Ben McDowell
Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia
The goal of the “Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures” project is to raise awareness of the experiences of commercial fishermen and their changing livelihoods in Georgia by documenting their local fisheries knowledge and perspectives about the state and fate of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry through the use of oral histories. Capturing the life stories and experiences of Georgia’s commercial fishermen is especially important since many local communities have depended on the coastal environment for their economic and cultural base for generations.
National Capital Contracting
Ben McDowell, born in 1952, is a seasoned fisherman with over six decades of experience in the shrimping industry. His life and career have been deeply intertwined with the sea, following in the footsteps of his father who was also a fisherman for fifty years before Ben's birth. McDowell's career has spanned a period of significant change in the industry, witnessing a shift from the prosperous times of his youth to the more challenging present day. He laments the increased regulation and the impact it has had on the industry, noting that the laws are often made by those with little to no understanding of the realities of shrimping. Despite the hardships, McDowell remains committed to his craft, continuing to fish even at the age of sixty-five. His resilience and adaptability are evident in his ability to navigate the changing tides of the industry, maintaining his livelihood amidst increasing challenges. McDowell's life story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the fishing community, a narrative of perseverance and dedication to a way of life that has been passed down through generations.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Ben McDowell provides a first-hand account of the changes and challenges in the shrimping industry over the past six decades. McDowell discusses the impact of increased regulation on the industry, expressing frustration at the lack of understanding and consideration shown by those making the laws. He contrasts the prosperous times of his youth, when fishermen could work eight months of the year and comfortably support their families, with the present day, where fishermen must travel hundreds of miles to make ends meet. McDowell also touches on the decline of the industry, noting the significant reduction in the number of boats and fish houses. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his craft and expresses a deep-seated love for his work. The interview also includes McDowell's reflections on his life and career, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of the fishing community. The interview concludes with McDowell's advice to young people considering a career in shrimping, reflecting his pragmatic approach to the realities of the industry today. This oral history provides a valuable resource for understanding the lived experiences of fishermen and the impacts of regulatory changes on the shrimping industry.
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