Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Suzana Dumitrita Blake, Matthew McPherson, Vanessa Navarro Maza, Pamela Brown-Eyo
  • Broadly, the project seeks to preserve the rich history of endangered fishing traditions in the Greater Miami Area. These oral histories expand our knowledge and enrich our understanding of the region's fisheries as well as the role that fishing has had in shaping the region’s economic and cultural life. Our goal was to interview key individuals connected to the fishing history of Miami, including: commercial and for-hire fishers; fish dealers/processors; fish markets; and bait and tackle shops. Geographically, we aim to cover major fishing areas that are endangered and undergoing rapid change. These include the following: Miami River, Coconut Grove (Montys), Haulover Park in North Miami. The first collection of interviews are focused on the Miami River. These interviews are conducted in English and Spanish. 

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Bob Rich Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area

Bob Rich is a native of Miami, where he spent his entire life and built a successful career in the maritime industry. His journey into the maritime business began with his father, who was initially an engineer for Pan Am but later ventured into entrepreneurship, starting a small business that eventually evolved into selling marine electronics. The industry was relatively small at the time, with no pressing need for radios and depth finders, but it has since grown and transformed with the advent of technologies like the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Suzana Blake Miami, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center, HistoryMiami Museum
Luis Garcia Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area

Interview with Luis Garcia

Vanessa Navarro Maza Miami, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center, HistoryMiami Museum
Manny Toledo Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area

Manny Toledo is an experienced fisherman hailing from a family with deep fishing traditions. Growing up in a fishing household, he honed his skills in Cuba before migrating to Miami, where he continued the family legacy of building and selling high-quality commercial traps. Known for his expertise in trap building and as a dealer for fellow fishermen, Toledo is a respected figure in the fishing community.

Scope and Content Note

Vanessa Navarro Maza Miami, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center, HistoryMiami Museum
Michael Landa Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area

Interview with Michael Landa

Suzana Blake Miami, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center, HistoryMiami Museum
Wan Ho Endangered Fishing Traditions of the Greater Miami Area

Interview with Wan Ho

Suzana Blake Miami, FL Southeast Fisheries Science Center, HistoryMiami Museum