Bill Wickers is a lifelong resident of the Keys, having spent 46 years in the area. He has been a charter boat captain for approximately 24 years, a profession he took up after a four-year stint as a school teacher. Even during his teaching years, Wickers was involved in charter fishing, often spending his weekends and vacations on the water. His experience on the water is extensive, with an average of five to six days a week spent on the water over the years. His fishing activities are primarily focused on the Atlantic side, with 95 percent of his time spent fishing offshore, occasionally wreck fishing, and trawling. His fishing range extends from the American shoreline across Gravelight, with a maximum distance of about 25 miles offshore during the summer months. Wickers is also an experienced diver, having spent a significant amount of time underwater, at least once a year for the past two decades. He is a college graduate and has served as the president of the Charter Boat Association, demonstrating his commitment to the fishing community.

Scope and Content Note
The interview conducted by Karen DeMaria with Bill Wickers provides valuable insights into the changes observed in the Key West area over the past several decades, particularly in relation to the fisheries, water quality, and communities. Wickers, with his extensive experience as a charter boat captain and diver, offers a unique perspective on these issues. The interview begins with some basic background questions about Wickers' life and career, before delving into the changes he has observed in the local environment. Wickers notes a significant decrease in the quantity of fish, particularly groupers, and an increase in the distance required to catch reef fish. He also mentions a decline in the number of large fish and barracudas, despite efforts to protect them. The interview also touches on Wickers' diving experiences, his involvement with the Charter Boat Association, and his observations on water quality. Overall, the interview provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in the Key West area's marine environment from the perspective of a seasoned charter boat captain and diver.