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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interview with fisherman N. Orchard of Boothbay, Maine, by Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.
Interview with fisherman John E. Gorman 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.
Interview with fisherman Thomas C. Parish 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.
Interview with fisherman Joseph Graham of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.
