Chuck Tekula
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy
This project looks at how Superstorm Sandy affected the seafaring community, its residents, and its maritime traditions in Long Island, New York. The project was funded by NOAA/Preserve American Grant.
Fantastic Transcripts
The traditional baymen’s position on the island has been death by a thousand paper cuts, just one law after another law after another law, until, eventually, it’s not that there’s no money to be made out there. It’s that it’s so much stuff you have to put up with, with all the boat traffic and all the laws and the licenses you have to deal with and law enforcement agencies. You just don’t see young people getting into it anymore.
Chuck Tekula was born on November 10, 1951, in Amityville, New York. He grew up in Levittown, where his father worked for the post office on the mail trains. Tekula's early exposure to fishing came from his father, who often took him on fishing trips. After his father retired, the family moved to Amityville and purchased a clam boat. Tekula began his career in clamming and fishing, gradually acquiring skills and knowledge in various fishing techniques. He eventually settled in Center Moriches, continuing his work as a bayman. Tekula's career spanned several decades, during which he adapted to changes in the industry, including shifts in market demands and regulatory environments. He also worked part-time jobs during economic downturns and periods of low yield in fishing.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Chuck Tekula, conducted by Nancy Solomon on May 31, 2016, covers Tekula's life and career as a bayman and fisherman. It begins with his early memories of fishing with his father and traces his journey from childhood to his professional life in Center Moriches. Tekula describes the techniques and equipment used in clamming and fishing, the impact of environmental changes on the bays, and the evolution of the industry. He discusses the challenges faced by baymen, including regulatory changes, market fluctuations, and competition. Tekula also reflects on the community of baymen, sharing anecdotes about their camaraderie and the cultural significance of their work. The interview provides insights into the economic and ecological aspects of clamming and fishing on Long Island, highlighting Tekula's adaptability and resilience in the face of industry changes.
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