after high school, initially working for others before purchasing his own boat in 1992. He has been primarily involved in bottom long-lining for tile fish, gill netting for monk fish, and general category scalloping. The narrator discusses the impact of changing regulations and market conditions on their profitability, emphasizing the challenges faced by the fishing industry. He expresses the need for sustainable regulations that balance conservation and the livelihoods of fishermen. Additionally, he highlights the close-knit fishing community in Barnegat Light and the changing dynamics due to factors like rising real estate prices on the island. The interviewee remains hopeful about the future and expresses a willingness to adapt and explore different fisheries to sustain their business. The narrator expresses concern about the potential impact of regulations on fishing practices, particularly in relation to the number of fishing days allowed and the potential reduction in profitability. He highlights the importance of regulated fishing to maintain the sustainability of the resource, acknowledging the role of closed areas and limited entry in improving scallop fishing. The interviewee also mentions the influence of technology, such as plotters and temperature sensors, in enhancing fishing efficiency. The conversation touches on the relationship between commercial fishermen and recreational fishermen, with the narrator expressing the hope for better understanding and collaboration. He highlights the negative portrayal of commercial fishermen in the press and the perception that they are solely responsible for depleting fish stocks, contrasting it with the recreational sector's impact. The interviewee acknowledges the increasing challenges faced by the fishing industry, including the influence of wealthy organizations advocating against commercial fishing and the difficulties faced in defending their interests. Finally, he mentions the need for better representation and communication to address misconceptions about commercial fishing practices.