Merle Stanfill is an individual with a deep connection to the marine environment, particularly around the Florida Keys, where he has observed significant ecological changes over a period of seventeen years. His experiences and observations are rooted in his engagement with the local fish stocks, water temperatures, algae populations, and coral formations.

Ken Nedimeyer, a seasoned marine conservationist, has dedicated a significant portion of his career to studying and preserving marine ecosystems. His work, often in collaboration with prominent organizations such as the Nature Conservancy and the Center for Marine Conservation, has been pivotal in documenting and responding to changes within marine environments. Nedimeyer's expertise extends to a deep understanding of marine species, particularly the dynamics of lobster populations, which he has observed to be in decline due to habitat shrinkage and other environmental stressors.

Karl Lessard is a seasoned marine biologist whose career has been deeply intertwined with the ecological evolution of Florida Bay since the 1980s. With a career spanning over four decades, Lessard has dedicated his life to studying the intricate ecosystems of coastal waters, specializing in the dynamics of seagrass and algal populations. His extensive fieldwork and research have made him a respected figure in the scientific community, particularly in the context of marine conservation and environmental change.

Joyce Newman is a resident of the Florida Keys with a rich personal history intertwined with the environmental and cultural fabric of the region. She was an environmentalist and recreational fisher at the time of the interview. She is a former public school teacher and a knowledgeable figure regarding the local ecology and the socio-economic dynamics of the area. Newman's tenure in the Florida Keys has allowed her to witness firsthand the evolution of the environment, giving her insights into the subtle and overt changes that have occurred over time.

Jonathan Roth is an esteemed environmental scientist with a focus on marine biology and a particular interest in the ecosystems of coastal regions. His career, spanning over three decades, has been marked by his dedication to studying and preserving the delicate balance of marine life in Florida Bay. Roth's expertise in the field is grounded in his extensive academic background, which includes a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from a prestigious university.

John Koenig is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys with extensive experience on the waters surrounding the archipelago. His life has been deeply intertwined with the marine environment, giving him a unique and personal perspective on the ecological changes that have occurred over the years. Koenig's firsthand knowledge comes from years of direct interaction with the marine ecosystem, particularly through fishing, which has been both a passion and a way of life for him.

Joan Nolan is a long-term resident of the Florida Keys with a deep connection to the local marine environment. Her life in the Keys has been characterized by her close relationship with the water, both professionally and recreationally. Joan has spent years observing and interacting with the marine ecosystem through her occupation, which remains unspecified, and her extensive involvement in volunteer work related to water conservation and marine life protection.

Narrator Jimmy Albright of Islamorada, FL was a retired fishing guide at the time of the interview. He is the originator of the Albright Knot, a strong line-to-line connection used for attaching lines of different diameters. His career spans several decades, during which he has developed a deep understanding of the local marine environment and its inhabitants. Albright's work has placed him at the forefront of observing the ecological changes within this unique ecosystem.

Jim Thomas is a seasoned marine biologist and conservationist with a career spanning several decades in the field of marine ecology. His expertise lies in fisheries, marine life, and coral reef ecosystems. Thomas has dedicated his professional life to the study and preservation of marine environments, with a particular focus on the intricate relationships between different species and their habitats. He has been actively involved in research, conservation efforts, and advocacy, working closely with both scientific communities and government agencies.

Narrator Jack Hill, of Key Largo, Florida, was the owner of a fish house and a former commercial fisherman at the time of the interview. Hill's formative years were spent mastering the craft of fishing, a skill passed down through generations. As he matured, he expanded his expertise beyond the immediate scope of fishing to encompass a broader understanding of market dynamics and trade.