Anonymous, #7
Cumulative Effects in New Jersey Fisheries
The "Cumulative Effects and New Jersey Fisheries" Project was funded by the New Jersey Sea Grant College Program, New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. Dr. Bonnie McCay and Dr. Kevin St. Martin of Rutgers University were the principal investigators of this project and interviews were conducted primarily by Dr. Grant Murray (now at Vancouver Island University) and Mike Danko (New Jersey Sea Grant College Program, New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium). These interviews had 2 principal goals: 1) to document the cumulative effects of regulatory change on the people, businesses and communities most directly dependent on New Jersey's fisheries; and 2) to create a history of New Jersey's commercial and recreational fisheries through the oral histories of people involved in them. Identifying information has been stripped from these interviews in order to preserve anonymity. Thanks to the 44 fish harvesters that participated in oral history interviews.
The narrator is a passionate and dedicated individual who has spent the majority of his life immersed in the fishing industry. Born in New Jersey, he completed high school and pursued six months of college, focusing on fisheries, before deciding to follow his true calling and embark on a fishing career. Driven by his deep love for the ocean and the thrill of fishing, he left college to pursue his dream. His journey in the fishing industry began on a head boat, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills. Eager to explore different aspects of fishing, he later transitioned to fishing for tilefish and scallops, further expanding his knowledge and expertise in these fisheries. Currently, the narrator is the owner of two full-time scallop vessels, a testament to his hard work and determination. Although he no longer operates these vessels himself, he plays an essential role in managing and overseeing their operations, ensuring that they continue to thrive in the challenging and ever-changing fishing industry. He also works full-time at dock facilities in Barnegat Light, New Jersey.
Scope and Content Note
The individual being interviewed is a passionate and dedicated fisherman who has devoted his life to the fishing industry. He started his career on a head boat and gained experience before specializing in tilefish and scallop fishing. He now owns two scallop vessels and works at dock facilities in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. The interviewee believes there are over 200 fishermen in Barnegat, with around 70 focusing on scalloping. Barnegat's favorable location near productive fishing grounds has attracted more fishermen compared to other communities experiencing a decline. However, the increase in population and real estate prices have made it challenging for fishing families to afford to live on Long Beach Island. The interviewee expresses frustration with newcomers who move to the fishing town but complain about the industry's noise and activities. Fishing opportunities in Barnegat have changed over time, with tile fishing moving to Montauk and a decline in long-line fishing due to regulations and market changes. The interviewee has a preference for scalloping and discusses the changes in scallop grounds. They acknowledge that managing the ocean's resources and sustainability is challenging due to natural factors and express skepticism about micromanaging resources. The interviewee discusses the evolution of marketing and distribution, with Viking Village taking control of the process and selling products to various locations. They emphasize the importance of the local dock and harbor for the commercial fleet. Services supporting the fishery in Barnegat have remained relatively stable. The interviewee did not stop participating in any fishery due to regulations but mentions the challenges in scallop fishing during the mid-1990s. They highlight the significant increase in scallop permit prices, which limits entry into the fishery. Overall, the interviewee expresses a mix of skepticism, satisfaction, and concerns about the fishing industry's future.
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