Carlos Rafael was born on the island of Corvo in the Azores and immigrated to New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1968. He is a prominent fishermen and the other of one of the largest fishing fleets on the East Coast of the United States and of Carlos Seafood, Inc. He is known for his dominance in the New England fishing industry and his role in shaping fisheries management policies.

Scope and Content Note
Carlos talks about his childhood and how he was inspired to immigrate to America due to the lack of freedom of speech and press in his home country. He also talks about how he ran away from a monastery to avoid being drafted into the war in Angola and Mozambique. Carlos reveals that he had to convince his father, who was an American citizen, to immigrate to America with him. Carlos now resides in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He reveals how he got his first job at a mill at the age of seventeen by sneaking in and passing a physical test. He was willing to work any job and learn all trades, attending classes to earn promotions and higher wages. When his true age was discovered, he was let go with the promise to be rehired when he turned eighteen. Rafael was frustrated, as he had purchased a new car and now had to find another job. Rafael worked for Tichon Seafood, but quit after a disagreement with his boss. He went to work for Sea Fresh, which was later bought by Pilgrim Fish. When the fish industry went into crisis, Rafael decided to work for North Atlantic Fish in Boston, where he was offered a job. He worked for North Atlantic Fish for four years. Rafael worked hard and never took a day off from that company. He eventually left the company and went to work for Pilgrim Fish as a foreman and run the fillet operation for one year. Carlos Rafael talks about his rise to success in the fishing industry in New Bedford. He started with a small boat and eventually owned 17 boats, a fish house, and a large warehouse. He says that he has no regrets about everything he has done so far, except for the negative publicity he receives from the media. He talks about how the fishing industry is portrayed negatively in the media and how it affects fishermen. When asked about the future of the fishery in New Bedford, Rafael believes that some survivors will make it through, but it will be very hard. He thinks that the future is for those with deep pockets who can diversify. Rafael can diversify as he has draggers and scallopers. He expresses uncertainty about whether his children will follow him into the fishery, but he would prefer if they did not.