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 Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Lester Deverne Perry Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Lester Perry is a seasoned commercial fisherman with deep roots in North Carolina's fishing community. Raised in a family with a long-standing tradition of fishing, Perry was introduced to the trade at a tender age, specifically to the practice of shrimping. His early exposure to the sea and its bounties shaped his career path, leading him to ascend the ranks within the industry. Perry's dedication and skill eventually earned him the position of a boat captain, a role he currently fulfills aboard the Blessed Assurance.

Danielle Sayre , Erin Scooler Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Lindsey Parker Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Lindsey Parker was born in 1956 in East Point, Georgia, and later moved to St. Simons Island, Georgia, in 1965 after his father secured a job in Brunswick. His career was deeply entrenched in the fishing industry, where he developed a wealth of knowledge in various fishing techniques, including shrimping and longlining. Parker's significant tenure on the research vessel Georgia Bulldog allowed him to contribute to both the practical and investigative aspects of marine life and the fishing trade.

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

Marcus McCall is a commercial fisherman whose family lineage has deep roots in the fishing industry of Brunswick, Georgia. His personal narrative is interwoven with the historical fabric of the local fishing community, which has experienced a significant decline over the years. McCall's life on the water is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who have made their livelihood from the sea. He embodies the traditional values of freedom and independence often associated with the profession.

Erin Scooler, Scott Clark Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Marie & Thurmond Kern Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Thurmond and Marie Kern are a couple deeply rooted in the commercial fishing industry, with a particular focus on shrimping. Thurmond hails from a family with a longstanding tradition in the industry, indicating a generational involvement that has shaped his life and career. His experiences are marked by a profound understanding of the challenges and transformations within the commercial fishing sector. Marie, alongside Thurmond, has been an integral part of the fishing community, contributing her perspective and witnessing the evolution of the industry over the years.

Angelique Jennings, Scott Clark Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Michael Edwards Vernon Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Michael Edward Vernon.

Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Valona, 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
Renee Audrey Jones Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Renee Audrey Jones.

Victoria Barrett, Julia Thomas Valona, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert David Waters Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Robert David Waters.

Ahmauri Williams-Alford, Nompumelelo Hlophe Brunswick, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Robert Lee Everson, Sr. Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Interview with Robert Lee Everson, Sr.

Kendra Cooper, Alexis McGhee 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