Anonymous, #9
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.
This narrator is an experienced commercial fisherman based in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. Born on the island, he comes from a fishing family. His grandfather was a day clammer for 75 years, and his father was an avid recreational fisherman. Growing up around the water, he developed a strong connection to the fishing industry from an early age. As a teenager, he engaged in various entrepreneurial activities, including selling crabs and working with clams. After completing high school, he entered the fishing industry full-time, joining the Hulsing crew on Hatteras Island and learning the ropes of commercial fishing. Interviewee #9 completed high school as his formal education. Although he pursued vocational classes in marine trades, he already possessed skills in fiberglass work and marine mechanics. The narrator began his commercial fishing career soon after high school, investing in a boat and gear. He primarily worked as an inshore gill netter but also fished offshore and operated a dragger
Scope and Content Note
This oral history interview conducted in 2005 explores the cumulative effects of regulatory changes on the fishing industry. The interviewee, an experienced commercial fisherman, discusses challenges due to excessive regulations, inadequate decision-making processes, and the impact on livelihoods. They share personal experiences with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and express concerns about the industry's future. The interviewee reflects on their career, social dynamics among fishermen, and active advocacy. They criticize specific regulations and advocate for more flexibility and balanced approaches. Concerns are raised about the influence of environmental groups and the negative portrayal of commercial fishing. Overall, the interviewee highlights challenges, suggests measures to address them, and expresses worries about the future of the industry.
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