Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    William Wakeham , Richard Rathbun

  • In the late 19th century, the U.S. Fish Commission conducted numerous interviews with fishermen throughout the northeast U.S. including cod and mackerel fishermen from New York, New England and Nova Scotia. Most fishermen interviewed in the 1890s by the commission were over 50 years of age and recollected changes in the marine environment during their lifetimes. These interviews, or oral histories, are an excellent source for observations of Gulf of Maine fisheries. They provide first-hand accounts and observations of fish behavior and fishing activity on specific fishing grounds such as Stellwagen Bank. Most interviewees discuss the migratory patterns and behaviors of mackerel on the east coast. In addition, the fishermen offer descriptions of fish and catch sizes as well as theories for the decline in cod and mackerel in the 19th century. 

Displaying 1 - 1 of 1

Page 1 of 1

Interviewee Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Vinal N. Edwards Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

The interviews contained in "Canada" are part of Volume I of the Joint Fisheries Commission's investigation in 1893 of the fisheries in New England and the Canadian maritime provinces. William Wakeham and R. Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission traveled along the coast to speak with fishermen, businessmen and mill owners between Cape Cod and New Brunswick.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Barnstable, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
John C. Mills Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman John C. Mills of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith East Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Henry Weaver Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman Henry Weaver of Lunenburg, N.S. by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains information on N.S. mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Lunenberg, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
James Ellsworth Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman James Ellsworth of Portland, Maine by Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains information on the mackerel fishery.

 Richard Rathbun Portland, ME U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
G.W. Nass Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with Captain G.W. Nass of Lunenburg, N.S. by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Lunenberg, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Eliphalet Wharf Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Captain Eliphalet Wharf of Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery and commentary on the use of seining technology.

 William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Frank Foster Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Captain Frank Foster of Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Joseph O'Brien Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with Harbor Inspector and Fishery Overseer Joseph O'Brien of St. John, N.B. Interview contains descriptions of New Brunswick fisheries, St. John County, saw mill and tanning industry, factories, industrial pollution and salmon populations.

 Unknown St. John, New Brunswick U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
W.L. Zwicker Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman W.L. Zwicker, an agent of the Fisheries Intelligence Bureau, Lunenburg, N.S. by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Lunenberg, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
J.N. Gardner Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman J.N. Gardner of Yarmouth, N.S. by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains information on Nova Scotia mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Yarmouth, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Subscribe to Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895