Brande Bennett

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Description

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.

Date of Interview
03-23-2018
Transcribers

Danielle Sayre 

Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Brande Bennett is a seasoned shrimper from Brunswick, Georgia. Raised on the deck of a shrimp boat by her father, she spent her childhood weekends, summers, and holidays learning the trade. Her father's influence not only initiated her career in fishing but also shaped her into a headstrong woman. She started earning from a young age by selling crabs and fish. As an adult, she transitioned from working on the boat to managing the payroll and business side of her father's shrimping business. Despite the challenges of being the only woman on a shrimp boat, she believes that women can succeed in the field. Bennett raised her children in a similar manner, teaching them the value of hard work and self-reliance. Her son has followed in her footsteps and now works with her father on the shrimp boat.

Scope and Content Note:
The interview with Brande Bennett, conducted by Danielle Sayre, provides an in-depth look into Bennett's life as a female shrimper in Brunswick, Georgia. The interview begins with Bennett's childhood experiences on her father's shrimp boat and her transition into the business side of the operation. She discusses the challenges she faced as the only woman on a shrimp boat, including the lack of personal space and bathrooms. Despite these challenges, Bennett believes that women can succeed in the shrimping industry. Bennett also shares her views on the importance of community support for the shrimping industry. She expresses her desire to see more shrimp boats and continued shrimping activities in her community. She appreciates the efforts of organizations like Sea Grant in educating people about commercial fishing and believes that such initiatives are crucial for preserving the industry. The interview also touches on Bennett's parenting philosophy, which she attributes to her upbringing. She believes in teaching children the value of a dollar and the importance of self-reliance. She shares that her son has taken an interest in shrimping and now works with her father. The interview provides valuable insights into the life and experiences of a woman in the male-dominated shrimping industry. It also highlights the importance of community support and education in preserving fishing traditions.


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