Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Karen DeMaria
  • "Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents" is a  collection by Karen DeMaria of Summerland Key, FL completed in April 1996. Funded by the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, the project sought to describe through oral history interviews, environmental changes in the Florida Keys marine ecosystem. 

Interviewee Sort ascending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Victoria Impallomeni Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Vicki Impallomeni is a wilderness guide and charter fishing captain with a rich history of navigating the waters of the Florida Keys. Her life has been deeply intertwined with the sea, having spent countless hours steering her vessel through the intricate waterways of this unique archipelago. Impallomeni's expertise extends beyond mere navigation; she possesses an intimate knowledge of the local marine environment, acquired through years of observation and interaction with the natural elements of the region.

Karen DeMaria Key West, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Tony Iorucci Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Tony Iorucci is a seasoned commercial fisherman with over two decades of experience in the Florida Bay area. His life has been deeply intertwined with the sea, having spent the majority of his career navigating the waters around the Florida Keys. Tony's expertise extends beyond the act of fishing itself; he possesses a profound understanding of the local marine environment, the behavior of various fish species, and the intricacies of the fishing industry.

Karen DeMaria Grassy Key, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Tim Daniels Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Tim Daniels is a seasoned pilot and commercial fisherman whose life and career are deeply intertwined with the coastal and marine environments of Florida Bay. With years of experience navigating the skies and waters of this region, Daniels has developed a profound understanding of its natural rhythms and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.

Karen DeMaria Marathon, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Ted Hoverson Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Ted Hoverson, of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, is a seasoned professional with a background in public service, having dedicated a significant portion of his career to working for the U.S. Post Office and U.S. Customs. His tenure in these roles has provided him with a unique perspective on the operational intricacies of federal agencies, particularly in the context of the Florida Keys, where he has been stationed.

Karen DeMaria Sugarloaf Key, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Robert Nathan Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Narrator Robert Nathan, of Arlington, Virginia was an economist and recreational fisher at the time of the interview.  He has been fishing the Florida Keys since 1937.
 

Karen DeMaria Arlington, VA The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Ray Van Houten Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Narrator Ray Van Houten, of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a "Jack of all trades" and recreational fisher who lived aboard his boat. Born in the early 20th century, Van Houton witnessed the transformation of the Florida Keys from a remote string of islands to a bustling tourist destination. He grew up in a time when the Keys were largely undeveloped, and the economy was primarily driven by fishing and small-scale agriculture.

Karen DeMaria Big Pine Key, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Ray Bently Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Ray Bently of Big Pine Key, Florida, was a recreational fisher at the time of the interview. He is a figure with a rich history connected to Key West, Florida. His narrative is deeply intertwined with the region's evolution, particularly in the context of its fishing industry. Bently's experiences reflect a time when Key West underwent significant changes, both culturally and environmentally.

Karen DeMaria Big Pine Key, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Peter Gladding Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Narrator Peter Gladding of Key West, Florida was a commercial fisherman at the time of the interview.
 

Karen DeMaria Key West, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Pete Worthington Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Narrator Pete Worthington, of Marathon, Florida, was a commercial fisher at the time of the interview with extensive experience in commercial fishing. His life in the Keys has provided him with a unique perspective on the local environment and the fishing industry. Over the years, Worthington has witnessed significant changes in Florida Bay, particularly noting a decline in water clarity and an increase in suspended algae particles. His firsthand observations and experiences have given him insight into the environmental shifts and challenges facing the region.

Karen DeMaria Marathon, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation
Mimi and Simon Stafford Changes in the Florida Keys Marine Ecosystem Based Upon Interviews with Experienced Residents

Mimi and Simon Stafford are long-time residents of Key West, Florida, with deep ties to the local fishing community. Their lives have been intricately woven into the fabric of this coastal town, known for its vibrant culture and rich maritime history. The Staffords have witnessed the transformation of Key West from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling tourist destination. Throughout their lives, they have been actively involved in the fishing industry, which has been both their livelihood and passion.

Karen DeMaria Big Coppitt Key, FL The Nature Conservancy, The Center for Marine Conservation