Bill Gaffga
Peconic Estuary Interviews
In 1997 the Peconic Estuary Council hired Nancy Solomon to interview East End fishermen and baymen as part of its work in developing a master plan for the estuary. Solomon interviewed ten fishermen and continued to document the east end fishermen in later years.
National Capital Contracting
Bill Gaffga, a native of the area, comes from a lineage of fishermen. Born into the fishing business, he spent nine years in the service before working for General Motors in Lockport for about six years. However, he found the prospect of spending twenty years in a job he didn't enjoy unbearable, leading him to return to his roots in fishing. Gaffga began working on the bay in 1975 and continues to do so, despite the challenges brought about by the brown water in 1985. His fishing activities are diverse, adapting to the season and the catch available. He spent his winters scalloping, a practice that was most profitable in December and January when the waters were less crowded. Gaffga started with a wooden boat but quickly switched to a fiberglass boat after witnessing the effects of winter on the former. He purchased a brand-new 24-foot Aquasport in 1973, a decision he considers one of his smartest.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Bill Gaffga provides a detailed account of his life and experiences as a fisherman. It begins with his early life and his decision to return to fishing after a stint in the service and working for General Motors. The interview delves into the specifics of his fishing activities, particularly his winter scalloping, and his decision to switch from a wooden boat to a fiberglass one. The conversation also touches on the changes in the fishing industry, particularly the impact of modern communication technologies and the consolidation of the market under Braun Oyster after the closure of Mike and Mary Morris's shop. Gaffga and Joseph Gordon discuss the differences between commercial and sport fishing, with the latter being a contentious issue in their community. The interview concludes with Gaffga expressing optimism about the future of the fishing industry, particularly with the presence of a full-time bayman on the board of trustees.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.