Carl Chichester, a seasoned mariner and fisherman, spent his entire life in and around the bay, developing a connection with its waters and its rich maritime heritage. He began his career as a commercial fisherman, casting his nets and traps to secure a variety of catches from the bay's abundant waters. Chichester also worked as a guide for market hunters, guiding them to prime hunting spots and sharing his knowledge of the bay's natural rhythms.

Scope and Content Note
The interview captures Chichester's reflections on the thriving industries and practices that once shaped life on the bay. He vividly recounts tales of ice harvesting and the operation of ice houses, as well as his experiences working alongside Captain Casey Smith aboard the sloop named Louisa. Chichester delves into the intricacies of pound fishing, gill netting, trap fishing, and gill seine netting, offering glimpses into the techniques and challenges faced by fishermen in the past. He also recalls the fish oil rendering plant located at Ocean Beach on Fire Island, a significant establishment that contributed to the bay's economy.  Chichester sheds light on other maritime endeavors, such as the construction of barrels and casks, the world of oyster boats, and the art of sail-making. He also shares his encounters with William Ketcham-built ice scooters, his experiences with market gunning and fishing through ice, and his ventures into fyke fishing.  Throughout the interview, Chichester pays homage to his father, Andrew Chichester, a figure whose influence and teachings shaped his own maritime journey. He also reminisces about salt hay gathering, an activity intertwined with the bay's ecosystem, and the vital role played by Fire Island ferries in connecting communities and facilitating commerce.