Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Jennifer Sweeney Tookes, Bryan Fluech
  • The goal of the “Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures” project is to raise awareness of the experiences of commercial fishermen and their changing livelihoods in Georgia by documenting their local fisheries knowledge   and perspectives about the state and fate of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry through the use of oral  histories. Capturing the life stories and experiences of Georgia’s commercial fishermen is especially important since many local communities have depended on the coastal environment for their economic and cultural base  for generations.

Interviewee Collection Sort ascending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Charlie Phillips Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Charles Phillips, a native of Jesup, Georgia, spent his early years engaged in farming activities such as baling hay and picking tobacco. However, his life took a significant turn when his family moved to the coast around his seventh grade. Here, he developed a deep connection with the water, spending most of his time exploring the marshes and rivers, and visiting friends via his 14-foot aluminum skiff. His father, after a brief stint in shrimping, decided to invest in a shrimp boat, marking the beginning of the family's foray into the seafood industry.

Jennifer Sweeney Tookes, Danielle Sayre Townsend, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Johnny Bennett Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Johnny Bennett is a seasoned commercial fisherman hailing from Brunswick, Georgia, who has witnessed firsthand the downturn of the local fishing industry. With years of experience on the waters, Bennett has seen the effects of environmental changes and regulatory decisions on his livelihood. The closure of the sound, a critical event in the area's ecological and economic landscape, has been a significant factor in the decline of shrimp and crab populations, which are central to Bennett's trade.

Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
LC Scott Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

LC Scott is a seasoned fisherman from Georgia, with a wealth of experience and stories to share about his life and career in the fishing industry. He grew up in a community known as Briar Patches, located about 10 miles from Darien, Georgia. Scott's experience in the fishing industry is extensive, having worked in various roles on fishing boats. He learned the ropes from the ground up, starting with tasks such as checking the oil and clutch, filling the radiator with water, and removing the lines before the boat could set off.

Angelique Jennings, Scott Clark Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Andrew Ross Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Andrew Ross is a seasoned commercial fisherman based in Georgia, with a rich family history in the fishing industry. His journey into fishing began at the age of five when his father would take him out on the boat, tying a rope around him to prevent him from falling overboard. Ross took over the family business at the age of twenty when his father retired. His family's involvement in the fishing industry extends beyond his immediate family, with his grandfather having been in the shipping business, entertaining captains of big boats and cooking for them.

Danielle Sayre , Erin Scooler Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Hughey Dean Bryant Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Hughey Dean Bryant is a seasoned commercial fisherman who hails from the coast of North Carolina. His journey in the fishing industry began under the tutelage of his father, from whom he learned the intricacies of the trade. His expertise spans across various aspects of the industry, including shrimping, crabbing, scalloping, and flounder fishing. Over the years, Bryant has expanded his fishing operations to Florida and Georgia, where he continues to contribute significantly to the industry.

Amber Gosser, Savannah Bell Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Kathi Harrington and Richard Puterbaugh Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Kathi Harrington is a resident of Brunswick, Georgia. She is married to Richard Puterbaugh, a seasoned shrimper. Kathi is a supportive partner and a mother, often sharing her experiences and perspectives on the impacts of the shrimping industry on their family life. She provides valuable insights into the social and emotional aspects of the fishing community, including the challenges faced by their daughter, Savannah, due to the misconceptions about the shrimping industry.

Kendra Cooper, Alexis McGhee Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Morris Butler Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Morris Butler.

Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Long Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Mr. Robert Long is a seasoned commercial fisherman whose life has been deeply intertwined with the coastal waters of Georgia. Born into a family with a rich legacy in the fishing community, Mr. Long was introduced to the rhythms of the sea at a young age. His formative years were spent absorbing the traditions and skills necessary to navigate and harvest the bountiful yet unpredictable waters. At the age of 22, he took a significant step in his career by purchasing his first fishing boat, a testament to his dedication and the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the industry.

Savannah Bell, Amber Gosser Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Joseph Michael Rauls Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Joseph Michael Rauls is a seasoned veteran of the shrimping industry hailing from the coastal state of Georgia. Born into a family with deep ties to the sea, Rauls' upbringing was steeped in the traditions and hard work associated with shrimping. His life story is a rich tapestry that weaves together the threads of familial legacy, personal passion, and the relentless pursuit of a livelihood amidst the waves. Rauls' narrative is not just a personal chronicle but also a reflection of the broader cultural and economic fabric of the Georgian shrimping community.

Kendra Cooper, Alexis McGhee Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Ben McDowell Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Ben McDowell, born in 1952, is a seasoned fisherman with over six decades of experience in the shrimping industry. His life and career have been deeply intertwined with the sea, following in the footsteps of his father who was also a fisherman for fifty years before Ben's birth. McDowell's career has spanned a period of significant change in the industry, witnessing a shift from the prosperous times of his youth to the more challenging present day.

Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University