Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Sandy MacFarlane, Abigail Franklin Archer
  • This is a collection of 15 interviews conducted in 2007 with people on Cape Cod who are involved in the shellfishing industry. Five people who are employed by towns to manage and regulate shellfish (Shellfish Officers), seven people who own shellfish aquaculture businesses (Growers), and four people who harvest wild shellfish commercially (Commercial Harvesters) were asked the question “What does shellfishing mean to you?”. From that starting point, questions centered on how the individual got into shellfishing and then what they thought the future of shellfishing might be.

    The interviews were conducted by Sandy Macfarlane, a retired shellfish biologist and conservation administrator for the town of Orleans. The work was done under a contract with the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension Marine Program. Each interview is summarized into a written document that varies from 807 to 1557 words long and has an accompanying photograph.  The interviews represent geographic, age, gender, and experience diversity as well as shellfish species diversity.  All interviewees are year round residents of Cape Cod.  One theme that emerged from this work is that shellfishing remains an important component of the Cape Cod economy and culture and those who are involved are concerned about its continued presence.

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Bob Bryson Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Bob Bryson was a seasoned shellfish grower with deep roots in the coastal community of Barnstable Harbor, Cape Cod. His life and work are inextricably linked to the ebb and flow of the tides that shape the shores and livelihoods of those who call this place home. Born into a family with a rich legacy in shellfishing, Bryson has spent decades nurturing the beds that yield clams, oysters, and other bivalves, ensuring that the tradition of shellfishing is not only preserved but also thrives for future generations.

Sandy MacFarlane Barnstable, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Bob Wallace Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Bob Wallace was a shellfish grower in the town of Wellfleet.  He has been an integral figure in the local shellfishing industry. His life's work has centered on the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, a trade that has sustained his family for generations. Wallace's expertise in shellfishing is not only a testament to his personal dedication but also serves as a living connection to the region's maritime heritage. Over the years, he has witnessed the ebb and flow of the industry, adapting to the changing tides of environmental, economic, and regulatory landscapes.

Sandy MacFarlane Wellfleet, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Dan Warncke Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Dan Warncke was a Natural Resources Officer and seasoned shellfisherman in Bourne, Massachusetts. His life and career have been inextricably linked to the waters and the shellfishing industry that defines much of the region's economic and cultural landscape. With years of hands-on experience, Warncke has witnessed the ebb and flow of the industry, adapting to the changes and challenges that have come with time.

Sandy MacFarlane Bourne, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
David Slack Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

David Slack is a shellfisher on Cape Cod, a region known for its robust shellfishing industry. His career trajectory took a significant turn when he transitioned from a conventional desk job to the more hands-on and physically demanding practice of shellfishing. This change not only reflects a personal choice but also underscores a broader narrative of individuals seeking livelihoods connected to their community and environment.

Sandy MacFarlane Orleans, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Heinz Proft Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

Heinz Proft serves as a Natural Resources Officer and Biologist in Harwich, a role that places him at the intersection of environmental management and community engagement. His career is marked by a commitment to the stewardship of marine resources, particularly shellfish, which are integral to the local economy and ecosystem. Proft's work encompasses a range of responsibilities, from overseeing shellfish populations to implementing regulations that ensure sustainable harvesting practices.

Sandy MacFarlane Harwich, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Henry Lind Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Henry Lind was the Director of the Natural Resources Department in the town of Eastham and a distinguished figure in the field of environmental conservation, with a particular focus on urban ecosystems. Born and raised in a bustling city environment, Lind's passion for nature was sparked by the green spaces that served as urban oases amidst the concrete landscape. His academic pursuits in environmental science led to a career dedicated to the development and management of urban parks and wildlife reserves.

Sandy MacFarlane Eastham, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Luther Eldredge Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

Luther Eldredge is a seasoned shellfisher whose roots in the trade extend deep into the maritime heritage of Cape Cod. Having been introduced to shellfishing at a tender age by his grandfather, Eldredge has not only witnessed but also actively participated in the evolution of the industry throughout his life. In 2007, Luther Eldredge was harvesting commercially from the wild fisheries and growing oysters on an aquaculture grant that was originally his grandfather's.

Sandy MacFarlane Eastham, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Mike Anderson Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Mike was a seasoned commercial shellfish harvester in Chatham. Born into a family with a rich maritime heritage, Anderson developed an affinity for the ocean at a young age. He honed his skills in shellfishing through years of hands-on experience, navigating the intricate waterways and understanding the rhythms of the tides that influence the shellfish populations.

Sandy MacFarlane Chatham, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Morris Johnson Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Morris was the shellfish warden for the Town of Yarmouth and has established himself as a prominent figure in the field of natural resource management, particularly within the context of marine environments. His career trajectory has been marked by a series of progressive roles that have seen him evolve from a hands-on practitioner to a strategic leader in the conservation and sustainable use of shellfish resources. Johnson has gained a reputation for his innovative approaches to enhancing shellfish populations.

Sandy MacFarlane Yarmouth, MA Coastal Resource Specialists
Pat & Barbara Woodbury Cape Cod Shellfish Industry Interviews

In 2007, Pat and Barbara Woodbury were shellfish growers in the town of Wellfleet, who are deeply embedded in the shellfishing industry of Cape Cod. As shellfish growers, they have dedicated themselves to the cultivation and harvesting of shellfish, a practice that not only supports their livelihood but also contributes significantly to the local economy and cultural fabric of the region.

Sandy MacFarlane Wellfleet, MA Coastal Resource Specialists