Armando Estudante

Location of Interview
Collection Name

The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Description

This project documents the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project began in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, educational celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals  from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar and Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are project leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
09-24-2005
Transcribers

Sarah Smith

Supplemental Material
Abstract

On September 24, 2005, Millie Rahn interviewed Armando Estudante as part of the Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project. Armando is a fisherman and entrepreneur. Born in Portugal, he immigrated to the United States in 1978 when he was in his 50s. While he was initially visiting his parents in Philadelphia, he took a trip to New Bedford and discovered the city's vibrant fishing community. He decided to settle there permanently. Armando already had experience in the fishing industry as he was in charge of a fleet of boats in Portugal. Armando and his wife established themselves in New Bedford. Armando started working on fishing boats, gradually transitioning from larger ships to fishing vessels. He discusses the challenges faced by fishermen, advancements in boat technology and safety, and the impact of regulations on the industry. To adapt to these regulations, Armando obtained permits for both groundfishing and scalloping. Armando reflects on the role of management in sustaining the fishing industry and the need to strike a balance between fishing effort and resource conservation.  He shares the ways his wife plays a role in his work, as well as the historical significance of women's roles in fishing communities. Armando also shares his experiences with cooking, his exploration of different dishes, and the importance of providing good meals to keep the crew satisfied during fishing trips.  He highlights the historical significance of immigration in fishing communities and expresses hope that immigration will play a greater role in the future. Armando explains how the lack of new blood and exchange of populations has affected the industry, attributing it to the homogenization of world economies and reduced incentives for people to immigrate. Armando acknowledges the challenging nature of scalloping, which often involves backbreaking work. Yet, he expresses optimism about the industry's future.


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